Transmission Network Estimation Using Linear Programming

TLDR: The use of linear programming for network analysis to determine where capacity shortages exist and, most importantly, where to add new circuits to relieve the shortages is presented.

Abstract: One aspect of long-range planning of electric power systems involves the exploration of various designs for the bulk power transmission network. The use of linear programming for network analysis to determine where capacity shortages exist and, most importantly, where to add new circuits to relieve the shortages is presented. The new method of network estimation produces a feasible transmission network with near-minimum circuit miles using as input any existing network plus a load and generation schedule. An example is used to present the two steps of the method: 1) linear flow estimation and 2) new circuit selection. The method has become a fundamental part of computer programs for transmission network synthesis.