Robust load flow algorithm

Artelys is specialized in mathematical optimization, quantitative decision-making, and scientific modeling. Relying on its high level of expertise in quantitative methods, Artelys’ consultants deliver efficient solutions to complex business problems. They provide services to numerous industries: Energy, Transportation, Telecommunications, Manufacturing, etc. Artelys is an international company with offices in France (Paris, Lyon, Nantes), Canada (Montréal), Belgium (Brussels), Spain (Madrid) and the USA (Chicago).   

Artelys offers several products and services, including software solutions (mathematical optimization software, business specific customized and custom solutions), studies, consulting, training, etc. In particular, Artelys consultants deliver operational solutions that perform security analysis of power grids, i.e. simulations that check that the power grid can be safely operated on the short term (e.g. one day ahead). It involves performing a massive number of simulations named load flows that evaluate the distribution of power flows on the grid from generation to loads. 

Load flows are usually based on a Newton Raphson algorithm to solve a non-linear system of equalities. When the algorithm does not converge, it comes with no proof of infeasibility and with scarce information about the divergence origin.

A divergence analyzer is a tool designed to analyze which elements of the constraints is causing the divergence. It is mainly based on relaxing some elements of the constraints and transforming the problem into an Optimal Power Flow (OPF) introducing of well-chosen slack variables.

Currently Artelys relies on one such tool, available in the Open-Source Library PowSyBl-Optimizer, using the AMPL modeler and Artelys Knitro solver.

The intern will design, implement and tests enhancements for this tool, as well as another model based on the Java API for Artelys Knitro.

The candidate must be in his/her last year of master’s degree in computer science and/or applied mathematics and/or power systems and/or operations research. 

Required skills: 

• Mathematical optimization 

Valued skills: 

• Power Systems (Power Flows and Power System Economics)

• Programming in Java 

• Fluent in French