A New Automatic Dispatching System for Electric Power Systems [includes discussion]

A control system for the complete automatic dispatching of generating units in an electric power system has been developed, which combines the functions of load-frequency control and economic loading of generating units on an incremental cost basis. This new automatic dispatching system performs routine and repetitive functions that eliminate the need for detailed loading schedules and requires a minimum of attention from dispatchers and station operators. In addition, numerous protective features have been included to trip the equipment off control and permit manual control in emergencies. The system has been designed for minimum communication expense. Equipment additions may be made as the system grows with little or no modification to equipment already installed. Transmission-loss penalty factors may be considered manually or automatically in this system.