A new technique for transmission system planning

This paper presents an efficient method for solving long-range transmission planning problems. Minimizing the present worth of investment required for additional transmission facilities is the main aim of the proposed algorithm. Further, the method identifies a number of alternative expansion plans in the same computer run. A technique which determines ‘shortest paths’ between nodes in a network is made use of to identify the suitable right of ways for new transmission lines, and to determine alternative feasible states of the system. D.C. load flow and an efficient method of simulating network modifications and outages have been incorporated. The proposed method has been tested on a utility system. Results are presented and discussed.