Actuator performance evaluation using LMIs for optimal HVDC placement

This work concerns the closed loop performance evaluation of actuators for constrained linear systems. The main motivation is the optimal placement of High Voltage Direct Current links (HVDC) in a meshed AC power system, but the method is also applicable to other actuator selection problems. The goal is the computation of a performance measure, that can be used to rank different candidate actuators according to their behavior after a disturbance. A measure is proposed, that is not based on simulations, but is computed for general disturbances, using Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMIs). It accounts for global limitations of the system and the actuators. As required for the decision process, it can be chosen to have a physical interpretation. The approach is illustrated by placing HVDC links in a power system with two areas oscillating against each other.