Multi-Objective Deep Reinforcement Learning for Secure and Stable Power System Operation

Abstract

The ongoing energy transition challenges the stable operation of power systems and increases the need for rapid decision-making under uncertainty. While reinforcement learning has emerged as a promising framework for power system control and operation, existing applications typically focus on a single operational criterion, such as thermal security or small-signal stability. However, power system operation is inherently multi-objective and may involve trade-offs between objectives. This paper develops a unified-control deep reinforcement learning agent that maintains thermal security under stochastic load variations while steering the system toward operating points with improved damping of the most critical mode. Compared to a thermal-security-only agent and a business-as-usual policy, the proposed agent achieves a better balance among the operational objectives considered, with notably improved damping and negligible thermal-security violations. Finally, the operational value of increased critical damping is demonstrated under small- and large-signal disturbances, where operating points with higher damping lead to faster oscillation decay and improved critical clearing times.