Excitation System Tuning and Testing for Increased Power System Stability

Generator Instability Can Impact Transmission Systems

Faults in any power generating system that is connected to the grid can cause widespread transmission system failure. Power system oscillation (or dynamic instability) can result from transmission system disturbance. modes are present in all interconnected systems and their damping is a function of tie line strength and unit loading factors. Weak ties due to line outages and heavy system loads can lead to poorly damped intertie modes. The PSS can provide significant improvements in intertie mode damping.

Excitation Controls Improve System Stability

Power producers can take steps to ensure that their generator controls are equipped to support transmission system reliability by enhancing the excitation controls. The Power System Stabilizer (PSS) is a supplemental control that improves dynamic stability by increasing damping of power swing oscillations. Excitation systems with high gain and fast response times greatly aid transient stability (synchronizing torque), but at the same time tend to reduce small signal stability (damping torque). The objective of the PSS is to increase damping of generator rotor angle swings, which can occur in a broad range of frequencies in the power system. Low intertie groups groups frequency modes, commonly called or interarea modes, are due to coherent of generators swinging against other in the interconnected system. These

Damping of power swing oscillations - test data

Excitation Controls As They Affect StabilityVoltage Regulator Gain and

Ceiling: Basic function of excitation system is to regulate unit voltage Transient Stability.PSS Controls: Supplemental control that provides increased damping of power swing oscillations Dynamic StabilityProtective Limiters: To keep the generator operating within its rated capability.

Today most large generating unit excitation systems come equipped with the PSS as a standard option. Many older units, however, are not equipped with stabilizers. Application of PSS control is often mandated by interconnection specifications or power pool policy. The WECC and other regional Grid authorities worldwide require accurate and verified Var and Voltage support capabilities of generators to support reliable transmission, and PSS for stabilization of power system oscillations.

Optimizing PSS Performance Through Tuning and Testing

Each PSS must be carefully tuned to its individual system for optimal performance. When properly tuned, the PSS will provide benefit at all times, but can be of critical significance during major system disturbances. The PSS may be

required for normal operation if the unit is connected at the end of a long transmission line (or weak system). A system study is required to ensure proper application and tuning of the PSS. GE Energys consulting engineers perform tuning studies with in-house developed simulation tools that have been used for tuning studies over the past 30 years. Our consultants use tuning studies to determine the settings for the PSS based on the particular generator, required AVR settings, and system characteristics. They use special purpose detailed models to analyze the system. The key part of the study is to determine how to adjust the PSS phase compensation. This is done by using small signal linear models to compute and tailor transfer functions for best performance of the PSS. The tuning tools developed by GE optimize PSS performance and damping of oscillations caused by grid disturbances. Transient response testing on excitation systems is performed to obtain values of the gains and time constants describing voltage regulation loops and maximum field voltage capabilities. This data must be reviewed periodically in all machines to assure that field-adjustable elements are set properly. Dynamic stability models in our proprietary software are benchmarked against actual unit tests, thus ensuring a match between simulation and performance. This high level of accord in modeling allows our consultants to develop accurate PSS settings for improved dynamic stability.

System simulation matches system performance

Improve Stability Margins at the Generator and at the Bus

In addition to PSS tuning and testing, we offer a full range of services to grid stakeholders to improve stability margins both at the generator and at the bus. These include studies to verify performance, computer models for stability programs, performance audits, and tests that may be specifically required to demonstrate that the plant can meet grid code requirements. We can also provide a full range of additional studies to cover issues such as stability assessment, harmonic analysis, and loading/frequency response. Testing of generator parameters and turbine controls is also offered.

Contact Murray Eitzmann to find out more about how GE can help improve your systems performance and reliability: Murray Eitzmann Manager Equipment Application Consulting Phone: 518-385-9709 email: murray.eitzmann@ps.ge.com

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