Support tools for simulation-based optimal design of power networks with embedded power electronics

Summary form only given. The paper presents a gradient-based nonlinear optimization wrapper for an electromagnetic transient simulation program to assists in the design of hardware and control parameters of FACTS apparatus. A new second-order sensitivity analysis method is introduced that quantifies the sensitivity of the optimal solution to parameter uncertainties. Using this approach, the sensitivity of the harmonic elimination capability of a pulse-width modulated voltage source converter to variations in switching angles is investigated. The paper also adapts the method of Pareto optimization to the simulation-based design of FACTS apparatus when multiple design objectives are to be satisfied. The developed Pareto optimization tool generates a Pareto frontier plot to visualize the design tradeoffs between the multiple objectives. The effectiveness of the tool is demonstrated through a design example that selects optimal values for the dc-bus capacitor and the control settings of a STATCOM.