PDCI damping control analysis for the western North American power system

Transmission capacity in the western North American power system (termed the wNAPS) is often limited by poorly-damped electromechanical oscillations. To date, the primary damping controllers applied in the wNAPS are via generator controls using localized feedback signals. Such controls have limited effectiveness for inter-area modes. Recent development of reliable real-time wide-area measurement systems (WAMS) has enabled the potential for large-scale damping control approaches. One such approach is feedback modulation of the Pacific DC Intertie (PDCI). This paper summarizes simulation results from a study to evaluate PDCI damping control in the wNAPS. This includes developing a safe and effective control strategy, quantifying potential improved damping, and conducting open-loop actual-system probing tests.