The Hybrid Model: A Novel Approach for Transitioning from the Bus-Branch/Planning to the Node-Breaker/Operation System Model

There are many methodologies to develop a node/breaker model for the area of interest and bus/branch model for the remaining areas (Hybrid model). This paper presents different approaches and presents the pros and con for each approach. A novel approach is presented that combines the operations node/breaker and the seasonal bus/branch models and create a new hybrid model. The approach and tool developed was tested on large WECC model for few areas in the Western Interconnection. A realistic node/breaker model representation was created for the Idaho Power Area in a seasonal case. The test results show that both the seasonal and the hybrid model have very similar flow distribution. The hybrid model can be used for TPL and outages studies. This will help facilitate utilities maintaining a single type set of power flow files for planning and operations.