Towards leveraging discrete grid flexibility in chance-constrained power system operation planning

This paper considers the integration of grid flexibility in the chance-constrained power system operation planning framework. The particular challenge addressed comes from the discrete nature of the respective controls, such as breaker positions defining the topology of the network. We consider a template short-term operation planning problem statement, seeking to enable N-1 secure operation over a distribution of power injections. We use a scenario-based approach to determine a planning decision and rely on theoretical results to compute an upper bound on the probability of being able to meet the N-1 criterion in operation. We also estimate the actual value of this probability through Monte Carlo simulation. Our results indicate that both the bound and the actual value consistently decrease when increasing the size of the considered scenario set, even if the bound is quite conservative. Moreover, we showcase that further from economic efficiency, grid flexibility can lead to gains in operational reliability.