Multiple-Input–Multiple-Output Linear-Quadratic Control of the Energy Production of a Synchronous Generator in a Nuclear Power Plant

Abstract

—A multiple-input–multiple-output linear-quadratic servo controller is proposed for a synchronous generator operating in a nuclear power plant that keeps the active power at the desired level and performs reactive power reference tracking using the reactive power demand from a central dispatch center. The controller design was based on the locally linearized version of a previous non-linear dynamical model of the synchronous electrical generator [1, 2], the parameters of which have been identified using measured data from Paks Nuclear Power Plant (Hungary). The method can easily be applied to any industrial power plant generator connected to the electrical grid after estimating its parameters. The proposed observer-based multiple-input–multiple-output state feedback controller is a linear-quadratic servo controller with very good reference tracking and disturbance rejection properties, which were confirmed by simulation experiments.

Keywords:

• electrical energy generation
• active and reactive power
• synchronous generator
• dynamic modeling
• controller design

Additional information

Funding

The authors acknowledge the financial support of this work by the Hungarian State and the European Union under the TAMOP-4.2.2.A-11/1/ KONV-2012-0072 project. This work was also supported in part by the Hungarian Research Fund (grant 83440).

Notes on contributors

Attila Fodor

Attila Fodor received his B.Sc. in electrical engineering from the University of Veszpém, Hungary, in 2001; he received his M.Sc. in informatics from the University of Pannonia, Hungary, in 2006. Currently, he is an assistant professor at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Systems of the University of Pannonia (Veszprém, Hungary). His research interests include control of automation systems, modeling, simulation, and electrical machines.

Attila Magyar

Attila Magyar received his M.Sc. in informatics from the University of Veszpém, Hungary, in 2004. His Ph.D. in systems and control engineering was obtained from the University of Pannonia in 2007. Currently, he is an associate professor at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Systems of the University of Pannonia (Veszprém, Hungary). His research interests include control of robotic systems, analysis, and control of non-linear systems.

Katalin M. Hangos

Katalin M. Hangos received her M.Sc. in chemistry and B.Sc. in computer science from the Loránd Eötvös University in Budapest, Hungary, in 1977 and 1980, respectively. Her Ph.D. and D.Sc. in process systems engineering were obtained from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in 1984 and 1993, respectively. Currently, she is a research professor at the Computer and Automation Research Institute of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (Budapest, Hungary) and a professor at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Systems of the University of Pannonia (Veszprém, Hungary). Her research interests include the modeling, analysis, diagnosis, and control of non-linear process systems.