Session G28: Statistical Mechanics of Social Systems
11:15 AM–2:15 PM, Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Room: 336
Sponsoring Unit:
GSNP
Chair: Stefan Boettcher, Emory University
Abstract ID: BAPS.2013.MAR.G28.11
Abstract: G28.00011 : Cascade Failures in Power Grids with Distributed Generation
1:15 PM–1:27 PM
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Abstract 
Authors:
Antonio Scala
(CNR-ISC)
Sakshi Pahwa
(Kansas State University)
Caterina Scoglio
(Kansas State University)
Power grids are nowadays experiencing a transformation due to the introduction of Distributed Generation based on Renewable Sources. At difference with classical Distributed Generation, where local power sources mitigate anomalous user consumption peaks, Renewable Sources introduce in the grid intrinsically erratic power inputs. By introducing a simple schematic (but realistic) model for power grids with stochastic distributed generation, we study the effects of erratic sources on the robustness of several IEEE power grid test networks with up to $2 \times 10^3$ buses. We find that increasing the penetration of erratic sources causes the grid to fail with a sharp transition. We compare such results with the case of failures caused by the natural increasing power demand.
To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2013.MAR.G28.11