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Automatic Generation Control

2.1 Introduction

The main objective of power system operation and control is to maintain continuous
supply of power with an acceptable quality, to all the consumers in the system. The
system will be in equilibrium, when there is a balance between the power demand and the
power generated. As the power in AC form has real and reactive components: the real
power balance; as well as the reactive power balance is to be achieved.

There are two basic control mechanisms used to achieve reactive power balance
(acceptable voltage profile) and real power balance (acceptable frequency values). The
former is called the automatic voltage regulator (AVR) and the latter is called the
automatic load frequency control (ALFC) or automatic generation control (AGC).

2.2 Generator Voltage Control System

The voltage of the generator is proportional to the speed and excitation (flux) of the
generator. The speed being constant, the excitation is used to control the voltage.
Therefore, the voltage control system is also called as excitation control system or
automatic voltage regulator (AVR).
For the alternators, the excitation is provided by a device (another machine or a static
device) called exciter. For a large alternator the exciter may be required to supply a field
current of as large as 6500A at 500V and hence the exciter is a fairly large machine.
Depending on the way the dc supply is given to the field winding of the alternator (which
is on the rotor), the exciters are classified as: i) DC Exciters; ii) AC Exciters; and
iii) Static Exciters. Accordingly, several standard block diagrams are developed by the
IEEE working group to represent the excitation system. A schematic of an excitation
control system is shown in Fig2.1.

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Fig2.1: A schematic of Excitation (Voltage) Control System.

A simplified block diagram of the generator voltage control system is shown in Fig2.2.
The generator terminal voltage Vt is compared with a voltage reference Vref to obtain a
voltage error signal V. This signal is applied to the voltage regulator shown as a block
with transfer function KA/(1+TAs). The output of the regulator is then applied to exciter
shown with a block of transfer function Ke/(1+Tes). The output of the exciter Efd is then
applied to the field winding which adjusts the generator terminal voltage. The generator
field can be represented by a block with a transfer function KF/(1+sTF). The total transfer
V G( s) K AKeKF
function is = where, G ( s ) =
Vref 1 + G ( s ) (1 + sT A )(1 + sTe )(1 + sTF )

The stabilizing compensator shown in the diagram is used to improve the dynamic
response of the exciter. The input to this block is the exciter voltage and the output is a
stabilizing feedback signal to reduce the excessive overshoot.

Fig2.2: A simplified block diagram of Voltage (Excitation) Control System.

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Performance of AVR Loop

The purpose of the AVR loop is to maintain the generator terminal voltage with in
acceptable values. A static accuracy limit in percentage is specified for the AVR, so that
the terminal voltage is maintained within that value. For example, if the accuracy limit is
4%, then the terminal voltage must be maintained with in 4% of the base voltage.

The performance of the AVR loop is measured by its ability to regulate the terminal
voltage of the generator within prescribed static accuracy limit with an acceptable speed
of response. Suppose the static accuracy limit is denoted by Ac in percentage with
reference to the nominal value. The error voltage is to be less than (Ac/100)|V|ref.
From the block diagram, for a steady state error voltage e;
Ac
e = |V|ref - |V|t < |V|ref
100
G( s)
e = |V|ref - |V|t = |V|ref - |V|ref
1 + G( s)
G( s)
= {1- }|V|ref
1 + G( s)
For constant input condition, (s0)
G( s) G ( 0)
e = {1- }|V|ref = {1 - }|V|ref
1 + G( s) 1 + G ( 0)
1 1
= |V|ref = |V|ref
1 + G ( 0) 1+ K
where, K= G(0) is the open loop gain of the AVR. Hence,
1 Ac 100
|V|ref < |V|ref or K>{ - 1}
1+ K 100 Ac

Example1: Find the open loop gain of an AVR loop if the static accuracy required is 3%.
100 100
Solution: Given Ac = 3%. K > { - 1}= K > { - 1} = 32.33. Thus, if the
Ac 3
open loop gain of the AVR loop is greater than 32.33, then the terminal voltage will be
within 3% of the base voltage.

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2.3 Automatic Load Frequency Control

The ALFC is to control the frequency deviation by maintaining the real power balance in
the system. The main functions of the ALFC are to i) to maintain the steady frequency; ii)
control the tie-line flows; and iii) distribute the load among the participating generating
units. The control (input) signals are the tie-line deviation Ptie (measured from the tie-
line flows), and the frequency deviation f (obtained by measuring the angle deviation
). These error signals f and Ptie are amplified, mixed and transformed to a real
power signal, which then controls the valve position. Depending on the valve position,
the turbine (prime mover) changes its output power to establish the real power balance.
The complete control schematic is shown in Fig2.3

Fig2.3: The Schematic representation of ALFC system

For the analysis, the models for each of the blocks in Fig2 are required. The generator
and the electrical load constitute the power system. The valve and the hydraulic amplifier
represent the speed governing system. Using the swing equation, the generator can be
2 Hd 2
modeled by = Pm Pe . Expressing the speed deviation in pu,
s dt 2
d 1
= (Pm Pe ) . This relation can be represented as shown in Fig2.4.
dt 2H

