New thermal governor model selection and validation in the WECC

This is a follow-on paper to "A New Thermal Governor Modeling Approach in the WECC" (Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) was formerly the Western Systems Coordinating Council (WSCC). Thermal plants embraces conventional fired steam, nuclear steam, simple cycle gas turbine, and combined cycle gas turbine plants. The paper describes the steps being taken to obtain validated data for the new governor models. It was recognized that the developmental database that was created to prove the new thermal governor model should not be used to perform operation or planning studies. Invalid governor data for real-time operation simulations gives rise to risks and liabilities in the determination of intertie limits. Due to the large number of governors involved (about 1100 units) and the short timeline for obtaining data in critical 2003 summer operation studies, a concerted effort is being made to assist generator owners to select and validate the appropriate governor model codes for their units. This effort includes a workshop and the issue of detailed guidelines and validation methodologies for governor modeling.

I. Introduction

The paper “A New Thermal Governor Modeling Approach in the WECC” [1] presents the development of a new turbine-governor modeling approach that correctly represents thermal units that have demonstrated unresponsive characteristics such as “base loaded” units, or as units with load-controllers.