Natural connectivity and the mitigation of cascading failures in a model of Eletrosul transmission system

Abstract

Considering the topology of the Eletrosul transmission system, this paper investigates the impact of the addition of links upon the size and scope of cascading failures triggered by node removals. The locations of new links seek to maximize the availability of alternative closed paths within the network. The increased connectivity is shown to help mitigate the consequences of cascading failures. The results provide insightful information regarding the expansion of the electrical grid from the viewpoint of maximizing the availability of redundant closed paths within
the network structure, which is believed to be related to its structural robustness.