Eigenvalue assignments in multimachine power systems using tabu search algorithm

Applying tabu search (TS) optimization technique to multimachine power system stabilizer (PSS) design is presented in this paper. The proposed approach employs TS to search for optimal or near optimal settings of PSS parameters that shift the system eigenvalues associated with the electromechanical modes to the left of a vertical line in the s-plane. Incorporation of TS algorithm in PSS design significantly reduces the computational burden. One of the main advantages of the proposed approach is its robustness to the initial guess. The performance of the proposed PSS under different disturbances and loading conditions is investigated for multimachine power systems. The eigenvalue analysis and the nonlinear simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed PSSs to damp out the local as well as the interarea modes of oscillations and work effectively over a wide range of loading conditions and system configurations. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.