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Abstract

In this work we model the dynamics of power grids in terms of a two-layer network, and use the Italian high voltage power grid as a proof-of-principle example. The first layer in our model represents the power grid con- sisting of generators and consumers, while the second layer represents a dynamic communication network that serves as a controller of the first layer. The dynamics of the power grid is modelled by the Kuramoto model with inertia, while the communication layer provides a con- trol signal Pci for each generator to improve frequency synchronization within the power grid. We propose dif- ferent realizations of the communication layer topology and of the control signal, and test the control perfor- mances in presence of generators with stochastic power output. When using a control topology that allows all generators to exchange information, we find that a con- trol scheme aimed to minimize the frequency difference between adjacent nodes operates very efficiently even against the worst scenarios with the strongest perturba- tions. On the other hand, for a control topology where the generators possess the same communication links as in the power grid layer, a control scheme aimed at restor- ing the synchronization frequency in the neighborhood of the controlled node turns out to be more efficient.