Fig2.4. The block diagram representation of the Generator

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The load on the system is composite consisting of a frequency independent component

and a frequency dependent component. The load can be written as Pe = P0 + Pf
where, Pe is the change in the load; P0 is the frequency independent load component;
Pf is the frequency dependent load component. Pf = D where, D is called frequency
characteristic of the load (also called as damping constant) expressed in percent change in
load for 1% change in frequency. If D=1.5%, then a 1% change in frequency causes 1.5%
change in load. The combined generator and the load (constituting the power system) can
then be represented as shown in Fig2.5

Fig2.5. The block diagram representation of the Generator and load

The turbine can be modeled as a first order lag as shown in the Fig2.6

Pm (s) K
Gt (s) = = t
PV (s) 1+ sTt
Gt(s) is the TF of the turbine; PV(s) is the change in valve output (due to action).
Pm(s) is the change in the turbine output
Fig2.6. The turbine model.
The governor can similarly modeled as shown in Fig2.7. The output of the governor is by

Pg = Pref where Pref is the reference set power, and /R is the power given
R
by governor speed characteristic. The hydraulic amplifier transforms this signal Pg into
valve/gate position corresponding to a power PV. Thus PV(s) = ( Kg/(1+sTg))Pg(s).

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Fig2.7: The block diagram representation of the Governor

All the individual blocks can now be connected to represent the complete ALFC loop as
shown in Fig2.8

Fig2.8: The block diagram representation of the ALFC

2.4 Steady State Performance of the ALFC Loop

In the steady state, the ALFC is in open state, and the output is obtained by substituting
s0 in the TF.
With s0, Gg(s) and Gt(s) become unity, then, (note that Pm =PT = PG = Pe = PD ;
That is turbine output = generator/electrical output = load demand)
Pm = Pref (1/R) or Pm = Pref (1/R)f
When the generator is connected to infinite bus (f = 0, and V = 0), then Pm = Pref .

If the network is finite, for a fixed speed changer setting (Pref = 0), then
Pm = (1/R)f or f = -R Pm.
If the frequency dependent load is present, then
Pm
Pm = Pref (1/R +D)f or f =
D + 1/ R

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If there are more than one generator present in the system, then
Pm. eq = Pref.eq (D + 1/Req)f
where, Pm. eq = Pm1 + Pm2 + Pm.3 +.
Pref. eq = Pref1 + Pref2 + Pref3 +..
1/Req = (1/R1 +1/R2 +1/R2 +.)
The quantity = (D + 1/Req) is called the area frequency (bias) characteristic (response)
or simply the stiffness of the system.

2.5 Concept of AGC (Supplementary ALFC Loop)

The ALFC loop shown in Fig2.8, is called the primary ALFC loop. It achieves the
primary goal of real power balance by adjusting the turbine output Pm to match the
change in load demand PD. All the participating generating units contribute to the
change in generation. But a change in load results in a steady state frequency deviation
f. The restoration of the frequency to the nominal value requires an additional control
loop called the supplementary loop. This objective is met by using integral controller
which makes the frequency deviation zero. The ALFC with the supplementary loop is
generally called the AGC. The block diagram of an AGC is shown in Fig2.9. The main
objectives of AGC are i) to regulate the frequency (using both primary and
supplementary controls); ii) and to maintain the scheduled tie-line flows. A secondary
objective of the AGC is to distribute the required change in generation among the
connected generating units economically (to obtain least operating costs).

Fig2.9: The block diagram representation of the AGC

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2.6 AGC in a Single Area System

In a single area system, there is no tie-line schedule to be maintained. Thus the function
of the AGC is only to bring the frequency to the nominal value. This will be achieved
using the supplementary loop (as shown in Fig.2.9) which uses the integral controller to
change the reference power setting so as to change the speed set point. The integral
controller gain KI needs to be adjusted for satisfactory response (in terms of overshoot,
settling time) of the system. Although each generator will be having a separate speed
governor, all the generators in the control area are replaced by a single equivalent
generator, and the ALFC for the area corresponds to this equivalent generator.

2.7 AGC in a Multi Area System

In an interconnected (multi area) system, there will be one ALFC loop for each control
area (located at the ECC of that area). They are combined as shown in Fig2.10 for the
interconnected system operation. For a total change in load of PD, the steady state
PD
deviation in frequency in the two areas is given by f = 1 = 2 = where,
1 + 2
1 = (D1+1/R1); and 2 = (D2+1/R2).

Fig.2.10. AGC for a multi-area operation.

