Commercial control of gas turbine combined cycle generators

Control systems for combined cycle gas turbines perform a number of functions which may be related to questions of safety, machine condition, plant performance or commercial operations. The authors discuss the latter and in particular the system of operational control which may be required in meeting the requirements of the Pooling and Settlement Agreement (P and SA) within the Grid Code. Output of electricity into the distribution and transmission system in excess of 10 Mw must be sold through the P and SA. Any generator which has an export capacity of 100 MW or above is subject to central despatch by the National Grid controller. It can be expected therefore that the sale of the electrical output of combined cycle gas turbine generators will be subject to the rules of the P and SA and that their operation will be subject to the requirements of the grid code. The authors describe the impact of the P and SA and the Grid Code on the commercial operation of a combined cycle gas turbine generator and the control systems, in their widest sense, which can be employed to meet commercial goals.<>