On the search for expanded grid control capabilities: Discrete control on emerging power technologies

Abstract: This letter proposes discrete changes in the power output of emerging power technologies (EPT) for controlling oscillations and frequency excursions. For the former, a new perspective is proposed that connects oscillations with the transient shift of the system equilibrium point. This is transformative as discrete control can be applied to multi-modal systems for the first time, without any model aggregation. For the latter, new insights are provided in regard to the nature of the discrete actions. Applications to a 2-bus, 9-bus and 39-bus test systems are presented. Through the proposed scheme, EPT can be enabled with controls that recognize their characteristics, while expanding grid dynamic capabilities with the addition of new effective controllers.