Rethinking Neural Width for Alternating Current Optimal Power Flow Proxies

Abstract:Deep learning proxies for Alternating Current Optimal Power Flow (ACOPF) lack systematic methods for determining architectural size. This paper conducts a constructive thought experiment to answer a fundamental inquiry: how wide must a neural network be to almost accurately approximate the ACOPF manifold? We introduce a Loss-Guided Neural Densification (LG-ND) algorithm that incrementally discovers necessary capacity by expanding only when the current deep neural network topology fails to improve further. Empirical results across various IEEE systems show that LG-ND achieves performance parity with literature baselines using up to ten times fewer neurons per layer. Such architectural minimalism is critical for the formal verification required in safety-critical grid operations.

Machine Learning (cs.LG)

arXiv:2606.03125 [cs.LG]

(or arXiv:2606.03125v1 [cs.LG] for this version)

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2606.03125 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite

arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website.

Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them.

Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs.