UNIT-II – REAL POWER FREQUENCY CONTROL

1. What is meant by load frequency control? (Dec 2020)

The transmission lines that connect an area to its neighboring area are called tie-lines.
Power sharing between two areas occurs through these tie-lines. Load frequency control, as the
name signifies, regulates the power flow between different areas while holding the frequency
constant.
In electrical grid all synchronous generators operate in synchronism and deliver the
power to the load. When load on the generator increases, the rotor of synchronous generator
slows down resulting in reduction in the frequency of the grid. However, the governors
associated with the generators will act and tries to bring back the frequency to the normal
value. The control of frequency by the action of governors associated with turbine-generators
or reduction load is called “Load frequency control”.

2. What is the use of secondary loop? Or What is the purpose of secondary ALFC? Brief
the application of Secondary ALFC loop in power system networks (R-17, Dec 2020; R-
13, Dec 2018)
A slower secondary loop maintains the fine adjustment of the frequency, and also
by reset action maintains proper MW interchange with other pool members. This loop is
insensitive to rapid load and frequency changes but focuses instead on drift like changes
which take place over periods of minutes.

3. What are the functions of ALFC? What is the function of LFC on Power System?
What is the function of Load frequency control (R-17, Dec. 2021)
The basic role of ALFC‟s is to maintain desired MW output of a generator unit and
assist in controlling the frequency of large interconnection. The ALFC also helps to keep
the net interchange of power between pool members at predetermined values. Control
should be applied in such a fashion that highly differing response characteristics of units of
various types are recognized. Also unnecessary power output changes should be kept at a
minimum in order to reduce wear of control valves.

4. Specify the disadvantages of ALFC loop?

The ALFC loop will main control only during normal changes in load and
frequency. It is typically unable to provide adequate control during emergency situations,
when large MW imbalances occur.

5. How is the real power in a power system controlled?

The real power in a power system is being controlled by controlling the driving
torque of the individual turbines of the system.

6. What is AGC?
Automatic Generation and Control (AGC) is a centralized control unit that operates
both in real power time and in closed loop with strong interface towards economy and
security of power system. AGC is an online computer control that maintains the overall
system frequency and the net tie-line load exchange between the power companies and the
interconnection.

7. Explain the principle tie-line bias control? What is the objective of tie line bias
control? Define the concept of tie line bias control. (R-13, Dec 20/May 21; Dec 19 Jun
16)
The control strategy is termed as tie line bias control and is based upon the
principle that all operating pool members must contribute their share to frequency control is
addition to take care of their own net interchange.

UNIT II Page 1
8. Distinguish between primary and secondary feedback loops in Load frequency
control. (R-13, May 2018)
Primary Loop
 It achieves the primary goal of real power balance by adjusting the turbine output ∆P m
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.
Secondary Loop
 Secondary loop is used to maintain the fine adjustment of the frequency, and also by
reset action maintains proper MW interchange with other pool members.
 This loop is insensitive to rapid load and frequency changes but focuses instead on
drift like changes which take place over periods of minutes.

9. Define area control error. (R-17, Dec 21, R-13, Dec 20/May 21 Dec 16, Dec 18 )
Area control error contains both frequency error and error in tie-line power (power
exchange)

10. What is meant by a control area? What do you understand by control area? Define
control area. (R-13, Dec. 18)
Consider a power system with a number of generating stations and loads. It is possible
to divide the power system (national grid) into sub-areas (state electricity systems) in which
the generators are tightly coupled together so as to form a coherent group. All the generators
respond in unison to changes on load or speed changer settings. Such a coherent area is
called as control area in which the frequency is the same throughout in static as well as
dynamic conditions.

11. Write the tie line power deviation equation in terms of frequency. (R17, Dec 20)
∆ Ptie , 1=2 π T 12 [∫ ∆ f 1 dt −∫ ∆ f 2 dt ]

12. State/What are the different types of ALFC for interconnected power system. (R13,
Dec 17)
(i) Flat frequency control.
(ii) Flat tie – line control.
(iii) Frequency bias tie-line control.

13. Specify the use of static and dynamic response of the ALFC.
Static response of an ALFC loop will inform about frequency accuracy. The dynamic
response of an ALFC loop will inform about the stability of the loop.

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14. What is the need for Integral controller in ALFC (R13, May 2017)
To make the steady state error close to zero, integral controller is required.

