Load Frequency Control of Small Hydropower Plants Using One-Input Fuzzy PI Controller with Linear and Non-Linear Plant Model

This study presents an intelligent approach for load frequency control (LFC) of small hydropower plants (SHPs). The approach which is based on fuzzy logic (FL), takes into account the non-linearity of SHPs—something which is not possible using traditional controllers. Most intelligent methods use two- input fuzzy controllers, but because such controllers are expensive, there is economic interest in the relatively cheaper single-input controllers. A non- linear control model based on one-input fuzzy logic PI (FLPI) controller was developed and applied to control the non-linear SHP. Using MATLAB/Si- mulink SimScape, the SHP was simulated with linear and non-linear plant models. The performance of the FLPI controller was investigated and compared with that of the conventional PI/PID controller. Results show that the settling time for the FLPI controller is about 8 times shorter;while the overshoot is about 15 times smaller compared to the conventional PI/PID controller. Therefore, the FLPI controller performs better than the conventional PI/PID controller not only in meeting the LFC control objective but also in ensuring increased dynamic stability of SHPs.

Characterization of the Constructions Materials Used in the Hydroelectric Power Plants in the Sedano＇s Valley, Burgos （Spain）

Small hydropower plants for electricity generation were first built in Spain in the early 1880s. The Spanish peninsula is characterized by its rugged landscape, fast flowing rivers and steep gradients. A clear example of this is the remarkable area of the upper Ebro river basin where powerful water flows are found that are ideal for electricity generation. Between 1900 and 1930, the river Ebro was a major source of energy for industrial areas such as Alava, Vizcaya, Vitoria, Miranda de Ebro, Burgos and La Rioja. Between 1951-1965, the use of these small hydropower plants declined due to the construction of alternatives by industrialists in the Basque Country, which in most cases led to their deterioration. They were rescued in the late twentieth century, thanks to private sector initiatives which funded their rehabilitation. This study examines two small-scale hydraulic power plants in the province of Burgos at Medina de Pomar and at Quintanilla Escalada; both buildings were used for generating electricity and had living quarters for the workers and now represent historic architectonic and industrial heritage. The study documents their architectonic features and the restoration processes that have permitted one of them to remain in operation up until the present day.