Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

Oscillations occur in power systems due to disturbances such as sudden changes in generation, the sudden addition or removal of large loads, transmission lines going out of service, and faults in the system. These oscillations, when not eliminated within an acceptable time, have led to major blackouts in the past, and damaging expensive equipment in the power systems. The presence of oscillations also restricts the amount of energy exported or imported between power utilities, resulting in loss of revenue. Oscillations can be of different types. The most common is electromechanical oscillations, which involves large rotating machines oscillating against each other across the transmission network. These oscillations are of low frequency in the range of 0-5 Hz. The other type is known as sub synchronous oscillations of which the frequency can be up to the nominal system frequency (50 or 60 Hz). These oscillations have been less common in the past, but due to the integration of renewable sources through power electronic interfaces they are becoming more common. Currently there is no procedure or tools available to directly design oscillation mitigating controllers to cater for the modern power grid. I will use state space control design techniques and optimization techniques to propose well tested new procedures to enable the utilities, manufacturers, and consultants to develop reliable and cost effective solutions. The HQPs trained under this program will gain expertise in power system simulation techniques and tools. They will also apply the new techniques to practical situations through collaborations with the industry.