Complex Networks Theory For Modern Smart Grid Applications: A Survey

This paper provides a survey of studying complex network theory for modern smart grid applications. A brief overview of complex network theory will be explored first. Topological characteristics, statistic characteristics, such as self-organized criticality and critically slow down, and dynamical characteristics, including synchronizations, consensus control, and pinning control, will be briefly addressed. Then, we will illustrate how complex network theory can be applied to modern smart grids in structural vulnerability assessment, cascading blackouts, grid synchronization, network reconfigurations, distributed droop control, pinning control for micro-grid autonomous operations, and effective grid expansions. Some emerging topics and future perspectives are also addressed.