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Understanding Braess’ Paradox in power grids

Author

Listed:
  • Benjamin Schäfer

    (Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
    Faculty of Science and Technology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences
    Queen Mary University of London
    Chair for Network Dynamics, Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden (cfaed) and Institute for Theoretical Physics, Technical University of Dresden)

  • Thiemo Pesch

    (Forschungszentrum Jülich, Institute for Energy and Climate Research - Energy Systems Engineering (IEK-10))

  • Debsankha Manik

    (Chair for Network Dynamics, Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden (cfaed) and Institute for Theoretical Physics, Technical University of Dresden
    Network Dynamics, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization (MPIDS))

  • Julian Gollenstede

    (Clausthal University of Technology Institute of Electric Power Technology (IEE))

  • Guosong Lin

    (Clausthal University of Technology Institute of Electric Power Technology (IEE))

  • Hans-Peter Beck

    (Clausthal University of Technology Institute of Electric Power Technology (IEE))

  • Dirk Witthaut

    (Forschungszentrum Jülich, Institute for Energy and Climate Research - Systems Analysis and Technology Evaluation (IEK-STE)
    Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Cologne)

  • Marc Timme

    (Chair for Network Dynamics, Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden (cfaed) and Institute for Theoretical Physics, Technical University of Dresden
    Network Dynamics, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization (MPIDS)
    Lakeside Labs)

Abstract

The ongoing energy transition requires power grid extensions to connect renewable generators to consumers and to transfer power among distant areas. The process of grid extension requires a large investment of resources and is supposed to make grid operation more robust. Yet, counter-intuitively, increasing the capacity of existing lines or adding new lines may also reduce the overall system performance and even promote blackouts due to Braess’ paradox. Braess’ paradox was theoretically modeled but not yet proven in realistically scaled power grids. Here, we present an experimental setup demonstrating Braess’ paradox in an AC power grid and show how it constrains ongoing large-scale grid extension projects. We present a topological theory that reveals the key mechanism and predicts Braessian grid extensions from the network structure. These results offer a theoretical method to understand and practical guidelines in support of preventing unsuitable infrastructures and the systemic planning of grid extensions.

Suggested Citation

  • Benjamin Schäfer & Thiemo Pesch & Debsankha Manik & Julian Gollenstede & Guosong Lin & Hans-Peter Beck & Dirk Witthaut & Marc Timme, 2022. "Understanding Braess’ Paradox in power grids," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:13:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-022-32917-6
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32917-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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