Floridian high-voltage power-grid network partitioning and cluster optimization using simulated annealing

Abstract: Many partitioning methods may be used to partition a network into smaller clusters while minimizing the number of cuts needed. However, other considerations must also be taken into account when a network represents a real system such as a power grid. In this paper we use a simulated annealing Monte Carlo (MC) method to optimize initial clusters on the Florida high-voltage power-grid network that were formed by associating each load with its "closest" generator. The clusters are optimized to maximize internal connectivity within the individual clusters and minimize the power deficiency or surplus that clusters may otherwise have.