Flocking generators: A PdE framework for stability of smart grids with communications

Power system stability, with the aid of communication infrastructure, is studied using the frameworks of flocking and partial difference equation (PdE). The system dynamics are described using PdE, which reflects the power network topology. Cases of communications with negligible or non-negligible delays are both considered. Conditions of system stability are derived, based on which an algorithm for designing the communication network is proposed. The conclusions are demonstrated using numerical simulations.