VIVEKANANDHA COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING FOR WOMEN
[AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTION AFFILIATED TO ANNA UNIVERSITY, CHENNAI]
Elayampalayam – 637 205, Tiruchengode, Namakkal Dt., Tamil Nadu.
INTERNAL TEST– II (B.E. / [Link] )
(2019-Regulation)
Sub. Code/ Sub. Name: U19EE623– Power System Operation and Control
Year / Sem: III / VI
Answer ALL the questions
PART – A
[Link] the constraints that are accounted in unit commitment problem.
Unit Commitment (UC) determines the ON/OFF status of generating units to meet load
demand economically. The constraints involved are:
Load balance constraint
Minimum up time
Minimum down time
Ramp rate limits
Power generation limits
Reserve requirements
[Link] are the difficulties to find unit commitment solution?
Combinatorial complexity
Non-linear and mixed-integer nature
Dynamic constraints
Uncertainties
Computational demand
[Link] are the objectives of automatic generation control?
The main objectives of Automatic Generation Control (AGC) are:
Maintain system frequency
Control tie-line power interchange
Ensure economic operation
Enhance system stability.
[Link] Energy Control Centre.
An Energy Control Centre (ECC) is a centralized facility responsible for
monitoring, controlling, and managing the generation, transmission, and distribution of
electrical energy within a power system. It ensures system stability, security, and reliability
using real-time data and control tools.
[Link] contingency analysis.
Contingency Analysis is a technique used in power system operations to predict the
effects of component failure (such as transmission lines or generators) on system
performance. It helps operators assess system reliability and prepare corrective actions in
advance for events like outages or disturbances.
PART – B
6.(a) Explicate with neat flow chart the procedure for finding the solution for unit
commitment problems using priority list method.
[Link] Unit Operating Cost / Priority Index
Determine the average or incremental operating cost for each generating unit (e.g.,
Rs./MW or heat rate).
[Link] Priority List
Rank the generating units in ascending order of cost. The cheapest unit is placed at the
top.
[Link] Unit Commitment
For each time period (hourly or as per schedule), begin turning ON units from the top
of the list to meet the predicted load demand.
[Link] System Constraints
Verify all constraints such as:
Minimum up/down time
Spinning reserve requirement
Maximum and minimum generation limits
Ramp-up and ramp-down limits
[Link] Commitment
If demand or constraints are not met, commit (ON) or decommit (OFF) more units
based on the priority.
[Link] Total Generation & Costs
Once enough units are committed to meet the demand + reserves, calculate:
Total generation
Fuel cost
Start-up/shutdown cost (if applicable)
[Link] for Next Time Interval
Continue the same process for each time slot of the scheduling period.
6.(b) Determine Priority list using full load average production cost for the data given.
Loading limits Fuel cost parameters Fuel
Unit no
Min max ai bi Ci cost
1 100 400 0.006 7 600 1.1
2 50 300 0.01 8 400 1.2
3 150 500 0.008 6 500 1.0
7.(a) Explain the hardware components and functional aspects of SCADA system using a
fundamental block diagram.
A SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system is used for monitoring and
controlling industrial processes such as power plants, oil and gas pipelines, water treatment, and
manufacturing systems.
Hardware Components
1. MTU (Master Terminal Unit) / SCADA Server:
o Central control unit.
o Gathers process data from RTUs and sends commands.
o Stores historical data and controls automated processes.
2. RTUs (Remote Terminal Units) or PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers):
o Field devices that collect sensor data from equipment.
o Send real-time data to the MTU.
o Execute control commands locally from the MTU.
3. Communication Network:
o Connects MTU with RTUs/PLCs.
o Can be wired (Ethernet, fiber optics) or wireless (radio, cellular).
o Ensures reliable and secure data transmission.
4. Sensors and Actuators:
o Sensors: Measure parameters like temperature, pressure, flow.
o Actuators: Act upon commands (like opening a valve, turning ON/OFF
motors).
5. HMI (Human-Machine Interface):
o Interface for operators to visualize processes.
o Displays alarms, trends, real-time data.
o Allows manual intervention if needed
Functional Aspects of SCADA System
1. Data Acquisition:
o Sensors at the field level send measurements to RTUs.
o RTUs process the data and send it to the MTU for monitoring.
2. Data Communication:
o Secure and real-time transmission of data over the network.
o Includes telemetry and control signals.
3. Data Presentation:
o HMI displays data graphically for operators.
o Trends, alarms, and live parameters are shown.
4. Control Actions:
o Automated or manual based on operator input or set-points.
o Commands sent from MTU to RTUs/PLCs for execution.
5. Data Storage and Archiving:
o Historical data stored for analysis, reports, compliance.
o Trending and performance assessment over time.
7.(b) What are the functions in Energy Control Centre and explain its operation.
An Energy Control Centre (ECC) is a centralized facility responsible for monitoring,
controlling, and optimizing the generation, transmission, and distribution of electric power within a
power system. It ensures reliable and secure operation of the power grid.
Functions of an Energy Control Centre
1. Real-Time Monitoring and Control
o Monitors electrical parameters such as voltage, current, frequency, power
flows, and system status.
o Provides operators with the ability to control generators, transformers, and
circuit breakers.
2. Load Forecasting and Scheduling
o Predicts future electricity demand (short-term and long-term).
o Optimally schedules generating units to meet the forecasted demand
economically.
3. Automatic Generation Control (AGC)
o Maintains the balance between power supply and demand in real time.
o Controls the output of multiple generators to maintain system frequency.
4. Security Assessment and Contingency Analysis
o Evaluates system reliability under various operating conditions.
o Simulates possible failures (e.g., generator or line outages) to ensure
preparedness.
5. Energy Management System (EMS)
o Integrates software tools to coordinate, control, and analyze the performance
of the power system.
6. Communication and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
o Uses SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems to gather
real-time data from substations and field devices.
7. Outage Management and Restoration
o Helps in diagnosing faults, isolating affected areas, and restoring power during
system failures.
8. Economic Dispatch
o Allocates generation among available units to minimize operational cost while
meeting system constraints.
Operation of Energy Control Centre
1. Data Collection and Processing
o Field data from sensors, meters, and remote terminal units (RTUs) is collected
using SCADA.
o Data is processed and displayed to operators in real time.
2. Decision Support System
o ECC uses advanced algorithms and tools (like EMS and AGC) to provide
options and recommendations.
3. Control Actions
o Operators or automated systems issue control commands to generating stations
or switchyards.
4. System Supervision & Coordination
o ECC coordinates with regional and national control centers, ensuring grid
stability and power exchange.
5. Continuous Evaluation
o Constantly assesses system performance and prepares for abnormal conditions
through contingency planning.