Modeling of Cascading Failures

This chapter introduces typical models for the simulation of cascading failures. These models are divided into two main classes: general cascading failure models and power system cascading failure models. The Bak-Tang-Wiesenfeld (BTW) sandpile model is a prototypical theoretical model that exhibits avalanche behavior. The Motter-Lai model is proposed to study cascading failures on networks. The binary influence model presents an explanation about the large-scale cascading failures triggered by trivial initial perturbations. The hidden failure model focuses on the hidden failure of the protection systems in power grids. The OPA model simulates the patterns of cascading blackouts of a power system under the complex dynamics of a growing demand and the engineering responses to failure. Most existing cascading failure models only perform quasi-steady-state simulations based on DC or AC power flow or optimal power flow, ignoring the dynamics of the system.