Feedback Path Selection for Load Frequency Control of Interconnected Power Systems

As electric power flows from one area to another in an interconnected power system, the frequency of the system may possibly change from a preset value, producing a frequency error. The main intrinsic function of control system is to maintain the frequency in different areas always near specified nominal values even in presence of unexpected external disturbances. Feedback control is one of the powerful approaches to obtaining a system that is stable and meet performance specifications, despite external disturbances. For the stable operation of an interconnected power system, feedback paths from load rich area to generation rich area are compulsory. This paper proposes a strategy for selecting the feedback path for load frequency control of interconnected power system using an active disturbance rejection controller (ADRC). It is observed that consideration of individual area load change is enough for selecting the right feedback paths rather than considering simultaneous change of all load centers.