Ilic Awarded IEEE PES Prabha S. Kundur Power System Dynamics and Control Award

For pioneering contributions to hierarchical and distributed modeling and control of large power systems, Marija Ilic, professor emeritus of electrical and computer engineering, has received the 2024 IEEE PES Prabha S. Kundur Power System Dynamics and Control Award.

This award recognizes outstanding contributions to the understanding and control of the dynamics of the power system. As the development of the complex system, known as the interconnected bulk power system, unfolded around the world, it became critical to understand its nonlinear behavior as well as develop and deploy system controls vital to manage dynamic system behavior to ensure reliability.

Even today, as the bulk power system evolves to accommodate an unprecedented change in generation, transmission and loads, it is critical to manage integration of new and emergent technologies. Without this ability to model and predict the general dynamic behavior of the bulk power system and devise suitable coordinated systems controls, the modernization of the bulk power system would be inhibited. These developments come from the work of scientists and engineers who dedicate their careers to the deep understanding of bulk power system dynamic behavior, including transient, small-signal, voltage, and frequency stability, along with the development of controls vital to support bulk power system security and stability.

Ilic’s research and education focused on the modeling and control of large complex nonlinear systems with application to electric power systems. While it is motivated by the practical needs of the electric power industry, it is useful to other industries that operate large complex systems whose organization is hierarchical. Most generally, Ilic seeks to improve the technical and economic performance of electric power systems by means of control and communication.

The award is in honor of Dr. Prabha S. Kundur. Dr. Kundur, who worked on the leading edge of developments in power system dynamics and control for nearly four decades. His contributions to the technical advancements in the understanding and control of power system dynamic behavior are known world-wide.