The purpose of Automatic Generation Control (AGC) in a power system,
as described in power system control books, is to:
1. Maintain System Frequency – AGC ensures that the generation matches
the load demand to keep the system frequency at the nominal value (e.g.,
50 Hz or 60 Hz).
2. Control Tie-Line Power – It regulates the power exchange between
interconnected control areas to maintain scheduled tie-line flows.
3. Minimize Area Control Error (ACE) – AGC continuously adjusts generator
outputs to reduce the ACE, which is a combination of frequency deviation
and tie-line power imbalance.
4. Ensure Economic Dispatch – While primary control (governor action)
handles rapid load changes, AGC operates on a slower timescale to restore
frequency and optimize generation economically.
Reference:
"Power System Control and Stability" by P. Kundur
"Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution" by L.L.
Grigsby
This ensures stable and efficient power system operation under varying
load conditions.
and what are the main components of AGC Involved?
The Automatic Generation Control (AGC) system consists of several key
components that work together to maintain frequency stability and regulate
tie-line power flows in an interconnected power system. According to
standard power system control books, the main components of AGC are:
1. Area Control Error (ACE) Calculator
Computes the Area Control Error (ACE), which is a measure of power
imbalance in a control area.
ACE Formula:
ACE=ΔPtie+B⋅ΔfACE=ΔPtie+B⋅Δf
where:
o ΔPtieΔPtie = Tie-line power deviation from schedule
o BB = Frequency bias factor (MW/Hz)
o ΔfΔf = Frequency deviation (Hz)
2. Load-Frequency Control (LFC) Loop
Monitors system frequency and tie-line power flows.
Adjusts generator set points to bring ACE back to zero.
3. Economic Dispatch Control (EDC)
Optimizes power generation among committed units to minimize operating
cost while meeting demand.
Works in coordination with AGC to ensure economic efficiency.
4. Central AGC Controller (Dispatcher)
Acts as the decision-making unit that processes ACE signals and sends
control signals to generating units.
Typically implemented in the Energy Management System (EMS) of a
control center.
5. Generator Control Units (Governors & AGC Interfaces)
Turbine-governor systems respond to primary frequency control (fast
response).
AGC adjusts generator set points for secondary control (slower, more
precise adjustments).
6. Tie-Line Power & Frequency Sensors
Measure real-time frequency and tie-line power flows to provide
feedback to the AGC system.
7. Communication Network
Transfers control signals from the AGC controller to generating units and
receives measurements.
Maintains Constant Speed: The governor adjusts mechanical power
input (fuel/steam) to keep the generator’s speed (and frequency)
stable.
Responds to Load Changes: Increases power for higher load
(prevents speed drop) or decreases power for lower load (prevents
speed rise).
Ensures Stability: Uses feedback control (like droop or isochronous mode) to
balance generation with demand. 2. How It Responds to Load Changes?
Load Increase → Speed Drops:
o Governor detects speed decrease.
o Increases fuel/steam to turbine → more mechanical power.
o Restores speed/frequency.
Load Decrease → Speed Rises:
o Governor detects speed increase.
o Reduces fuel/steam → less mechanical power.
o Brings speed back to normal.
