Kevin Tomsovic

Associate Professor


Key words:

Deregulation, Intelligent systems, Distribution systems, Optimization, Fuzzy Logic,

Research description:

Power system deregulation, increased system complexity, improved data-gathering, new generation technology and the expanded role of computers in a power system have created the need for more sophisticated planning and operation tools. Kevin Tomsovic has been applying "intelligent" system methods and other advances in computer technology to contemporary power system problems.

One area of work focuses on investigating optimization and "reasoning" methods for distribution system design and operation, including protection design, expansion planning, maintenance resource allocation and the use of dispersed generation units. The goal of these projects is to develop new paradigms and greatly improve performance of the distribution system.

Deregulation of the power industry may greatly increase the complexity of controlling the power system and reaching sound economic decisions. This has created the need for advancements in localized control methodologies under uncertainty. Initial efforts in this direction have focused on the development of robust fuzzy logic controllers for FACTS devices and power system stabilizers. Progress has been achieved in developing design methodologies and stability analysis methods for rule based controllers under uncertainty. Another project considers that competing in the market place will require price based unit commitment and dispatch approaches. Methods for creating competitive bids in the market place using game theory has been developed. Strategies to incorporate uncertain competitor actions into the unit commitment problem is on-going.

Laboratory facilities:

The power engineering group at WSU has developed several laboratories to assist in instruction and research at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. A relay lab, established with assistance from Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, allows students to use PCs to control relay test procedures and access test data. Available in the lab are traditional electromechanical relays, solid state relays and microprocessor based relays. In addition, a power machines laboratory was designed with the assistance of an NSF instructional laboratory improvement grant. Students can take measurements and control 3-f 2kVA motor-generators using PCs. A third laboratory named the power systems computational laboratory has been recently completed. Available large system software includes EMTP, stability analysis programs, load flow and generation dispatch. This laboratory will provide a systems view that cannot be readily ascertained from observing individual power system components.

Return to University Research Capability