The modern power grid is increasing in size and with that becoming more complex. The recent evolution of grids has made an impact on power system planning studies and analyses. On the other hand, the developments in the field of complex networks and the range of application areas have allowed their extension to the field of power systems. The application of complex network-based analysis on power system networks has been helpful in solving many long-standing challenges. This research focuses on presenting the underlying foundation of structural analysis of power system network. The structural analysis of power systems is an important approach and has the ability to address various issues, particularly, dynamic and transient real-time issues and identification of critical components. Steady-state, dynamic and transient power system models may differ with change in applications when analyzed from an electric circuit theory perspective, however they demonstrate an embedded consistency from a structure perspective.

Using the structure information combined with network methodology are shown to provide solutions to long-standing problems that have not been efficiently solved using conventional methodologies. The investigation of various electrical distance measures done in the thesis highlights the differences in scope of each measure. The study is directed towards uncovering the underlying similarities which is provided by port-Hamiltonian formalism and is reflected in the structural analysis. Structural analysis methodology prove to be effective in applications related to power system restoration and network equivalencing addressing long-standing power system planning and operational issues. Keywords: Structural analysis; Power system analysis; Port-Hamiltonian formalism; Electrical distance; Average electrical distance; Link strength; Topological representation; Power system restoration; Approximate dynamic programming; Network equivalencing; Power system planning, Power system market operation.