Abstract
The paper describes some of the challenges that face the control of nonlinear interconnected power systems. The challenges include the selection of appropriate control and information structures that could range from a completely decentralized to a fully centralized structure. Once a structure is proven to be feasible, the effectiveness of control signals needs to be assessed. Analytical tools are derived for this purpose in the first part of the paper, and they are illustrated with a case study that involves the design of a damping decentralized controller using a Thyristor Controlled Series Compensation device. The second part of the paper deals with the load following and tracking problem through automatic generation control for a system that has been re-structured or deregulated. This problem can be solved using a completely decentralized scheme. It is solved here using fuzzy rules and with an emphasis on compliance with NERC's standards and reduction of wear and tear of the equipment. It is illustrated with a test system that has three interconnected control areas. Finally, comments on the economics of control and the author's vision are presented.