Frequency Regulation of Synchronous Generator

Abstract

The objective of this thesis is to create a Load Frequency Control (LFC) to regulate the active power output and frequency of a synchronous generator, and to conduct experiments to verify frequency stability. The electrical parameters of the synchronous generator will be determined through testing. The dynamic response of the prime mover and generator will be found experimentally by evaluating the step response. A Proportional-Integral-Derivative Controller (PID) will be tuned with various techniques, then implemented on a loaded generator. A change in loading will be applied to the generator, and the controller will attempt to maintain the synchronous speed. The electrical parameters of the generator were verified through multiple tests. It is shown that the Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) PID that controls the prime mover managed to maintain close to synchronous speed when a change in load occurred, within required tolerance. The mechanical constants of the generator and prime mover has been calculated by evaluating the dynamic response and measured mechanical torque, and is consistent with parameters from machine data sheets. A stability analysis has been performed on the controller loop, indicating stability around the working point.