Estimating the loading limit taking into account voltage collapse areas

This paper addresses the computation of the margin to the maximun power transfer limit. A non-linear \"sensitivity\" theory is presented and used to propose a new algorithm for this computation. The proposed algorithm is computationally efficient, allow a great variety of power system models, including reactive power output limits, and the optative consideration of heuristic knowledge about voltage collapse areas. The algorithm is tested in a 6-machines test system, a proposed benchmark system for voltage instability studies.