Multi-agent based distributed power agreement for enhanced frequency response of transmission systems

In this paper, we propose a distributed open loop control algorithm for large-scale transmission systems having multiple control areas exchanging power through tie-lines. Inspired from graph theoretic methods in multi-agent systems, it ensures a high degree of coordination among control areas to improve the frequency response with minimal inter-area oscillations in case of sudden loss of generation. Local nodes associated with generation units coordinate with regional nodes monitoring tie-line flows to ensure load-generation balance is maintained at all times with sparse information exchange. We develop a Cyber-Physical abstraction which allows for a scalable architecture that is independent of the internal dynamics of the control areas. Consequently, these areas can quantitatively predefine their contribution in frequency restoration during primary control. We perform simulations on a test system resulting in improved frequency response and reduced deviation from the nominal frequency, demonstrating the efficacy of our proposed protocol.