Joint bus voltage/reactive generation control in multimachine power plants: a multivariable approach

This paper presents a design procedure for a centralized regulator, armed for the joint bus voltage/reactive generation control in multimachine power plants, by using the modern multivariable systems and optimal regulator theories. The regulator is of output feedback, proportional-plus-integral type. It is based on the concept of optimal linear regulators, using a reduced number of local measurements, and acting through reference inputs of individual unit's automatic voltage regulators. The proposed control is of two-level type, with separate features that enable the common plant-bus voltage control and desired distribution of reactive generation to individual units in operation.

The paper presents the procedure for the regulator system design and gives the simulation results performed on a 17th order, two-unit hydropower plant model and considers the practical feasibility of the regulator system.