Simplified adaptive backstepping excitation controller design for power systems

Abstract This study introduces a simplified adaptive backstepping excitation control aimed at improving the transient stability of electric power systems. The controller addresses the challenges of simplifying adaptive backstepping control for multi‐machine systems. Unlike traditional backstepping, dynamic surface, and command‐filtered backstepping controllers, ours eliminates the need for virtual stabilizing functions, their derivatives, and any filters, thus significantly reducing computational burden. Additionally, a one‐order compensation subsystem is employed to mitigate the impact of nonlinear uncertainties using an adaptive control scheme and the congelation of variables technique. Through this approach, the proposed controller involves only one actual control law and one adaptive law, allowing for direct use. The performance of the closed‐loop system is analyzed based on the Lyapunov stability theorem. The effectiveness of the proposed method is evaluated using an IEEE 9‐bus multi‐machine power system (WSCC power system) consisting of nine buses and three machines. Simulation results demonstrate the efficacy of the developed controller and its superior performance compared to traditional backstepping, dynamic surface, and command‐filtered backstepping control designs.