# Revealing interactions between HVDC cross-area flows and frequency stability with explainable AI

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2204.10727 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2204.10727/

## Key facts

- No citing papers in the map yet (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 10 of its 52 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 22 Apr 2022.

## Builds on (most cited first, 10 of 10)

- [A Unified Approach to Interpreting Model Predictions](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1705.07874/) (2017)
- [XGBoost: A Scalable Tree Boosting System](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1603.02754/) (2016)
- [Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI): Concepts, Taxonomies, Opportunities and Challenges toward Responsible AI](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1910.10045/) (2019)
- [Explainable Machine Learning for Scientific Insights and Discoveries](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1905.08883/) (2019)
- [Revealing drivers and risks for power grid frequency stability with explainable AI](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2106.04341/) (2021)
- [Impact of Low Rotational Inertia on Power System Stability and Operation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1312.6435/) (2013)
- [Optimal Placement of Virtual Inertia in Power Grids](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1510.01497/) (2015)
- [Predictability of Power Grid Frequency](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2004.09259/) (2020)
- [Exploring deterministic frequency deviations with explainable AI](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2106.09538/) (2021)
- [Frequency dynamics of the Northern European AC/DC power system: a look-ahead study](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2107.13890/) (2021)

## Abstract (arXiv)

The energy transition introduces more volatile energy sources into the power grids. In this context, power transfer between different synchronous areas through High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) links becomes increasingly important. Such links can balance volatile generation by enabling long-distance transport or by leveraging their fast control behavior. Here, we investigate the interaction of power imbalances - represented through the power grid frequency - and power flows on HVDC links between synchronous areas in Europe. We use explainable machine learning to identify key dependencies and disentangle the interaction of critical features. Our results show that market-based HVDC flows introduce deterministic frequency deviations, which however can be mitigated through strict ramping limits. Moreover, varying HVDC operation modes strongly affect the interaction with the grid. In particular, we show that load-frequency control via HVDC links can both have control-like or disturbance-like impacts on frequency stability.