Visualizing power frequency dynamics using D-partitioning

In this paper we introduce D-Partitioning as a convenient direct method for visualizing the performance of power systems subjected to load changes. In Automatic Generation Control (AGC) schemes, such visualizations rely on manual calculations of the system stability limits. D-Partitioning obviates this reliance permitting a direct reading-off of the limits. The method assumes a test power system of known parameters embedding distributed solar power generation. The generated solar power injects discretely variable real power system disturbances. MATLAB/SIMULINK is used to mask the parameters of the system transfer function thus allowing for data entry or changes via a user interface. The system frequency behaviour is analyzed applying traditional methods within MATLAB and MATHEMATICA. Subsequent comparative results are established by applying D-Partitioning. Nyquist stability criterion and step frequency response results show that the system's stability limits cannot be discerned with certainty visually but only manually. In contrast D-Partitioning provides visually clearer stability limits. The paper provides an additional tool for the analysis of power systems described by transfer functions possibly with several variable parameters. The MATLAB User Interface used in the paper limits any flexible variation of the parameters. An improvement will be considered in ongoing studies by applying on the named parameters, MATHEMATICA's dynamic interactivity feature.