ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the dynamics and control of electric power generating plants. A typical power plant using fossil fuel as its energy source is organized into three main subsystems, corresponding to the three basic energy conversions taking place in the process: the steam generator (SG), the turbine integrated with the feed-water heater train, and the electric generator. The SG converts the chemical energy available in the fuel into internal energy of the working fluid. The chapter presents a description of a typical plant configuration, explains in some detail the specific objectives of plant control, and describes the overall control system architecture. The control system is organized in a hierarchy, based on time scale separation, in which the highest level establishes set points for lower level regulators so as to meet the overall unit operating objectives. Properly designed coordinated-control systems can provide excellent response to load demand changes.
