Modeling reliability of power systems substations by using stochastic automata networks

In this paper, stochastic automata networks (SANs) formalism to model reliability of power systems substations is applied. The proposed strategy allows reducing the size of state space of Markov chain model and simplifying system specification. Two case studies of standard configurations of substations are considered in detail. SAN models with different assumptions were created. SAN approach is compared with exact reliability calculation by using a minimal path set method. Modeling results showed that total independence of automata can be assumed for relatively small power systems substations with reliable equipment. In this case, the implementation of Markov chain model by a using SAN method is a relatively easy task.