2

2.1

GRAPH THEORY
Introduction

Graph theory has many applications in several fields such as engineering, physical, social and
biological sciences, linguistics etc. Any physical situation that involves discrete objects with
interrelationships can be represented by a graph. In Electrical Engineering Graph Theory is
used to predict the behaviour of the network in analysis. However, for smaller networks node
or mesh analysis is more convenient than the use of graph theory. It may be mentioned that
Kirchoff was the first to develop theory of trees for applications to electrical network. The
advent of high speed digital computers has made it possible to use graph theory advantageously
for larger network analysis. In this chapter a brief account of graphs theory is given that is
relevant to power transmission networks and their analysis.

2.2

Definitions

Elemellt of a Graph: Each network element is replaced by a line segment or an arc while
constructing a graph for a network. Each line segment or arc is cailed an element. Each
potential source is replaced by a short circuit. Each current source is replaced by an open
circuit.

Node or Vertex: The terminal of an element is called a node or a vertex.

T.dge: An element of a graph is called an edge.
Degree: The number of edges connected to a vertex or node is called its degree.

Graph Theory

Graph: An element is said to be incident on a node, if the node is a terminal of the element.
Nodes can be incident to one or more elements. The network can thus be represented by an
interconnection of elements. The actual interconnections of the elements gives a graph.
Rank: The rank of a graph is n - I where n is the number of nodes in the graph.
Sub Graph: Any subset of elements of the graph is called a subgraph A subgraph is said to
be proper if it consists of strictly less than all the elements and nodes of the graph.

Path: A path is defined as a subgraph of connected elements SLlch that not more than two
elements are connected to anyone node. If there is a path between every pair of nodes then
the graph is said to be connected. Alternatively, a graph is said to be connected if there exists
at least one path between every pair of nodes.
Planar Graph : A graph is said to be planar, if it can be drawn without-out cross over of
edges. Otherwise it is called non-planar (Fig. 2. J).

(a)

(b)

Fig. 2.1 (a) Planar Graph (b) Non-Planar Graph.

Closed Path or Loop: The set of elements traversed starting from one node and returning to
the same node form a closed path or loop.
Oriented Graph: An oriented graph is a graph with direction marked for each element
Fig. 2.2(a) shows the single line diagram of a simple power network consisting of generating
stations. transmission lines and loads. Fig. 2.2(b) shows the positive sequence network
of the system in Fig. 2.2(a). The oriented connected graph is shown in Fig. 2.3 for the
same system.
r-------,3

(a)

(b)

Fig. 2.2 (a) Power system single-line diagram (b) Positive sequence network diagram

Power System Analysis

5

~
CD.---+-.......
---1~---Q)
4

Fig. 2.3 Oriented connected graph.

2.3

Tree and Co-Tree

Tree: A tree is an oriented connected subgraph of an oriented connected graph containing all
the nodes of the graph, but, containing no loops. A tree has (n-I) branches where n is the
number of nodes of graph G. The branches of a tree are called twigs. The remaining branches
of the graph are called links or chords.
Co-tree: The links form a subgraph, not necessarily connected called co-tree. Co-tree is the
complement of tree. There is a co-tree for every tree.
For a connected graph and subgraph:
I. There exists only one path between any pair of nodes on a tree
') every connected graph has at least one tree
3. every tree has two terminal nodes and
4. the rank of a tree is n-I and is equal to the rank of the graph.

The number of nodes and the number of branches in a tree are related by
b = n-I

..... (2.1 )

If e is the total number of elements then the number of links I of a connected graph with
hranches b is given by
I==e-h
..... (2.2)

Hence, from eq. (2.1). it can be written that

l=e-n+1

..... (2.3)

A tree and the corresponding co - tree of the graph for the system shown in Fig. 2.3 are
indicated in Fig. 2.4(a) and Fig. 2.4(b).

CD

5
._-...---.... /.~
~
3 "-

n = number of nodes = 4

-..-

/
2

..('4

/
/

number of elements = 6

b=n-I=4-1=3
I =e-n+I=6-4+1=3

Fig. 2.4 (a) Tree for the system in Fig. 2.3.

Graph Theory
5

CD---+-.....-+-...-:

Fig. 2.4 (b) Co-tree for the system in Fig. 2.3.

2.4

Basic Loops

1\ loop is obtained whenever a link is added to a tree, which is a closed path. As an example to
the tree in Fig. 2.4(a) if the link 6 is added, a loop containing the elements 1-2-6 is obtained.
Loops which contain only one link are called independent loops or hasic loops.

It can be observed that the number of basic loops is equal to the number of links given
by equation (2.2) or (2.3). Fig. 2.5 shows the basic loops for the tree in Fig. 2.4(a).

..GL
5

..

CD

---.

~=--+---~@

Fig. 2.5 Basic loops for the tree in Fig. 2.4(a).

