A new load frequency control technique for an isolated small hydropower plant

AbstractIn this paper a new load frequency control technique for an isolated small hydropower plant is proposed. In general, the frequency of the system is controlled by employing a dump load, whose rating is equal to the rated power output of the plant. The scheme proposed reduces the size of the dump load to 50 per cent, as 50 per cent input power of the hydro plant is controlled by an on/off control. A generalized transfer function model for the system is developed with an on/off control logic, which linearly raises or lowers the generation. Finally, transient responses are shown for low, medium, and high head installations with different loading conditions.