Wide-Area Oscillation Damping Control for Low-Inertia Power Grids

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current power system stabilization methods rely on localized data, which limits their ability to effectively dampen oscillations and maintain stability, especially in systems with reduced inertia and increased power electronic loads, and are susceptible to communication failures and limited flexibility in damping specific oscillatory modes.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a system that calculates an auxiliary input signal using wide-area frequency measurements from sensors distributed throughout the power system, incorporating a weighted average of inertia constants, and applying a washout filter and lead-lag compensator to improve oscillation damping and stability, decoupling damping from transient disturbances and allowing fine-tuning of interactions with automatic voltage regulators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional localized stabilization methods are used, then the system structure is simple, but the damping effectiveness is insufficient especially in systems with reduced inertia

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the power system into multiple zones with distributed sensors (PMUs) that independently measure frequency deviations. Each sensor provides localized data that is then aggregated to form a comprehensive view of system oscillations, enabling targeted damping control in specific areas rather than uniform system-wide control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional single-point or localized frequency measurement to wide-area frequency measurement across multiple geographical locations. This adds spatial dimensionality to the control system, allowing detection and damping of both local and inter-area oscillations that cannot be captured by conventional localized methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If wide-area frequency measurements are used, then oscillation damping effectiveness is improved, but communication requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoscillation dampingVSAvoidcommunication failures
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where frequency measurements from wide-area sensors are continuously monitored, processed to identify oscillatory modes, and used to generate corrective control signals. The system adjusts damping control based on real-time feedback about system oscillation states, enabling adaptive response to changing grid conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a signal processing intermediary layer that includes washout filters and lead-lag compensators. These intermediaries process the raw frequency measurement data, extract oscillation components, and prepare appropriate control signals, acting as a bridge between measurement and actuation while filtering out unnecessary information and communication noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional PSS methods are used, then the control method is simple, but the flexibility in damping specific oscillatory modes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamping control flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol method
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different damping control characteristics to different oscillation modes and system zones. By analyzing frequency measurements from multiple locations, the system identifies specific oscillatory modes (local vs. inter-area) and applies tailored damping control strategies appropriate for each mode's characteristics and location, rather than using uniform control across the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control parameters that adapt to changing system conditions. The lead-lag compensator parameters and damping control strength are adjusted based on the detected oscillation frequency, amplitude, and system operating state, allowing the control system to optimize its performance for different oscillation scenarios and grid configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12191666B2Systems and methods for power system stabilization and oscillation damping control
Publication Date: 2025.01.07 UNIV OF WASHINGTON
  • US12191666B2 patent drawing
  • US12191666B2 patent drawing
  • US12191666B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods directed to improved power system stabilization and oscillation damping control. In operation, a computing device may receive frequency data from a plurality of sensors distributed within a power system. The computing device may calculate an estimate of a speed of a center of inertia signal based at least on the frequency data. A controller may calculate a control error signal for the power system based at least on the estimated speed of the center of inertia signal. The controller may further calculate an auxiliary output signal based at least on the calculated control error. An actuator may utilize the auxiliary output signal to provide an output configured to improve the stability of the power system.