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Power grids are innately susceptible to electrical faults. Here we present divisive and agglomerative network-theoretical approaches to achieve intentional intelligent islanding of a power grid in order to limit cascading power failures in case a fault occurs. A power grid is modeled here as a network consisting of nodes and edges. The various methods we use are designed to partition a power grid network into smaller communities of noes with local generating capacity (islands). Here we discuss results of using spectral matrix methods along with Monte Carlo methods to analyze and partition an illustrative example network, as well as the Floridian power grid, and the power distribution system for a conceptual all-electric naval vessel. We also contrast the effects of approximating the generating capacity of generators according to their degrees versus using their actual generating capacities. Finally, we propose an implementation strategy as well as possible directions for future study.
