Power System Area Frequency and Inertia for
Multi-Area Dynamic Network Reduction

Level of difficulty:
MS Thesis – Student must register for ECE299.

Thesis Supervisor contact info:
Hassan Ghoudjehbaklou, Ph.D., PE, SMIEEE
Principal Engineer, Transmission Planning
San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E)
Instructor at UC San Diego (UCSD), UCSD Extension
IEEE: Senior Member, Chair of PES & PELS Chapters, San Diego Section
Email: hbaklou@ucsd.edu

Background:
Power system frequencies during disturbances and post disturbances are good indicators of stability of
the system. On the other hand, the inertia of generating units dictate the oscillation of the rotors, which
in turn impact the frequency of the voltages and currents in the system. When reducing a large network,
the definition of Area Frequency and estimation of Area Inertia could play important roles.

MS Thesis research proposal:
The main objective of this research is to come up with methodologies for calculating Area Frequency
and Inertia that can be applied on actual power system netwrok Phasor Measurements Units (PMU)
data. We will then utilize this information to reduce a multi-area transmission network for dynamic
stability studies.

Skills required:
At a minimum, some Power system dynamic modeling knowledge, at the level of Swing Equations are
required. In addition, proficiency in Matlab programming and strong background in control system &
estimation theory would be a plus. (Student and professors involved in the project may have to sign a
Non-Disclosure Agreement, NDA, to not disclose the data in any form without prior written approval
from the thesis supervisor.)