A hybrid mathematical and rule-based system for transmission network planning in a deregulated environment

This paper presents a planning methodology using an application of a mathematical and a rule-based expert system (ES) to expand the transmission network in a deregulated environment. In this methodology, the ES suggests a realistic set of generation additions with proper economic signals to the participants, before proceeding with the transmission expansion. A feasible list of transmission alternatives is then assumed to accommodate the proposals for generation. A mathematical method is performed based on marginal cost allocation to optimize the location for the new generation and its transmission expansion scheme simultaneously for each alternative. The optimum alternative that minimizes the overall system's cost function and satisfies the future demand is obtained. The ES interacts with the power system planning tools to produce the optimum expansion plan. A practical application is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed prototype system.