15. What are the assumptions made in dynamic response of uncontrolled case? (R-08,
June 14)
The assumptions are:
i) Neglect the turbine dynamics
ii) The speed changer action is instantaneous.

16. Find the open loop gain of an automatic voltage regulator loop if the static error
does not exceed 2%.
The static error decreases with increased open loop gain. For a specified accuracy, the
minimum gain needed is obtained by substituting the following equation:
1 p
∆|V |ref < ∆|V |ref
K +1 100
100
i.e. K +1>
P
100
K> −1
P
For example, if the static error is specified as 2% of reference input, the open loop
gain must be >49

17. State the control objective of two area Load frequency control
The control objective is to regulate the frequency of each area and to simultaneously
regulate the tie line power as per inter-area power contracts.
(or)
1. To maintain the system frequency at required level.
2. To regulate the tie line power flow between areas.

UNIT II Page 3
 Unit – II - Part B & C Questions

1. With a neat block diagram, explain the single area load frequency control system with
different methods/modules. (16) (R-13, Dec 17, May 19, Dec 19)
Explain the Load Frequency Control of a Single Area System with neat block diagram
(Dec 2019)
Draw the transfer function block diagram for a single area system provided with static
analysis of uncontrolled case and controlled case (13) (R-2013, Dec. 2018)
Develop linear model for single area ALFC and explain the static and dynamic analysis for
controlled input. (R-2013, May 2017, Dec 2020)
Develop linear model for single area ALFC and explain the static and dynamic analysis for
uncontrolled input. (Dec 2016, May 2017)
Derive the transfer function of an uncontrolled load frequency control of a single area system
and derive the expression for static error following a step load change. (13) (R-17, Dec 20)
Derive the transfer function model and draw the block diagram for a single control area
provided with governor system. From the transfer function derive the expression for steady
state frequency error for a step change. (16) (R-2013, Dec 16)
With the block diagram of speed governing system, explain the Automatic Load Frequency
control. Also derive necessary equations. (R-08, May 2015)
Derive the block diagram of state variable model for ALFC. (8) (R-13, Dec 2016)

2. A power system has a total load of 1250 MW at 50 Hz. The load varies 1.5% for every 1%
change in frequency. Find the steady-state frequency deviation when a 50 MW load is
suddenly tripped, if
i) There is no speed control
ii) The system has 250 MW of spinning reserve evenly spread among 500 MW of
generating capacity with 5% regulation based on this capacity. Assume that the effect of
governor dead bands in such that only 80% of the governor respond to the reduction in
system load. (8) (R-13, Dec 2016)

3. Determine the steady state frequency in Hz for an isolated control area having the
following data: (R-08, May 2014; R-13, Jun 2016)
Total rated area capacity, Pr = 300 MW; frequency f = 50 Hz; Inertia constant H= 5s;
Regulation, R = 0.05 p.u; Turbine time constant = 0.5 s; Governor time constant = 0.2s
Load change = 60 MW. The load varies by 0.8% for a 1% in frequency.
Determine the steady state frequency deviation in Hz. (13) (8)
ii) Obtain the state variable model of single area ALFC system. (8)

4. The data pertaining to a single area power system with linear load frequency characteristic
are as follows. Rated Capacity = 2000 MW. System Load = 1000 MW, Inertia constant = 5
sec, Speed regulation =0.03 pu, Load damping factor = 1 pu, Normal Frequency = 50 Hz.
Governor Time constant a sec and Turbine time constant = 0 sec. For a sudden change in load
of 20 MW, determine the steady state frequency deviation and the change in generation in
MW and reduction in original load in MW (13) (R-17, Dec 21)

5. Draw the block diagram of uncontrolled two area ALFC system and explain the salient
features under static and dynamic conditions. (16) (R-13, Jun 16)
Draw the block diagram of uncontrolled two area ALFC system and explain the salient
features under static conditions. (16) (R-08, Jun 13)
Draw the transfer function block diagram for a two area system provided with governor
control and obtain the steady state frequency error following a step load change in both the
areas. (13) (R-17, Dec 21)
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Develop the state variable model of a two area system and state the advantages of the model
(13) (R-08, May 14)

