Research Projects

Decentralized control framework for FACTS devices
Developed a two-stage regression-based control approach to determine the optimal steady-state settings of the FACTS devices. The proposed decentralized approach determines the close-to-optimal device settings in the online operation without carrying out OPF calculations. It is especially suitable for the real-time operation in the presence of intermittent renewable energy resources.

Optimal usage of transmission capacity with FACTS devices
Developed a decentralized control approach to maximize the minimum capacity margin of the transmission lines using FACTS devices. Formulating and solving the offline nonlinear Optimal Power Flow problem using SNOPT solver.

System security enhancement with FACTS devices
1. A risk-based formulation is used to quantify the level of system security
2. Corrective approach for FACTS devices is used to minimize the system risk
3. The optimal device settings are determined by the decentralized control framework
4. Proposed approach tested on Bonneville Power Administration’s 500/230kV test system
5. Formulating and solving the nonlinear optimization problem using SNOPT, Matlab and PowerWorld API.

Coordination of intermittent generation with storages in microgrids
Developed an optimal control strategy for built-in storage devices to smoothen the intermittent power output of the renewable generators using the look-ahead multi-step optimization technique