Frequency Control in Power Plants -- Droop

In summary, power operators in modern power plants change the droop setting electronically through a SCADA system. While some mechanical flyball governors still exist, they are becoming less common. The droop setting is usually kept constant and only changed during turbine overhauls. It is important for all turbines on the system to have the same droop setting in order to share load equally during grid upsets. The idea of changing the droop setting "on the fly" is rare and potentially risky.
  • #1
LagCompensator
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Hi,

how do power operators change the droop setting in modern power plants? Back in the days it was with help of a flyball governor(?). In todays power plants do operators adjust some sort of gain electronically via a scada system or something?
 
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  • #2
LagCompensator said:
Hi,

how do power operators change the droop setting in modern power plants? Back in the days it was with help of a flyball governor(?). In todays power plants do operators adjust some sort of gain electronically via a scada system or something?

Pretty much yes. Everything today is electronic or digital. However, some mechanical flyball governors still exist.

By the way, in most cases, the governor droop (gain) stays constant. Reasons to change its value are rare. I've never heard someone request for the capability to adjust it from a remote location.
 
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  • #3
anorlunda said:
By the way, in most cases, the governor droop (gain) stays constant.

All the turbines on your system need to have the same droop setting else they won't share load equally during grid upsets.

If there's a reason to change it "on the fly" I'm unaware, and i find the thought frightening.
Our governor was hydraulic, droop set by a mechanical adjustment during turbine overhaul when the control block is apart. I think ours was the last one of those ever built.

old jim
 
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Related to Frequency Control in Power Plants -- Droop

1. What is frequency control in power plants?

Frequency control in power plants refers to the ability of a power system to maintain a stable frequency in the grid. This is important because the frequency of the grid needs to be kept at a constant level for the proper functioning of electrical equipment and to prevent power outages.

2. What is droop in frequency control?

Droop is a control strategy used in power plants to regulate the frequency of the grid. It involves adjusting the output of generators in response to changes in the grid frequency. As the frequency increases, the output of the generator decreases, and vice versa. This helps to maintain a stable frequency in the grid.

3. How does droop control work in power plants?

Droop control works by using a governor to monitor the frequency of the grid and adjust the output of the generator accordingly. When the frequency deviates from the set point, the governor will signal the generator to either increase or decrease its output in order to maintain a constant frequency. This ensures that the generators are working together to balance the supply and demand of electricity in the grid.

4. Why is droop control important in power plants?

Droop control is important in power plants because it allows for the efficient operation of the grid. By regulating the output of generators in response to changes in frequency, droop control helps to maintain a stable frequency, preventing power outages and equipment damage. It also allows for multiple generators to work together in a coordinated manner, improving the overall reliability of the power system.

5. How is droop control different from other frequency control methods?

Droop control is a type of primary frequency control, which means it is the first line of defense in maintaining a stable frequency in the grid. Other frequency control methods, such as governor response and automatic generation control, work in conjunction with droop control to provide secondary and tertiary frequency control. These methods are used to restore the grid frequency to its set point in the event of a disturbance or sudden change in demand.

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