Proactive Operation Strategy to enhance resiliency of Indian Power System During Super Cyclone Amphan

Abstract

Power systems are designed to be operated under expected weather conditions. Unexpected weather conditions sometimes create widespread damage to the power system. The failure rate of equipment in power system along with redundancy and accuracy of forecasting decide the scope of damage. Eastern coast of Indian sub-continent experiences cyclones of varying intensity every year. These cyclones have severe impact on the infrastructure including the power infrastructure. The proactive operation strategy to counter each stage of uncertainty helps not only in managing the power system but also in early restoration. Amid the NCOVID-19 pandemic, Indian power system witnessed super cyclone named 'AMPHAN’ which originated in the Bay of Bengal. The cyclone, after landfall passed through densely populated regions affecting the load centers. Cyclone of matching severity was last witnessed by India in the year 1999. The landfall of cyclone started during afternoon hours of 20th May 2020. The proactive action strategy based on past experience resulted in minimization of loss to electrical system and power supply outage. This paper presents the proactive measures taken by POSOCO and power utilities across all key sectors, viz., generation, transmission, distribution, during different phases of cyclone trajectory and the impact of cyclone on Indian power system.