Cascades in interdependent flow networks

In this manuscript, we investigate the abrupt breakdown behavior of coup= led distribution grids under load growth. This scenario mimics the ever-inc= reasing customer demand and the foreseen introduction of energy hubs interc= onnecting the different energy vectors. We extend an analytical model of ca= scading behavior due to line overloads to the case of interdependent networ= ks and find evidence of first order transitions due to the long-range natur= e of the flows. Our results indicate that the foreseen increase in the coup= lings between the grids has two competing effects: on the one hand, it incr= eases the safety region where grids can operate without withstanding system= ic failures; on the other hand, it increases the possibility of a joint sys= tems' failure. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.