Turbine Generator Laboratory Model Tests to Damp Torsional Oscillations with Supplementary Signals

The improvement of generator stability by the use of supplementary signals into the voltage regulator and governor loops using discrete-time linear optimal control theory has been studied in this paper with particular emphasis on providing better damping for torsional oscillations. A multi-inertia laboratory model equipped with data acquisition and control computers was constructed to model the shaft dynamics of a 660 MW Drax turbine- generator. It is shown that the shaft torsional phenomena can be adequately simulated on a micro synchronous-generator at least as far as the dominant shaft torsional modes of vibration are concerned. The practical implementation of multi-mode LQG controllers has been shown to enhance system stability and provide better damping to the lower frequency torsional modes, which are those most susceptible to excitation.