Analysis of a power grid using a Kuramoto-like model

• Published in: The European physical journal. B, Condensed matter physics Vol. 61; no. 4; pp. 485 - 491
• Main Authors: Filatrella, G., Nielsen, A. H., Pedersen, N. F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Les Ulis EDP Sciences 01-02-2008; Springer; EDP sciences
• Subjects: Complex Systems; Condensed Matter Physics; Exact sciences and technology; Fluid- and Aerodynamics; Interdisciplinary Physics; Nonlinear dynamics and nonlinear dynamical systems; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; Solid State Physics; Statistical physics, thermodynamics, and nonlinear dynamical systems; Synchronization ; coupled oscillators; 05.45.Xt Synchronization; coupled oscillators; 74.50.+r Tunneling phenomena; point contacts, weak links, Josephson effects; 84.70.+p High-current and high-voltage technology: power systems; power transmission lines and cables; Electric energy; Numerical method; Synchronization; Energy distribution; Oscillators
• ISSN: 1434-6028; 1434-6036
• DOI: 10.1140/epjb/e2008-00098-8

.
We show that there is a link between the Kuramoto paradigm and another system of synchronized oscillators, namely an electrical power distribution grid of generators and consumers. The purpose of this work is to show both the formal analogy and some practical consequences. The mapping can be made quantitative, and under some necessary approximations a class of Kuramoto-like models, those with bimodal distribution of the frequencies, is most appropriate for the power-grid. In fact in the power-grid there are two kinds of oscillators: the “sources" delivering power to the “consumers".