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2.8 Expression for tie-line flow in a two-area interconnected system

Consider a change in load PD1 in area1. The steady state frequency deviation f is the
same for both the areas. That is f = f1 = f2. Thus, for area1, we have
Pm1 - PD1 - P12 = D1f
where, P12 is the tie line power flow from Area1to Area 2; and for Area 2
Pm2 + P12 = D2f
The mechanical power depends on regulation. Hence
f f
Pm1 = and Pm 2 =
R1 R2
Substituting these equations, yields
1 1
( + D1 )f = P12 PD1 and ( + D2 )f = P12
R1 R2
Solving for f, we get
PD1 PD1
f = =
(1 / R1 + D1 ) + (1 / R2 + D2 ) 1 + 2

PD1 2
and P12 =
1 + 2
where, 1 and 2 are the composite frequency response characteristic of Area1 and Area 2
respectively. An increase of load in area1 by PD1 results in a frequency reduction in both
areas and a tie-line flow of P12. A positive P12 is indicative of flow from Area1 to Area
2 while a negative P12 means flow from Area 2 to Area1. Similarly, for a change in Area
PD 2
2 load by PD2, we have f =
1 + 2
PD 2 1
and P12 = P21 =
1 + 2
Frequency bias tie line control
The tie line deviation reflects the contribution of regulation characteristic of one area to
another. The basic objective of supplementary control is to restore balance between each
area load generation. This objective is met when the control action maintains
Frequency at the scheduled value

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Net interchange power (tie line flow) with neighboring areas at the scheduled
values
The supplementary control should ideally correct only for changes in that area. In other
words, if there is a change in Area1 load, there should be supplementary control only in
Area1 and not in Area 2. For this purpose the area control error (ACE) is used (Fig2.9).
The ACE of the two areas are given by
For area 1: ACE1 = P12 + 1f

For area 2: ACE2 = P21 + 2f

2.9 Economic Allocation of Generation

An important secondary function of the AGC is to allocate generation so that each
generating unit is loaded economically. That is, each generating unit is to generate that
amount to meet the present demand in such a way that the operating cost is the minimum.
This function is called Economic Load Dispatch (ELD).

2.10 Systems with more that two areas

The method described for the frequency bias control for two area system is applicable to
multiarea system also.

Note:
The regulation constant R is negative of the slope of the f verses pm curve of
the turbine-governor control. The unit of R is Hz/MW when f is in Hz and pm is
in MW. When f and pm are in per-unit, R is also in per-unit.
The area frequency characteristic is defined as = {1/(D+1/R)}, where D is the
frequency damping factor of the load. The unit of is MW/Hz when f is in Hz
and pm is in MW. If f and pm are in per unit, then is also in per unit.

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Examples:
Ex 1. A 500 MVA, 50 Hz, generating unit has a regulation constant R of 0.05 p.u. on its
own rating. If the frequency of the system increases by 0.01 Hz in the steady state, what
is the decrease in the turbine output? Assume fixed reference power setting.
Solution: In p.u. f = 0.01/50 = 0.0002 p.u.
With pref = 0, pm = -1/R(f) = - 0.004 p.u.
Hence, pm = -0.004 Sbase = - 2 MW.
Ex. 2. An interconnected 60 Hz power system consists of one area with three generating
units rated 500, 750, and 1000 MVA respectively. The regulation constant of each unit is
R= 0.05 per unit on its own rating. Each unit is initially operating at one half of its rating,
when the system load suddenly increases by 200MW. Determine (i) the area frequency
response characteristic on a 1000 MVA system base, (ii) the steady state frequency
deviation of the area, and (iii) the increase in turbine power output.

Regulation constants on common system base are (Rpu new = R pu old ( Sbase new/Sbase old):
R1 = 0.1; R2 = 0.0667; and R3 = 0.05.
Hence = (1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3) = 45 per unit.

Neglecting losses and frequency dependence of the load, the steady state frequency
deviation is f = (-1/)pm = -4.444 x10 -3 per unit = (-4.444 x10 -3 )60 = - 0.2667 Hz.

pm1 = (-1/R1)(f) = 0.04444 per unit = 44.44 MW

pm2 = (-1/R2)(f) = 0.06666 per unit = 66.66 MW
pm3 = (-1/R3)(f) = 0.08888 per unit = 88.88 MW

Ex.3. A 60 Hz, interconnected power system has two areas. Area1 has 2000 MW
generation and area frequency response of 700 MW/Hz. Area 2 has 4000 MW generation
and area frequency response of 1400 MW/Hz. Each area is initially generating half of its
rated generation, and the tie-line deviation is zero at 60 Hz when load in Area1 is

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suddenly increases by 100 MW. Find the steady state frequency error and tie line error of
the two areas. What is the effect of using AGC in this system?

In the steady state, f = (-1/) pm = {pm / -(1 + 2)} = ( -100/2100) = - 0.0476 Hz.

Assuming pref = 0,
pm1 = -1 f = 33.33 MW; and pm2 = -2 f = 66.67 MW.
Thus in response to 100 MW change in Area1, both areas will change their generation.
The increase in Area 2 generation will now flow through tie line to Area1.

Hence p tie1 = - 66.67 MW; and p tie2 = + 66.67 MW.

With AGC, the Area control error is determined as follows.

ACE 1 = p tie1 + B1 f where B1 is the frequency bias constant.

ACE 2 = p tie2 ( = - p tie1) + B2 f where B2 is the frequency bias constant.
The control will actuate such that in the steady state the frequency and tie line deviations
are zero. Thus till ACE1= ACE2 = 0, the control signal will be present.

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