A Discrete Event Theory Based Approach for Modeling Power System Cascading Failures

For a power system cascading failure, the failure propagates through a sequential tripping of the components in the network. As a result, a complete or partial shutdown may occur. Although many models were developed to understand the failure propagation mechanism, the joint dynamics between discrete sequential tripping and continuous power flow has not been fully evaluated. Further study is needed in this area to develop an abstract higher model, which captures the systems flow dynamics. This paper introduces a new approach for studying the cascading failure and develops a model that translates the power system into an Automata based on the components operational modes. Based on a Discrete Event Systems (DES) approach, the overall system is analyzed. Cascading failure is then defined in a DES framework, and supervisory control strategies are introduced as a solution to mitigate cascading failures. Additionally, an illustrative example for the proposed approach is presented. Finally, the proposed modeling approach is simulated by combining continuous power flow study and DES tools in a unified framework.