Seismic vulnerability evaluation of power grids in mainland China

A refined vulnerability evaluation methodology for substations, transmission lines, and power grids in mainland China is proposed. A database suitable for assessing the vulnerability of power grid facilities in districts (counties) is established. It contains information on parameters affecting the vulnerability of substations and transmission lines. The vulnerability of substations is assessed by considering the proportion of assets. Loss-intensity curves are derived for substations, transmission lines, and power grids in each district (county) based on their vulnerabilities. Vulnerability indices are created to assess the susceptibility of the substations, transmission lines, and power grids to earthquake damage in 2851 districts (counties) in mainland China. Assessments are performed in different seismic zones. The results show that the vulnerability of substations is high in all districts (counties) and very high in the northeastern and western regions. The vulnerability of transmission lines is very low in most regions and high in the southwestern region. The vulnerability of power grids is low in most areas and high in the southwestern region. The proposed evaluation system is feasible and provides accurate results.