Distribution Network Restoration: Resource Scheduling Considering Coupled Transportation-Power Networks

Optimal decision-making is key to efficient allocation and scheduling of repair resources (e.g., crews) to service affected nodes of large power grid networks. Traditional manual restoration methods are inadequate for modern smart grids sprawling across vast territories, compounded by the unpredictable nature of damage and disruptions in power and transportation networks. This paper develops a method that focuses on the restoration and repair efforts within power systems. We expand upon the methodology proposed in the literature and incorporate a real-world transportation network to enhance the realism and practicality of repair schedules. Our approach carefully devises a reduced network that combines vulnerable components from the distribution network with the real transportation network. Key contributions include dynamically addressing a coupled resource allocation and capacitated vehicle routing problem over a new reduced network model, constructed by integrating the power grid with the transportation network. This is performed using network heuristics and graph theory to prioritize securing critical grid segments. A case study is presented for the 8500 bus system.