LAPSE:2026.0277
Published Article
LAPSE:2026.0277
Global Optimization of Robust AC OPF
June 12, 2026
Abstract
Ensuring reliable operations of modern power systems under uncertainty remains a key challenge, particularly due to the non-convex nature of Alternating Current (AC) power flow equations and the presence of high-impact disturbances from load and renewable generation fluctuations. In this work, we address the robust AC Optimal Power Flow (AC OPF) problem by developing a robust spatial branch-and-bound (RsBB) algorithm. Robustness is achieved by identifying worst-case uncertainty realizations and iteratively incorporating robust cuts to eliminate constraint violations. To accelerate convergence and tighten bounds, Optimization-Based Bound Tightening (OBBT) and Feasibility-Based Bound Tightening (FBBT) techniques are integrated into the framework. The proposed method yields global robust solutions with certified optimality gaps below 0.01% across standard PGLib test cases.
Ensuring reliable operations of modern power systems under uncertainty remains a key challenge, particularly due to the non-convex nature of Alternating Current (AC) power flow equations and the presence of high-impact disturbances from load and renewable generation fluctuations. In this work, we address the robust AC Optimal Power Flow (AC OPF) problem by developing a robust spatial branch-and-bound (RsBB) algorithm. Robustness is achieved by identifying worst-case uncertainty realizations and iteratively incorporating robust cuts to eliminate constraint violations. To accelerate convergence and tighten bounds, Optimization-Based Bound Tightening (OBBT) and Feasibility-Based Bound Tightening (FBBT) techniques are integrated into the framework. The proposed method yields global robust solutions with certified optimality gaps below 0.01% across standard PGLib test cases.
Record ID
Keywords
AC OPF, Bound Tightening, Cutting planes, Global Optimization, Nonconvex Robust Optimization, Uncertainty
Subject
Suggested Citation
Yin Y, Charitopoulos VM. Global Optimization of Robust AC OPF. Systems and Control Transactions 5:602-609 (2026) https://doi.org/10.69997/sct.151562
Author Affiliations
Yin Y: Department of Chemical Engineering, Sargent Centre for Process Systems Engineering, UCL (University College London), Torrington Place, London WC1E 7JE, UK [ORCID]
Charitopoulos VM: Department of Chemical Engineering, Sargent Centre for Process Systems Engineering, UCL (University College London), Torrington Place, London WC1E 7JE, UK [ORCID]
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Charitopoulos VM: Department of Chemical Engineering, Sargent Centre for Process Systems Engineering, UCL (University College London), Torrington Place, London WC1E 7JE, UK [ORCID]
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Journal Name
Systems and Control Transactions
Volume
5
First Page
602
Last Page
609
Year
2026
Publication Date
2026-06-12
Version Comments
Original Submission
Other Meta
PII: 0602-0609-687-SCT-5-2026, Publication Type: Journal Article
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Published Article
LAPSE:2026.0277
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https://doi.org/10.69997/sct.151562
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Jun 12, 2026
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