Load frequency control for mini-hydropower system: A new approach based on self-tuning fuzzy proportional-derivative scheme

Abstract

This paper presents a new method for load frequency control (LFC) based on self-tuning fuzzy Proportional-Derivative method. Under dynamic frequency variations, the proportional-derivative (PD) gains will automatically tuned by the fuzzy rules in order to maintain frequency at nominal value. In this paper, the proposed controller was used to controls the frequency of a high-penetration mini-hydropower system. In the microgrid, both diesel generator and mini-hydropower system were designed to meet the demand at low stream flow. However, the diesel generator will be shut down if hydropower generation surpasses the consumer demand. The frequency was controlled by absorbing excess generation from hydropower system through secondary load bank. The system performance with the new control scheme was assessed by simulation under dynamic frequency variations. The simulation result shows the employment of the proposed load frequency controller demonstrates robust and high-performance frequency control compared to conventional fixed-gain PD controller.