A hierarchy-based approach to seismic vulnerability assessment of bulk power systems

Abstract

This paper presents a novel decision-making framework for seismic vulnerability assessment of bulk power systems by using hierarchical network decomposition. This decomposition incorporates both the electrical properties of the network (e.g. electrical distance, power flow) and the system's configuration (i.e. form). Vulnerability is evaluated in terms of two basic criteria: form and strength. Thus, the hierarchical decomposition is used to evaluate weaknesses in the intrinsic structure of the system and to identify critical elements in terms of form. On the other hand, the element mechanical properties characterise the strength, which is defined in terms of the probability of obtaining a certain damage level of the power system under different earthquake scenarios. The proposed approach is illustrated with an assessment of the benchmark case of the IEEE 118 Bus Test Case. Results showed it provides a better insight and understanding of seismic vulnerability compared to traditional methods.

Keywords::

• network analysis
• seismic analysis
• electrical engineering
• lifeline systems
• decision-making

Acknowledgements

The financial support to the third author from Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) under Discovery Grant Program is acknowledged.

Notes

^1. see http://www.ee.washington.edu/research/pstca/pf118/pg_tca118bus.htm, for more details.

^2. In HAZUS’ fragility curves, the anchoring is applied to the transformers of the substations.