Three-Stage Model to Solve the Transmission Expansion Planning and Reactive Power Supply Under Wind Generation Uncertainty

Abstract

The high penetration of renewable energy is an important characteristic of modern power systems. However, the inherent intermittency nature of these sources leads to significant challenges in grid planning. In this way, this paper proposes an innovative three-stage model (TSM) to optimize both transmission expansion planning and reactive power supply under wind power uncertainty. For this, the proposed methodology decouples the complex Mixed-Integer Non-Linear Programming (MINLP) into three stages: 1) Transmission Investment Decision (TID) solved by modified metaheuristic approach; 2) Active Power Flow (APF) solved using DC model as well as linear program; and 3) Reactive Power Investment (RPI) using a non linear optimal power flow. A key feature of the TSM is a feedback mechanism that bridges the gap between linear and nonlinear domains, identifying reinforcements necessary for voltage stability, to avoid load shedding and reduce wind curtailment. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is tested through modified versions of the Garver and IEEE 24-bus systems. Numerical results are compared with the literature and demonstrate that the TSM is promising for application in real-world systems.