Ringdown analysis of power systems using vector fitting

•An identification method based on vector fitting is proposed for ringdown analysis.•Oscillatory modes are accurately identified, even in highly noisy environments.•Small execution times enable the applicability of the method for online monitoring.•The model order can be automatically adjusted.•The method is evaluated for different power system models.

This short communication introduces vector fitting for mode estimation from ringdown responses of power systems. The performance of the method is evaluated for different power system models and is found to be very accurate.