Improving the Stability of Meshed Power Networks

The work in this thesis proposes the innovative use of modern technologies and mathematical techniques to analyse and control future power systems. It exploits new enabling technologies such as Voltage Source Converter High Voltage Direct Current (VSC-HVDC) lines, both single and multi-terminal, and Wide Area Measurement Systems (WAMS) to reduce the risks of instability associated with greater utilisation of modern power systems. New control systems for these technologies have been analysed, and subsequently designed, using advanced probabilistic analysis techniques to ensure that they are robust to the variable and turbulent conditions expected in the future.

Robin Preece was awarded his First Class BEng with Honours in Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Industrial Experience from the University of Manchester in 2009, graduating with the highest marks in the School and receiving the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award and the University IET Prize. He was also awarded the Basil Papadias High Quality Paper Award for submission of an outstanding student paper at the IEEE PowerTech 2011 Conference in Trondheim, Norway, and he is recognised as the top PhD graduate from the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering in 2012/13. To date, he has published eleven international research papers - four in the leading journals in the field and seven at international conferences where he has appeared in an invited session.