It is well known that physical interdependencies exist between networked civil infrastructures such as transportation and power system networks. In order to analyze complex nonlinear correlations between such networks, datasets pertaining to such real infrastructures are required. However, such data are not readily available due to their proprietary nature. This work proposes a methodology to generate realistic synthetic power distribution networks for a given geographical region. A network generated in this manner is not the actual distribution system, but its functionality is very similar to the real distribution network. The synthetic network connects high voltage substations to individual residential consumers through primary and secondary distribution networks. Here, the distribution network is generated by solving an optimization problem which minimizes the overall length of the network subject to structural and power flow constraints. This work also incorporates identification of long high voltage feeders originating from substations and connecting remotely situated customers in rural geographic locations while maintaining voltage regulation within acceptable limits. The proposed methodology is applied to the state of Virginia and creates synthetic distribution networks which are validated by comparing them to actual power distribution networks at the same location.

Wide-area monitoring, protection, and control (WAMPAC) involves the use of system-wide information and the communication of selected local information to a remote location to counteract the propagation of large disturbances. Synchronized measurement technology (SMT) is an important element and enabler of WAMPAC. It is expected that WAMPAC systems will in the future reduce the number of catastrophic blackouts and generally improve the reliability and security of energy production, transmission, and distribution, particularly in power networks with a high level of operational uncertainties. In this paper, the technological and application issues are addressed. Several key monitoring, protection, and control applications are described and discussed. A strategy for developing a WAMPAC system in the United Kingdom is given as well.

Catastrophic failures of power systems are phenomena which occur with some regularity throughout the world. It is recognized that these cannot be prevented, although with the use of newer developments in power engineering, in communication systems, and in computer engineering it would be possible to reduce their frequency and their impact on society. Analyses of many blackouts point to some salient features which are common to most such events: power systems under stress because of high load levels or outages of important facilities, some initiating event-usually a fault, often followed by cascading effects due to unwanted operation of some protection systems. In particular, the role of hidden failures (HFs) in protection systems in propagating power system disturbances has become clearer with some of the recent research reported in the literature. This paper explores further the issue of HFs of protection systems and possible countermeasures. Regarding the countermeasures, adapting the protection systems so that they would change their operational logic from OR to a VOTING protocol has been discussed in the literature, and is well within the capability of present technology. Other hardware solutions, such as "Hidden Failure Monitoring and Protection Systems," have also been discussed in the literature. Most of these countermeasures will require intensive use of communication networks. Communication infrastructure will be utilized for real-time data transfer, as well as for slower speed data gathering tasks related to the condition of the power system. In this paper, we concentrate on the communication facilities and their applications for providing countermeasures against catastrophic failures of power systems.