Optimal control for robust dynamic performance in inverter-dominated power systems
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Ochoa Abett De La Torre, Tomas
Chaudhuri, Balarko
O'Malley, Mark
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
This paper develops a novel optimization framework for synthesizing inverter-based resource (IBR) controllers to enhance robust large-signal dynamic performance in inverter-dominated power systems (IDPSs) via coordinated selection of control architectures and parameter tuning. Despite extensive research on grid-forming and grid-following control architectures, systematic control design methods that explicitly account for large-signal dynamics and robustness across a range of operating conditions and disturbances remain limited. This paper addresses this gap by formulating a robust optimal control problem that integrates control design, dispatch, disturbance, and dynamic models within a unified min-max optimization framework. To solve the resulting problem, a solution method combining direct collocation, mesh refinement, local reduction, nonlinear programming, and electromagnetic-transient simulations is proposed, fundamentally differing from conventional power system optimization approaches. Application to the IEEE 9-bus system demonstrates that the method captures key large-signal effects with high fidelity, including nonlinear transients arising from current saturation. Moreover, results show improved robust dynamic performance relative to conventional control design practices and reveal the strong sensitivity of system behavior to control architecture allocation and parameter tuning, underscoring control design optimization as an effective mechanism for enhancing power system security, resilience, and stability.
Date Issued
2026-06-09
Date Acceptance
2026-06-06
Citation
IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, 2026, pp.1-14
ISSN
0885-8950
Publisher
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Start Page
1
End Page
14
Journal / Book Title
IEEE Transactions on Power Systems
Copyright Statement
© 2026 IEEE. This is the author’s accepted manuscript made available under a CC-BY licence in accordance with Imperial’s Research Publications Open Access policy (www.imperial.ac.uk/oa-policy)
License URL
Publication Status
Published online
Date Publish Online
2026-06-09