Design and analysis of boiler-turbine-generator controls using optimal linear regulator theory

The demand for improved dynamic response of fossil-fired power plants has motivated a comprehensive program of control system design and analysis. Previous papers have reported the development of a nonlinear mathematical model of a drum-type, twin furnace, reheat boiler-turbine-generator (RBTG) system which is suitable for control system analysis and has been extensively verified by field test. On the basis of this model, local stability, observability, and controllability have been examined over the load range, using linearization and modal analysis. An approach to control system design has been developed based on optimal linear regulator theory and which recognizes the limitation of an imperfect model. This approach produces "integral-type" action which guarantees zero steady-state errors. The controller does not require complete state feedback. Improved performance has been demonstrated by comparison with the existing control structure through simulation using the nonlinear process model.