This paper investigates the joint problems of dynamic state estimation of algebraic variables (voltage and phase angle) and generator states (rotor angle and frequency) of nonlinear differential algebraic equation (NDAE) power network models, under uncertainty. Traditionally, these two problems have been decoupled due to complexity of handling NDAE models. In particular, this paper offers the first attempt to solve the aforementioned problem in a coupled approach where the algebraic and generator states estimates are simultaneously computed. The proposed estimation algorithm herein is endowed with the following properties: (i) it is fairly simple to implement and based on well-understood Lyapunov theory; (ii) considers various sources of uncertainty from generator control inputs, loads, renewables, process and measurement noise; (iii) models phasor measurement unit installations at arbitrary buses; and (iv) is computationally less intensive than the decoupled approach in the literature.

Phasor measurement units (PMUs) have become instrumental in modern power systems for enabling real time, wide-area monitoring and control. Accordingly, many studies have investigated efficient and robust dynamic state estimation (DSE) methods in order to accurately compute the dynamic states of generation units. Nonetheless, most of them forego the dynamic-algebraic nature of power networks and only consider their nonlinear dynamic representations. Motivated by the lack of DSE methods based on power network’s differential-algebraic equations (DAEs), this article develops a novel observer-based DSE framework in order to perform simultaneous estimation of the dynamic and algebraic states of multimachine power networks. Specifically, we leverage the DAE dynamics of a power network around an operating point and combine them with a PMU-based measurement model capable of capturing bus voltages and line currents. The proposed $\mathcal {H}_{\infty }$ observer, which only requires detectability and impulse observability conditions that are satisfied for various power networks, is designed to handle various noise, unknown inputs, and input sensor failures. The results obtained from performing extensive numerical simulations on IEEE 9-bus and 39-bus systems showcase the effectiveness of the proposed approach for DSE purposes.

A robust observer for performing power system dynamic state estimation (DSE) of a synchronous generator is proposed. The observer is developed using the concept of $\mathcal{L}_{\infty}$ stability for uncertain, nonlinear dynamic generator models. We use this concept to (i) design a simple, scalable, and robust dynamic state estimator and (ii) obtain a performance guarantee on the state estimation error norm relative to the magnitude of uncertainty from unknown generator inputs, and process and measurement noises. Theoretical methods to obtain upper and lower bounds on the estimation error are also provided. Numerical tests validate the performance of the $\mathcal{L}_{\infty}$ -based estimator in performing DSE under various scenarios. The case studies reveal that the derived theoretical bounds are valid for a variety of case studies and operating conditions, while yielding better performance than existing power system DSE methods.

Uncertainty from renewable energy and loads is one of the major challenges for stable grid operation. Various approaches have been explored to remedy these uncertainties. In this paper, we design centralized or decentralized state-feedback controllers for generators while considering worst-case uncertainty. Specifically, this paper introduces the notion of $\mathcal{L}_{\infty}$ robust control and stability for uncertain power networks. Uncertain and nonlinear differential algebraic equation model of the network is presented. The model includes unknown disturbances from renewables and loads. Given an operating point, the linearized state-space presentation is given. Then, the notion of $\mathcal{L}_{\infty}$ robust control and stability is discussed, resulting in a nonconvex optimization routine that yields a state feedback gain mitigating the impact of disturbances. The developed routine includes explicit input-bound constraints on generators' inputs and a measure of the worst-case disturbance. The feedback control architecture can be centralized, distributed, or decentralized. Algorithms based on successive convex approximations are then given to address the nonconvexity.

Monitoring and control of traffic networks represent alternative, inexpensive strategies to minimize traffic congestion. As the number of traffic sensors is naturally constrained by budgetary requirements, real-time estimation of traffic flow in road segments that are not equipped with sensors is of significant importance--thereby providing situational awareness and guiding real-time feedback control strategies. To that end, firstly we build a generalized traffic flow model for stretched highways with arbitrary number of ramp flows based on the Lighthill Whitham Richards (LWR) flow model. Secondly, we characterize the function set corresponding to the nonlinearities present in the LWR model, and use this characterization to design real-time and robust state estimators (SE) for stretched highway segments. Specifically, we show that the nonlinearities from the derived models are locally Lipschitz continuous by providing the analytical Lipschitz constants. Thirdly, the analytical derivation is then incorporated through a robust SE method given a limited number of traffic sensors, under the impact of process and measurement disturbances and unknown inputs. The estimator is based on deriving a convex semidefinite optimization problem. Finally, numerical tests are given showcasing the applicability, scalability, and robustness of the proposed estimator for large systems under high magnitude disturbances, parametric uncertainty, and unknown inputs.

Numerous state-feedback and observer designs for nonlinear dynamic systems (NDS) have been developed in the past three decades. These designs assume that NDS nonlinearities satisfy one of the following function set classifications: bounded Jacobian, Lipschitz continuity, one-sided Lipschitz, quadratic inner-boundedness, and quadratic boundedness. These function sets are characterized by constant scalars or matrices bounding the NDS’ nonlinearities. These constants depend on the NDS’ operating region, topology, and parameters and are utilized to synthesize observer/controller gains. Unfortunately, there is a near-complete absence of algorithms to compute such bounding constants. In this article, we develop analytical and computational methods to compute such constants. First, for every function set classification, we derive analytical expressions for these bounding constants through global maximization formulations. Second, we utilize a derivative-free interval-based global maximization algorithm based on the branch-and-bound framework to numerically obtain the bounding constants. Third, we showcase the effectiveness of our approaches to compute the corresponding parameters on some NDS such as highway traffic networks and synchronous generator models.