Improving power system damping using a combination of optimal control theory and differential evolution algorithm

This paper presents a novel control strategy to improve the damping capability of sub-synchronous oscillations by tuning of Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) optimally in order to reduce the fluctuations in the power system. The proposed model includes the coordination of Power System Stabilizer (PSS) and Thyristor-Controlled Series Capacitors (TCSC) in combination with LQR controllers which is formulated as an optimal control problem. The problem is formulated as a linear regulator problem and then the Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm is utilized to optimize the proposed controlling parameters. Several cases have been studied to show the efficiency of the proposed strategy. Obtained results from a case study on a typical generator demonstrated that the proposed method has the best response and quickest function among conventional controller systems. Moreover, the coordination of the LQR with the other control systems, as an optimal linear regulator problem in order to damp system oscillations provides robust stability for optimizing system performance index. Besides, the flexibility and usability of the LQR controller guarantee the stability of the system to cope with the oscillations.