Disjunctive model of optimum expansion of transmission networks in hydrothermal systems

We present a mixed integer optimization model for expansion planning of the transmission network of a hydrothermal system, where hydro generation targets along the planning year are enforced, as well as supplying the load for different load levels. The disjunctive formulation adopted here avoids the non-linear relation that appears in second Kirchoffs law involving the product of discrete investment variables and continuous nodal angle variables. The detailed representation of operating conditions and generation dispatch along the study year allows a correct design of network reinforcements of a hydrothermal system. The operating conditions and the dispatch are affected by interchanges among regions, which can vary seasonally due to hydrological conditions and also along the load duration curve. A real world example illustrates the model.