Monitoring the First Frequency Derivative to Improve Adaptive Underfrequency Load-Shedding Schemes

Abstract

The actual activation of underfrequency load shedding is rarely needed in a power system. However, this does not diminish its significance, as it is the last barrier before a system blackout if underfrequency conditions occur. Like in all other areas of application, a tendency also exists to maximize the efficiency of the underfrequency load-shedding scheme and to bring its operation to the limits. By default, the scheme should be able to stop a frequency fall under any circumstances. However, trying to lower the quantity of the disconnected load in the same process is the purpose of this paper. After the theoretical background is summarized, in terms of the reaction of individual generators in the islanded system to a certain power imbalance, a procedure is described showing how it is possible to adjust any of the adaptive load-shedding schemes to utilize as much primary frequency control as possible. As a reference, a theoretically optimal underfrequency load-shedding scheme is presented.