Using Optimization to Perform Steady-State System Model Validation for ISO New England

This paper concerns an industry problem of improving planning models by benchmarking them against system operation data. A NERC standard requires that this procedure be performed on a continual basis. This procedure is also a prerequisite for many analyses of power system disturbances. At present, the rare times that this procedure is done involve a cumbersome process of trial and error. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this problem is formulated for the first time as a powerflow optimization problem which can be solved in a systematic manner. The practicality and quality of this process are demonstrated on the ISO New England system.