OPTIMUM ADJUSTMENT OF HYDRO GENERATOR GOVERNORS

Abstract

An important aspect of power utility operation is effective frequency and voltage regulation of the electrical supply. Techniques for establishing quality settings of system controllers are of economic and system performance significance. In this thesis methods for determining quality frequency regulation of generators using hydraulic turbines as prime movers are developed. The quality frequency regulati6n process takes into account the energy demands and delivery requirements of the utility customers and the mechanical constraints of the generating installation. The methods presently employed are evaluated and the deficiencies established. System operational experience and needs are used as a basis for mathematically defining an optimum unit frequency regulation process. A linear time invariant model is employed in the analysis. A single unit isolated load configuration adapted with several versions of frequency controllers is studied. Interconnected system phenomena are investigated and the related limitations of present day governoring facilities are determined. The adjustment techniques presently used for specific system frequency controllers are extended and more flexible criteria are suggested. A procedure is developed for selecting optimum governor settings of a hydro-electric power generator regulated by a realistic general type of governor. Multivariable optimization search techniques are employed in the selection of these adjustments. The performance criterion, a special case of Krasovskii's integral, is a function of the system state variables. The method described can be extended to the optimization of automatic voltage regulators and interacting frequency controllers.