Voltage stability assessment and contingency ranking in power systems based on modern stability assessment index

Electric loads steadily increase each year due to economic and population expansion, placing electric systems close to their stability limits. Also, the electrical network is a sophisticated system with various control, protection devices, and power electronics. Any malfunction in these components can disrupt system reliability. Therefore, ensuring safe and dependable power system operation requires continuous and precise voltage stability monitoring to prevent instability and cascading outages. Despite the existence of numerous stability indexes, their limitations often make them ineffective under varying operating conditions. In response to these challenges, this article proposes a modern stability assessment index (MSAI) designed specifically to assess voltage stability in different operating scenarios. The MSAI aims to accurately assess voltage stability and stress levels in power lines, enabling operators to proactively manage system reliability. One key advantage of the MSAI is its ability to determine the maximum allowable load and loading margin, which is crucial for maintaining stable operation under changing load conditions. In order to validate the effectiveness of the proposed index, extensive evaluations are conducted using IEEE 30, 57, and 118 bus test systems. The study meticulously compares the performance of the MSAI with other prominent stability indicators, highlighting its superiority in providing predictive insights into areas prone to stress and potential contingencies. By empowering operators with preemptive correction capabilities, the MSAI reduces the risk of successive outages and enhances overall system flexibility. The voltage stability assessment and contingency ranking were evaluated using the proposed MSAI via a smooth method in the MATLAB environment.