Efficient Solution Strategy for Chance-Constrained Optimal Power Flow based on FAST and Data-driven Convexification

The uncertainty of multiple power loads and renewable energy generations (PLREG) in power systems increases the complexity of power flow analysis for decision-makers. The chance-constrained method can be applied to model the optimization problems of power flow under uncertainty. This paper develops a novel solution approach for chance-constrained AC optimal power flow (CCACOPF) problem based on the data-driven convexification of power flow and a fast algorithm for scenario technique (FAST). This method is computationally effective for mainly two reasons. First, the original nonconvex AC power flow (ACPF) constraints are approximated by a set of learning-based quadratic convex ones. Second, FAST is an advanced scenario-based solution method (SSM) that doesn't rely on the pre-assumed probability distribution, using far less scenarios than the conventional SSM. Eventually, the CCACOPF is converted into a computationally tractable convex optimization problem. The simulation results on IEEE test cases indicate that 1) the proposed solution method can outperform the conventional SSM in computational efficiency, 2) the data-driven convexification of power flow is effective in approximating original complex AC power flow.