Frequency and stability control using decentralized intelligent loads: Benefits and pitfalls

Recent research has demonstrated that many electric loads could cost-effectively become intelligent, allowing for the potential of the loads to more actively participate in system operation and control. This paper investigates benefits and potential pitfalls of decentralized intelligent load control for frequency regulation and improved stability control. Issues addressed in this paper include: the control strategy, the effect of a highly distributed nature of the loads within a distribution system, the effect of a discretized control action, and the effect of time-delay on the control action. Issues are investigated using a 16-machine example power system that has similar characteristics of the western North American power system.