In the face of escalating wildfire risks, a team of researchers led by Jubair Yusuf from the Electric Power Systems Research Department at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, NM, has developed a data-driven framework to assess the spatio-temporal impacts of wildfires on the electric grid. Published in the journal “Access by IEEE,” the study offers a novel approach to understanding and mitigating the challenges posed by wildfires to power system reliability and resiliency.
Wildfires have become an increasingly pressing issue for electric utilities, with incidents on the rise in recent years. These natural disasters not only cause catastrophic environmental damage but also pose substantial threats to the seamless operation of the power system. Yusuf and his team aim to address these challenges by establishing a correlation between wildfire risks and power grid models, leveraging geographical attributes of transmission lines.
The researchers utilized data from two existing power networks in the southwestern US, incorporating fire risk values for these geographical locations. By solving power flow using dynamic power grid models in Positive Sequence Load Flow (PSLF), they demonstrated the damages caused by wildfires using probabilities representing wildfire risks and fire arrival times based on single fire growth.
One of the key findings of the study is the importance of evaluating both N-k and N-1-1 contingencies. “Our analysis shows that the reliability of a system in adverse fire-related conditions can be exacerbated without grid-hardening measures,” Yusuf explained. “The cascading failure probabilities can be significantly increased when component failures are incorporated.”
The study also highlights the role of grid hardening techniques and component-induced ignition probabilities in enhancing power grid resilience. By providing a comparative evaluation of the effects on power grids with and without grid hardening, the research offers valuable insights for electric utilities seeking to mitigate wildfire risks.
The implications of this research are far-reaching for the energy sector. As wildfires continue to pose a growing threat, the ability to assess and mitigate their impacts on the electric grid will be crucial for ensuring reliable and resilient power systems. The framework developed by Yusuf and his team offers a promising approach to addressing these challenges, with the potential to shape future developments in the field.
“Our goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the spatio-temporal aspects of wildfires on the power system,” Yusuf said. “By leveraging data-driven approaches and dynamic power grid models, we aim to enhance the resilience of the electric grid in the face of increasing wildfire risks.”
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the insights gained from this research will be invaluable for electric utilities and policymakers alike. By prioritizing grid hardening and incorporating wildfire risk assessments into power system planning, the industry can take proactive steps to mitigate the impacts of wildfires and ensure a more reliable and resilient electric grid for the future.