Enhancing power grid synchronization and stability through time delayed feedback control

Abstract: We study the synchronization and stability of power grids within the Kuramoto phase oscillator model with inertia with a bimodal frequency distribution representing the generators and the loads. We identify critical nodes through solitary frequency deviations and Lyapunov vectors corresponding to unstable Lyapunov exponents. To cure dangerous deviations from synchronization we propose time-delayed feedback control, which is an efficient control concept in nonlinear dynamic systems. Different control strategies are tested and compared with respect to the minimum number of controlled nodes required to achieve synchronization and Lyapunov stability. As a proof of principle, this fast-acting control method is demonstrated using a model of the German power transmission grid.