# Optimal load-side control for frequency regulation in smart grids

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1410.2931 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1410.2931/

## Key facts

- Cited by 3 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 11 Oct 2014.

## Built on by (most cited first, 3 of 3)

- [Reinforcement Learning for Selective Key Applications in Power Systems: Recent Advances and Future Challenges](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2102.01168/) (2021)
- [Predictability and Fairness in Load Aggregation and Operations of Virtual Power Plants](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2110.03001/) (2021)
- [Online Event-Triggered Switching for Frequency Control in Power Grids with Variable Inertia](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2408.15436/) (2024)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Frequency control rebalances supply and demand while maintaining the network state within operational margins. It is implemented using fast ramping reserves that are expensive and wasteful, and which are expected to grow with the increasing penetration of renewables. The most promising solution to this problem is the use of demand response, i.e. load participation in frequency control. Yet it is still unclear how to efficiently integrate load participation without introducing instabilities and violating operational constraints. In this paper we present a comprehensive load-side frequency control mechanism that can maintain the grid within operational constraints. In particular, our controllers can rebalance supply and demand after disturbances, restore the frequency to its nominal value and preserve inter-area power flows. Furthermore, our controllers are distributed (unlike the currently implemented frequency control), can allocate load updates optimally, and can maintain line flows within thermal limits. We prove that such a distributed load-side control is globally asymptotically stable and robust to unknown load parameters. We illustrate its effectiveness through simulations.