Cascade disruption of generation - a special focus on African grid volnurebilities

Abstract

Large scale network disruption often lies at the heart of regional blackouts, and often disrupts entire communities in terms of their normal activities and well being. Disruptions caused by cascading failure of generating units are potentially devastating to the continued operation of large power systems, and deserving of dedicated attention. This paper deals with this form of power system disruption in the context of Southern Africa. The case in Africa, unlike networks integrated into super grids, requires a special approach in terms of resilience. The devices of last resort are often limiting or unproven, and forms a theoretical back-up only.