EPfast: A model for simulating uncontrolled islanding in large power systems

Abstract

This paper describes the capabilities, calculation logic, and foundational assumptions of EPfast, a new simulation and impact analysis tool developed by Argonne National Laboratory. The purpose of the model is to explore the tendency of power systems to spiral into uncontrolled islanding triggered by either man-made or natural disturbances. The model generates a report that quantifies the megawatt reductions in all affected substations, as well as the number, size, and spatial location of the formed island grids. The model is linear and is intended to simulate the impacts of high-consequence events on large-scale power systems. The paper describes a recent application of the model to examine the effects of a high-intensity New Madrid seismic event on the U.S. Eastern Interconnection (USEI). The model's final upgrade and subsequent application to the USEI were made possible via funding from

Resilience Measurement Index: An Indicator of Critical Infrastructure Resilience

“…These facilities may be related through geographic proximity, physical outputs, telecommunication/information technology relationships, or other characteristics. By using the RMI along with additional tools such as Restore© and EPFast (Argonne National Laboratory, 2013;Portante et al, 2011), the RRAP identifies gaps in resilience components and provides resilience enhancement options to increase the resilience of the region, sector or system and offers a more detailed risk picture within the focus area of the RRAP.…”