Quantitative analysis of power systems resilience: Standardization, categorizations, and challenges

Power systems incur considerable operational and infrastructural damages from high impact low probability events such as natural disasters. It therefore becomes imperative to quantify the impact of these disruptive events on power system performance so that adaptive actions can be effectively applied. This impact can be evaluated using resilience metrics which should be able to assess the transitions between the different phases in which a power system resides when subjected to an extreme event. Also, the metrics can aid in the evaluation of the effectiveness of the power system adaptive strategies. However, challenges exist since developed metrics do not proceed with a standardized framework, and due to the vast variety of existing metrics, it becomes ambiguous for researchers and power utilities to find converging information pertinent to their work. In an effort to address these challenges, this paper provides a comprehensive review of quantitative power system resilience metrics which are standardized and evaluated with diverse categorizations. The review methodology employs the Axiomatic Design Process that utilizes the axiomatic design theory and design structure matrix to decompose resilient power system functional requirements into metric design parameters. By integrating the Axiomatic Design Process, we provide a standard for comparison and analysis of the adequacy of reviewed quantitative metrics in power systems resilience quantification, while the categorizations aim to identify the specifications of these metrics. This aids in directing further studies towards resilience requirements that have received less literary attention. In addition, the paper furnishes statistical analysis of reviewed metrics in venues and years of publication by percentage, recurring resilience indicators, and power system levels/stages in which the metrics are applicable. Finally, this paper presents common requirements for resilience quantification, discusses gaps and challenges related to power system resilience metrics as well as implications posed by these challenges, while making recommendations towards filling these gaps, and posing pertinent questions to the power system resilience community.

Automated summary

It is crucial to quantify the impact of extreme events on power system performance using resilience metrics, in order to effectively apply adaptive actions. However, challenges exist due to the lack of standardized frameworks and the vast variety of existing metrics. This paper provides a comprehensive review of standardized quantitative power system resilience metrics, aiming to address these challenges and guide future research towards less explored resilience requirements.