Robust load frequency control of nonlinear power networks

This paper proposes a decentralised second-order sliding mode (SOSM) control strategy for load frequency control (LFC) in power networks, regulating the frequency and maintaining the net inter-area power flows at their scheduled values. The considered power network is partitioned into control areas, where each area is modelled by an equivalent generator including second-order turbine-governor dynamics, and where the areas are nonlinearly coupled through the power flows. Asymptotic convergence to the desired state is established by constraining the state of the power network on a suitably designed sliding manifold. This manifold is designed relying on stability considerations made on the basis of an incremental energy (storage) function. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed control approach.