A pluralistic LFC scheme for on-line resolution of power congestions between market zones

The paper describes an innovative scheme based on a pluralistic load-frequency-control (LFC) and aimed at performing cross-border power control, secondary frequency regulation and internal congestion resolution. Such LFC scheme applies to a pluralistic block of control areas, whose regulators can adjust the production of their generators with respect to the request of the coordinating area when the power flows through grid sections exceed their maximum admissible values. The paper introduces the theoretical aspects and functional design of such an advanced LFC scheme, capable to control at the same time the cross border exchanges of the pluralistic block and the power flows between network sub-areas defined as market zones. Simulations on the Italian power system show the performance, main advantages and limits of the proposed control method