9419353 Ilic This project uses an already conceived structure-based modeling approach which does not require the assumption on weak interconnections, and it also naturally lends itself to inclusion of devices which control the line flows directly. The salient features of this approach which allow for such significant generalization of the present approaches are briefly summarized in this Proposal, and are further supported by several publications. Conceptually, the proposed approach allows for extracting minimum order models directly relevant for various levels of a very large scale dynamical system, much in the spirit of the Coordination Theory for multivariable systems. The modeling and control concepts developed recently by the PI and her team offer simple ways of supporting this mainly qualitative theory in terms of explicit, low order models directly relevant for specific levels of a complex system. Using vertical separation principle under the assumption of stable and fast dynamics at the lowest level, relatively low- order-discrete-time models are extracted at both secondary (subsystem) and tertiary (interconnected) system levels. A direct mapping between these models and the physical processes captured are illustrated in this Proposal as applied to the real power generation control problem for frequency regulation in a multi-utility environment. The main objective of this project is to apply this approach towards further development of a systematic framework for next generation Load Frequency Control (LRC) / Automatic Generation Control (AGC) of the electric power systems. Particular emphasis is on accommodating the open access operating mode evolving among the utilities in the United States. ***
