Frequency control of a large power grid

Primary Frequency Control

 Classification Of Frequency Control
The stability of an electric grid is maintained by controlling
frequency & voltage. There are three steps to control the
frequency :

1. Primary Frequency Control (PFC)

2. Secondary Frequency Control (SFC)
3. Tertiary Frequency Control (TFC)
Primary Frequency Control (PFC)
Primary Control is more generally known as
Frequency Response. An external control loop
called governor control , that is contained by
each turbine prime mover of a conventional
generator is typically equipped with it.
Governor control system controls the rotation
speed of the shaft by altering the supply to
the turbine and thus control frequency. This
type of control is usually called primary
frequency control.
PFC immediately activates
when the grid frequency
limit is not in set DEAD-
BAND limits.

The primary control action

time is 0 to 30 seconds
after disturbance between
generation & demand.
Objective Of Primary Control

The objective of primary control is to re-

establish a balance between generation
and demand within the synchronous area
at a frequency different from the nominal
value.
Reasons Of The Frequency Fall
Under normal condition the system
operates at balanced. Each
disturbance of this balance, due to, for
example disconnecting of large
generating units or loads cause change
in the frequency.
 Time
At first, the frequency varies rapidly, practically linearly, and
attains the maximum deviation from the nominal value. This
deviation cause the primary controller of the generators subject
to primary control to response within a few seconds.
 Factors in Which The Magnitude Of Dynamic
Frequency Deviation Depend On
The magnitude of the dynamic frequency
deviation depends on:

1. The amplitude and development over time of the

disturbance affecting the balance between power output
and consumption.

2. The kinetic energy of rotating machines in the system.

3. The number of generators subject to primary control.

4. The dynamic characteristics of the machines (including

controllers).

5. The dynamic characteristics of loads.

 How to Control
This deviation in the system frequency will cause the primary controllers of all
generators subject to primary control to respond within a few seconds. The
controllers alter the power delivered by the generators until a balance between the
power output and consumption is re-established.

Frequency Response takes place within the first few seconds following a change in
system frequency (disturbance) to stabilize the Interconnection. Frequency
Response is provided by the following:
1. Governor Action : At disturbance the change in speed is sensed by governor
in generator & adjust the energy input into the generator’s prime mover.
2. Load : As frequency drops, motors will spin slower and draw less power. The
reduction of system load (rapidly) may also be effected by automatic operation of
under-frequency relays. As a safety net, percentages of firm load may be dropped
by under-frequency load detaching programs to ensure stabilization of the systems
under severe disturbance scenarios

At the moment when the balance is reestablished, the system frequency stabilizes
and remains at a quasi-steady-state value, but differs from the frequency set point
because of the generators’ droop.
 Summary
 PFC is done at the expense of the kinetic energy of rotating
masses of generating sets & connecting motors.

 Primary Responses delivered within 30 seconds if it is not

possible to re-balance the frequency within 30 seconds, the
system will go to secondary frequency control stage.

 It is important to be remembered that Primary Control will

not return frequency to normal, but only stabilize it. Other
control components are used to restore frequency to
normal.