Robust load frequency control using genetic algorithms and linear matrix inequalities

In this paper, two robust decentralized control design methodologies for load frequency control (LFC) are proposed. The first one is based on H-infinity control design using linear matrix inequalities (LMI) technique in order to obtain robustness against uncertainties. The second controller has a simpler structure, which is more appealing from an implementation point of view, and it is tuned by a proposed novel robust control design algorithm to achieve the same robust performance as the first one. More specifically, genetic algorithms (GAs) optimization is used to tune the control parameters of the proportional-integral (PI) controller subject to the H-infinity constraints in terms of LMI. Hence, the second control design is called GALMI. Both proposed controllers are tested on a three-area power system with three scenarios of load disturbances to demonstrate their robust performances.