Consensus + Innovations Approach for Online Distributed Multi-Area Inertia Estimation

TL;DR

This paper introduces a distributed algorithm for real-time estimation of power system inertia, enabling multiple operators to collaboratively monitor system stability without centralized data collection.

Contribution

It proposes a novel consensus + innovations method with proven convergence guarantees for distributed inertia estimation in multi-area power systems.

Findings

Algorithm performs well in simulations of IEEE-39 bus system.

Robust to typical power system disturbances.

Eliminates need for centralized measurement collection.

Abstract

The reduction of overall system inertia in modern power systems due to the increasing deployment of distributed energy resources is generally recognized as a major issue for system stability. Consequently, real-time monitoring of system inertia is critical to ensure a reliable and cost-effective system operation. Large-scale power systems are typically managed by multiple transmission system operators, making it difficult to have a central entity with access to global measurement data, which is usually required for estimating the overall system inertia. We address this problem by proposing a fully distributed inertia estimation algorithm with rigorous analytical convergence guarantees. This method requires only peer-to-peer sharing of local parameter estimates between neighboring control areas, eliminating the need for a centralized collection of real-time measurements. We robustify the algorithm in the presence of typical power system disturbances and demonstrate its performance in simulations based on the well-known New England IEEE-39 bus system.