Implementing an Intelligent Steam and Electrical Load-Shedding System for a Large Paper Mill: Design and Validation Using Dynamic Simulations

An intelligent load-shedding system (ILSS) was designed and implemented in a paper mill to ensure power system stability after the steam turbine generator transitions from back-pressure operating mode to isochronous mode upon loss of the electric grid. The innovative approach taken to validate and optimize the operation of the system in a closed-loop environment by using dynamic simulation is presented. Modeling of the double-extraction steam turbine representing real-time processes was performed. The purposes for implementation of the ILSS were to maintain safe operating conditions and increase the reliability of the mill while minimizing operating costs and capital losses during unplanned events.