Improving power grids transient stability via Model Predictive Control

Abstract

This paper proposes the application of Model Predictive Control (MPC) to ensure the stability of an electric grid following fault conditions. The technique is firstly described as a general tool; subsequently, the chosen model of the power system is detailed together with the specific requirements to be met by the control algorithm. Finally, the application of MPC strategy to a WECC (Western Electricity Coordinating Council) test case network shows that the effects of a contingency, that would bring the system to instability without any external action, are mitigated by the control action, leading the network to a new working point, as close as possible to the previous one and, most of all, without exceeding the stability limits.