ATC evaluation with consideration of load changes and participation factors- A sensitivity analysis approach

While allowing the open access to the market participants, one or more lines may operate beyond their limits thereby causing the network congestion. It can be detected by evaluation of available transfer capability (ATC) of the network for various applied power transactions. ATC refers to the available limit of the network that can support a particular bilateral transaction. Due to flexible operating policies of a restructured power system, load at a bus may be required to be met by more than one generator. Which means ATC must be determined from different aspects such as of the maximum allowable load at a bus, which a network can support without causing any insecurity. When the load at a bus is subjected to change, participation factors of generators can decide the ATC of the network. This paper describes the method of ATC determination when the load applied at a bus, is of main concern. Similar approach of ATC computation as in case of bilateral transaction is used except for the fact that the total change in load is split into different bilateral transactions. Sensitivity analysis and power transfer distribution factor is used for the determination of ATC for individual transaction. The algorithm can be suitable for hour-ahead markets.