Exact Convex Relaxation of Optimal Power Flow in Tree Networks

The optimal power flow (OPF) problem seeks to control power generation/demand to optimize certain objectives such as minimizing the generation cost or power loss in the network. It is becoming increasingly important for distribution networks, which are tree networks, due to the emergence of distributed generation and controllable loads. In this paper, we study the OPF problem in tree networks. The OPF problem is nonconvex. We prove that after a "small" modification to the OPF problem, its global optimum can be recovered via a second-order cone programming (SOCP) relaxation, under a "mild" condition that can be checked apriori. Empirical studies justify that the modification to OPF is "small" and that the "mild" condition holds for the IEEE 13-bus distribution network and two real-world networks with high penetration of distributed generation.