Power System Stability: New Opportunities for Control

Abstract

The electric power generation-transmission-distribution grid in developed countries constitutes a large system that exhibits a range of dynamic phenomena. Stability of this system needs to be maintained even when subjected to large low-probability disturbances so that the electricity can be supplied to consumers with high reliability. Various control methods and controllers have been developed over time for this purpose. New technologies in the area of communications and power electronics, however, have raised the possibility of developing much faster and more wide-area stability control that can allow safe operation of the grid closer to its limits. This chapter presents a conceptual picture of these new stability control possibilities.