Demystifying power system oscillations

Power systems are among the most complex dynamic systems created by man, and the insidious nature of oscillatory instability has mystified many practicing engineers. The author describes how, with modern computer programs, a thorough study of power system oscillatory stability is possible. The necessary complex mathematics are made transparent to the program user, and the emphasis of studies may be placed on the physical nature of the oscillatory phenomena and the accuracy of the model data. Careful control design and consistent control commissioning and tuning are required to damp power system oscillations sufficiently so that system operating limits are caused by other phenomena