Creating Realistic Synthetic Power Distribution Networks based on Interdependent Road Infrastructure

Physical inter-dependencies between networked civil infrastructures such as transportation and power system network are well known. In order to analyze complex non-linear co-relations between such networks, datasets pertaining to such real infrastructures are required. Such data are not readily available due to their sensitive nature. This work proposes a methodology to generate realistic synthetic distribution network for a given geographical region. The generated network is not the actual distribution system but is very similar to the real distribution network. The synthetic network connects high voltage substations to individual residential consumers through primary and secondary distribution networks. The distribution network is generated by solving an optimization problem which minimizes the overall length of network and is subject to the usual structural and power flow constraints. The work also incorporates identification of long high voltage feeders originating from substations and connecting remotely situated customers in rural geographical locations. The proposed methodology is applied to create synthetic distribution networks in Montgomery county of south-west Virginia, USA. The created networks are validated for their structural feasibility and ability to operate within acceptable voltage limits under average load demand scenario.