Reducibility and eigenvalue sensitivity for identifying critical generators in multimachine power systems

A selection procedure to identify critical generators to be equipped with power system stabilizers is proposed. The selection is based on the sensitivity of critical eigenvalues to a parameter of the state coefficient matrix. Critical generators are identified by observing the sensitivities of the eigenvalues with respect to parameters which affect the damping of the machine rotor oscillation. These parameters are the diagonal elements of the coefficient matrix. Unlike other methods, the proposed method for calculating eigenvalue sensitivity does not require any eigenvectors. There are also no derivatives involved. One of the main advantages of this method is that it shows the dependence of eigenvalue sensitivity on power system structure; this may be helpful in reducing the size of the system. The effectiveness of the method is described through the application to a multi-machine power system dynamic model