On the structure of optimal area controls in electric power networks

Static optimization techniques have been used by the electric power industry for several years to solve the problem of economic load allocation. Experience has shown that difficulties frequently arise when these solutions are incorporated in the feedback control of dynamic electric power networks. In a recent paper, economic load allocation was formulated as a dynamic optimal control problem in an effort to overcome the disadvantages of controllers currently used. At the heart of that problem is the area control problem that is treated in detail in this paper. An unusual feature of the area control problem is that it contains kinks. The maximal principle is modified for this situation. Necessary conditions for an optimal controller are obtained for the general case of generators. The optimal feedback controller is synthesized for the case of two-generator load sharing.