| Robust synchronization is essential to ensure stable operation of electric power grids. Increasing energy demands and more strongly distributing power sources raises the question where to add new connection lines to the already existing grid. In this talk, I will discuss how the addition of individual links impact the emergence of synchrony in oscillator networks that model power grids on coarse scales. It is show that adding new links may not only promote but also destroy synchrony - a surprising phenomenon similar to Braess' paradox known for traffic networks. I will uncover its underlying mechanism in an elementary grid example, trace its origin to geometric frustration in phase oscillators, and show that it generically occurs across a wide range of systems. As an important consequence, upgrading the grid requires particular care when adding new connections because some maydestabilize the synchronization of the grid - and thus induce power outages. |
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