Modeling and analysis of speed controls in hydro-turbines for frequency performance

This paper presents a discussion of the principal control strategies for frequency control in hydro-turbines and their performance under nonlinearities. Practical considerations for the dynamic modeling of the control systems in hydro-turbines are introduced. Actuator dynamics and their importance in the control loop are analyzed. A study is also performed on an exemplifying small hydro system to show how the frequency response in the system behaves with the addition of nonlinearities in its controls.