Load Frequency Control in Shipboard Power Systems: Design and Simulation

Abstract

In order to ensure quality of power supply and safe operation of components in a power system, it is necessary to maintain the frequency of the system as close as possible to the nominal value. Load Frequency Control (LFC) aims to tackle these problems through governor control on prime movers of generating units. Due to the inherent differences between terrestrial and marine power systems, it is necessary to investigate LFC on shipboard power systems separately. This thesis proposes a controller designed to maintain the nominal frequency of a marine power system while achieving load sharing between units using participation factors. Proper modeling of the components that constitute the power system is necessary to capture the characteristics of the system with accuracy. Thus, mathematical models for various components for a DDG51 benchmark shipboard system are also presented in this work. A Simulink© based simulation platform for the benchmark system that incorporates the generator controls as well as the network is developed with a focus on LFC. Simulation results for various loading conditions, participation factors and location of generator units are provided to successfully demonstrate the effectiveness of the controller and scope of the developed simulation platform. Results obtained using these tools can be used to obtain economic dispatch schedules, stable operating points etc. of the system which paves the way for proper management of a shipboard power system.