Point of collapse and continuation methods for large AC/DC systems

The implementation of both point of collapse (PoC) methods and continuation methods for the computation of voltage collapse points (saddle-node bifurcations) in large AC/DC power systems is described. The performance of these methods is compared for real systems of up to 2158 buses. Computational details of the implementation of the PoC and continuation methods are detailed, and the unique problems encountered due to the presence of high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) transmission, area interchange power control, regulating transformers, and voltage and reactive power limits are discussed. The characteristics of a robust PoC power flow program are presented, and its application to detection and solution of voltage stability problems is demonstrated.>