Power System Governing -- the Problem

Considerable attention has been focused on the subject of load swings, turbine generator governing, and stability not only when operating a system alone but when interconnected with other systems. At a subcommittee meeting of the power generation committee, two assignments were made: One to crystallize the problem and the other to outline the desirable functional characteristics of a governing system. This memorandum, dealing with the former, has been prepared based on answers to a questionnaire submitted to a representative group of operating companies. The response to the questionnaire was excellent, practically all of the operating companies to whom it was sent having made replies. The report is divided into two parts. Part I presents the questionnaire and the replies. Part II gives a discussion of the elements of the problem of governing on power systems. Conclusions: 1. The general conclusions seem to indicate that there are no outstanding deficiencies in the modern governing systems. 2. It seems likely that full advantage is not being utilized of the inherent capabilities of many existing governors. 3. The full potentialities of governors often are not utilized until some fluctuating load or unusual incident arises which requires that action be taken. 4. A test program is required to disclose maintenance defects, wrong adjustments, and improper operation. 5. The limitations of the speed governor for interconnected operation must be recognized, and means provided to supplement the governor when close control of frequency or tie-line load is required.