6. Explain the tie-line bias control of two area system. (R-13, Dec 2017)

7. A two area system connected by a tie-line has the following parameters with base MVA
for each area with the frequency of 50 Hz and synchronizing power co-efficient T 12 = 2 p.u. A
load change of 400 MW occurs in area 1. Determine the steady state frequency deviation and
the change in the tie line flow. (13) (R-13, May 17, Dec 20)
Area 1 2
Turbine output power 2000 MVA 1000 MVA
Inertia constant 3% 4%
Generator Gain constant 50 Hz/p.u MW 40
Governor time constant 0.3 0.2
Turbine time constant 0.6 0.4

A two area system connected by a tie-line has the following parameters with base MVA for
each area. (13) (R-13, May 19)
Area 1 2
Turbine output power 2000 MVA 1000 MVA
Nominal frequency 50 Hz 50 Hz
Inertia constant 3% 5%
Generator Gain constant 50 Hz/p.u MW 40 Hz/p.u MW
Governor time constant 0.3 0.2
Turbine time constant 0.6 0.4
The synchronizing power co-efficient is computed from the initial operating condition T 12 = 2
p.u. a load change of 400 MW occurs in area 1. Determine the steady state frequency and the
change in the tie line flow. Comment on the results.

8. A two area power system has two identical areas with parameters and operating conditions:
(R-2008, Dec 2015)
Rated capacity of the area = 1500 MW
Normal operating load = 750 MW
Nominal frequency = 50 Hz
Inertia constant of the area = 5s
Speed Regulation = 3%;
Damping co-efficient = 1%
Governor time constant = 0.06s
Turbine time constant = 0.25 s
A load increase M1= 30 MW occurs in area 1. Determine change in frequency and compare
the change in frequency obtained in single area and comment on the support.

9. A two-area power system connected by a tie-line has the following parameters:

Parameters/Area Area 1 Area 2

Turbine output power (MW) 4000 2000
Nominal Frequency (Hz) 50 50
Speed Regulation 4% 5%
Power system Gain (kp) 50 125
Governor Time Constant 0.2 0.1
Turbine Time Constant 0.3 0.25

UNIT II Page 5
A load change of 80 MW occurs in area 1. Determine the steady state frequency and the
change in the tie-line flow.
10. Two interconnected Area-1 and Area-2 have the capacity of 2000 MW and 500 MW,
respectively. The incremental regulation and damping torque coefficient for each area on its
own base are 0.2 p.u and 0.8 p.u., respectively. Find the steady-state change in system
frequency from a nominal frequency of 50 Hz and the change in steady-state tie-line power
following a 750 MW change in the load of Area-1.

11. A two area system connected by a tie line has the following parameters with base MVA
for each area. (R-2013, May 2019)
Area 1 2
Turbine output power 2000 MVA 1000 MVA
Nominal frequency 50 Hz 50 Hz
Speed regulation 3% 5%
Power system gain (Kp) 50 Hz/p.u MW 40 Hz/p.u MW
Governor time constant 0.3 0.2
Turbine time constant 0.6 0.4
The synchronizing power co-efficient is computed from the initial operating condition T 1,2 =
2.0 p.u, a load change of 400 MW occurs in area 1. Determine the steady state frequency and
the change in the Tie-line flow, comment on the results. (R-2013, May 2019)
12. A sub- grid has total rated capacity 2500MW. It encounters a load increase of 50 MW if
the normal operating load is 1000 MW. Assume inertia constant (H) to be 5 sec and
regulation of the generators in the system as 2 Hz/p.u MW. Find (i) ALFC loop parameters
(ii) Static frequency drop, (iii) Transient response of the ALFC loop. Assume load frequency
dependency to be linear. (16) (R-2008, May 2015)

13. The two system connected by a tie line describe the following characteristics:
Area 1 Area 2
R = 0.01 pu R = 0.02 p.u
D = 0.8 pu D = 1.0 p.u
Base MVA = 500 Base MVA = 500

A load change of 100 MW (0.2 pu) occurs in area 1. What is the new steady state frequency
what is the change in flow? Assume both area were at nominal frequency (60 Hz) (R-2013,
May2018)
14. Consider an inductive load of type Z=R+jX. (R-13, Jun 2016)
(i) By how much percentage he real load drop, if the voltage is reduced by 5%?
(ii) How would 2% drop in frequency affect the real load, if the load power factor is
0.8. Derive the relation used. (16)

UNIT II Page 6