Reinforcement learning based backstepping control of power system oscillations

This paper proposes a reinforcement learning based backstepping control technique for damping oscillations in electric power systems using the generators excitation systems. Decentralized controllers are first designed using the backstepping technique. Then, reinforcement learning is used to tune the gains of these controllers to adapt to various operating conditions. Simulation results for a two area power system show that the proposed control technique provides better damping than (i) conventional power system stabilizers and (ii) backstepping fixed gain controllers.