Operational and expansion planning of Brazilian systems based on probabilistic load flow

The authors present some applications of the probabilistic load flow (PLF) program FLUXP, to assist the decision-making process utilized in operations and expansion planning studies. The main features of this program are discussed together with the indices that can be obtained. Two examples are given to demonstrate the potential of the PLF technique to deal with both operational and expansion planning problems. Both large interconnected Brazilian networks, South/Southeastern and North/Northeastern, are used. The authors also present a concise analysis of the economical benefits resulting from the application of the PLF technique as well as the rationale for the establishment and validation of the numerical criteria utilized. Finally, a number of computational and modelling hurdles and the corresponding envisaged solutions are also highlighted.