Investigation of Convex Methods in Optimal Power Flow

This research looks at a new method of analyzing optimal power flow that should be easier and as accurate as current methods. Optimal power flow is the act of looking at how to minimize cost in generation of power by minimizing losses through a power grid. In the articles Convexification of Optimal Power Flow and Zero Duality Gap in Optimal Power Flow Problem by Lavaei and Low a new method is proposed for solving OPF problems. The accuracy and easy of the method will be analyzed by looking at 2 basic circuits which shall first be analyzed by current methods and then compared to the new convexification method analysis. The methods use for analysis will be DC analysis to provide a basis and then Gauss-Seidel analysis with the PowerWorld software to provide the accurate results. Finally the convexification method will be analyzed and compared to the results from the previous methods. The accuracy and easy of use of this new method would change how OPF problems can be solved and lead to better OPF solutions which would decrease power losses on the grid.