Transmission capacity: availability, maximum transfer and reliability

The available transfer capability (ATC) is an important parameter for all companies participating in power transaction activities. The main objective of this work is to propose a new methodology to determine the best points in the system to add new agents (sellers and buyers), in order to maximize the ATC, without violating a pre-established reliability level. In the process, the ATC probability density function is determined considering uncertainties from equipment un-availabilities. The proposed algorithm uses Monte Carlo simulation to select system state and linear programming with a DC power flow model, to analyze and optimize each selected state. The IEEE Reliability Test System (RTS) is used to illustrate the proposed methodology.