IMC design based optimal tuning of a PID-filter governor controller for hydro power plant

Abstract

In the present paper a PID-Filter governor controller with Internal Model Control (IMC) tuning method for the hydro electric power plant is presented. The IMC has a single tuning parameter to adjust the performance and robustness of the controller. The proposed tuning method is very efficient in controlling the overshoot, stability and the dynamics of the speed-governing system of the hydro electric power plant supplying an isolated/grid connected load. The results of the proposed IMC tuning method have been compared in the midst of controller with singular frequency (SF) based tuning and Ziegler-Nichols (Z-N) closed loop tuning. A remarkable improvement in stability of the system has been observed with IMC tuning justifying its applicability. Simulated results given in the paper show the feasibility and versatility of the IMC tuning technique in hydro power plant. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.