Robust damping controls for large power systems

A perspective on the need for robust damping controls in the extensive power system that serves western North America is offered. Key issues include the dynamics of the power system, known threats to controller robustness, and the information-poor environment in which major damping controllers must be designed and operated. The discussion covers power system stability control, reactive-power modulation in the main area, small-signal response during system disturbances, system dynamics tests at the Celilo HVDC terminal, and HVDC modulation and interactions.>