Thermodynamic H-8 Control of Multidomain Power Networks

The problem of achieving disturbance attenuation while maximizing energy efficiency in multidomain power networks is considered. Recent results generalizing principles from thermodynamics, in particular those associated with the second law and exergy are used as a basis to define a cost function. A full-information H∞ approach is used to guarantee a prescribed level of disturbance attenuation, and a secondary, energy-oriented optimization is carried out over the degree of freedom associated with the non-uniqueness of the H∞ solution. The secondary problem is non-convex, requiring a global search. A comprehensive simulation example is included demonstrating the superiority of the optimized controllers, in particular relative to the central solution of H∞ control.