2.5

Cut-Set

A Cut set is a minimal set of branches K of a connected graph G, such that the removal of all
K branches divides the graph into two parts. It is also true that the removal of K branches
reduces the rank of G by one, provided no proper subset of this set reduces the rank of G by
one when it is removed from G.
Consider the graph in Fig. 2.6(a).
._ -

{,
......
_e

._ (a)

--e

3
(b)

Fig. 2.6

I
._ ---e

--e

.-3
(e)

Power System Analysis

10

The rank of the graph = (no. of nodes n - 1) = 4 - I = 3. If branches 1 and 3 are

removed two sub graphs are obtained as in Fig. 2.6(b). Thus 1 and 3 may be a cut-set. Also,
if branches 1, 4 and 3 are removed the graph is divided into two sub graphs as shown in
Fig. 2.6(c) Branches I, 4, 3 may also be a cut-set. In both the above cases the rank both of
the sub graphs is 1 + 1 = 2. It can be noted that (I, 3) set is a sub-set of (I, 4, 3) set. The cut
set is a minimal set of branches of the graph, removal of which cuts the graph into two parts.
It separates nodes of the graphs into two graphs. Each group is in one of the two sub graphs.

2.6

BasiC Cut-Sets

If each cut-set contains only one branch, then these independent cut-sets are called basic cutsets. In order to understand basic cut-sets select a tree. Consider a twig bk of the tree. If the
twig is removed the tree is separated into two parts. All the links which go from one part of
this disconnected tree to the other, together with the twig bk constitutes a cut-set called basic
cut-set. The orientation of the basic cut-set is chosen as to coincide with that of the branch of
the tree defining the cut-set. Each basic cut-set contains at least one branch with respect to
which the tree is defined which is not contained in the other basic cut-set. For this reason, the
n -I basic cut-sets of a tree are linearly independent.
Now consider the tree in Fig. 2.4(a).
Consider node (1) and branch or twig 1. Cut-set A contains the branch 1 and links
5 and 6 and is oriented in the same way as branch J. In a similar way C cut-set cuts the branch
3 and links 4 and 5 and is oriented in the same direction as branch 3. Finally cut-set B cutting
branch 2 and also links 4, 6 and 5 is oriented as branch 2 and the cutsets are shown in Fig. 2.7.
8

- - - -"If'--

:;..:----

1~~~4---.@ ~

Fig. 2.7 Cut-set for the tree in Fig. 2.4(a).

Graph Theory

11

Worked Examples
2.1

For the network shown in figure below, draw the graph and mark a tree.
How many trees will this graph have? Mark the basic cutsets and basic
loops.
5

Fig. E.2.1

Solution:
Assume that bus (1) is the reference bus
4

Fig. E.2.2

Number of nodes n = 5
Number of elements e = 6
The graph can be redrawn as,

QDe-__________~5._------------_.
6

CD

------~~------~------~--------

Fig. E.2.3

Tree : A connected subgraph containing all nodes of a graph, but no closed path is
called a tree.

12

Power System Analysis

5

...... 0

--------~-----././

./"-;

\
)..3

./
./

\
\

././

<D~--~--~~---~--------e

Fig. E.2.4
Number of branches n-1 = 5-1 = 4
Number of links = e-b = 6-4 = 2

(Note: Number of links

Number of co-trees).

D ....
___----4----~-~
~-

<D-------~-------+-------------~~
A~~@

Fig. E.2.S
The number of basic cutsets = no. of branches = 4; the cutsets A,B,C,D, are shown
in figure.

2.2

Show the basic loops and basic cutsets for the graph shown below and verify
any relations that exist between them.
(Take 1-2-3-4 as tree 1).
8

Fig. E.2.6

Graph Theory

13

Solution:
,

~----~~
.
'

Fig. E.2.7 Tree and Co-tree for the graph.

If a link is added to the tree a loop is formed, loops that contain only one link are called
basic loops.
Branches,

b=n-1 =5-1=4
I =e-b =8-4=4

The four loops are shown in Fig.

Fig. E.2.S Basic cut sets A, B, C, D.

The number of basic cuts (4) = number of branches b(4).

2.3

For the graph given in figure below, draw the tree and the corresponding
co-tree. Choose a tree of your choice and hence write the cut-set schedule.

CD o---..--o----....;~--o-_+_--<:)@

Fig. E.2.9 Oriented connected graph.

14

Power System Analysis

Solution:

Fig. E.2.10 Basic cut sets A, B, C, D.

The f-cut set schedule (fundamental or basic)

A:
B:

c:
D:

2.4

1,2
2,7,3,6
6,3,5
3,4

For the power systems shown in figure draw the graph, a tree and its
co-tree.

Fig. E.2.11

Solution:

<D Q - - -.....--O----.--O-+--~ @

Fig. E.2.12

15

Graph Theory

CD

Fig. E.2.13 Tree and Co-tree 2.4.

Problems
P 2.1 Draw the graph for the network shown. Draw a tree and co-tree for
the graph.

Fig. P.2.1

P 2.2 Draw the graph for the circuit shown.

Fig. P.2.2

16

Power System Analysis

P 2.3 Draw the graph for the network shown.

Fig. P.2.3
Mark basic cutsets, basic loops and open loops.

Questions
2.1

Explain the following terms:

(i) Basic loops
(ii) Cut set
(iii) Basic cut sets

2.2

Explain the relationship between the basic loops and links; basic cut-sets and the
number of branches.

2.3

Define the following terms with suitable example:

(i) Tree
(ii) Branches
(iii) Links
(iv) Co-Tree
(v) Basic loop

2.4

Write down the relations between the number of nodes, number of branches, number
of links and number of elements.

2.5

Define the following terms.

(i) Graph
(ii) Node
(iii) Rank of a graph
(iv) Path