Variable Structure Fuzzy Gain Schedule Based Load Frequency Control of Non-Linear Multi Source Multi Area Hydro Thermal System

The article focuses on the issues of Load Frequency Control (LFC) under non-linear strategies in multi source multi area hydro thermal system. On practical perspective dead band, boiler dynamics, reheat steam turbine along with hydro turbine operating under two different area capacities are considered in the system. When subjected to random load variations in both the areas, the system exhibits higher oscillations. The speed governor matches the generation with the demand. The offset in the area frequencies and tie-line power is removed by using secondary Proportional Integral (PI) controller. The PI controller is tuned using Ziegler Nichols’ (ZN) and Fuzzy Gain Scheduling (FGS) method. The influence of high Proportional (P) controller gain during steady state and high Integral (I) controller gain during transient affects the system performance. Variable Structure System (VSS) helps to switch from P to PI controller during transient to steady state based on control error. The concept of VSS is applied to Fuzzy Gain Scheduling (FGS) PI controller. The performance of the optimal Variable Structure Fuzzy Gain Scheduled (VSFGS) controller under non-linear environment is judged and validated using performance indices. Keyword: Load Frequency Control, Multi Source Multi Area System, Hydro Thermal System, Proportional Integral Controller, Fuzzy Gain Scheduling, Variable Structure System Controller