Power system applications of trajectory sensitivities

Trajectory sensitivities complement time domain simulation in the analysis of large disturbance dynamic behaviour of power systems. They are formed by linearization around a nonlinear, and possibly non-smooth, trajectory. The influence of parameter variations on large disturbance behaviour can be estimated (to first order) from these sensitivities. Large (small) sensitivities indicate that a parameter has a significant (negligible) effect on behaviour. These insights are helpful in analysing the underlying influences on system dynamics, and for assessing the significance of parameter uncertainty. Further, trajectory sensitivities provide gradient information for applications such as parameter estimation, boundary value problems, border-collision bifurcations, and optimal control.