Journal of Science Engineering Technology and Management Science

Volume 02, Issue 04, April 2025 ISSN: 3049-0952

www.jsetms.com DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15063908

HVDC Links for Automatic Generation Control in a Multi-Area

Interconnected Power System
Ramesh1 and Vijay2
Department of Electrical Engineering, Madras University, Chennai
1
Corresponding Author: [email protected]
To Cite this Article
Raja Ramesh and Vijay, “HVDC Links for Automatic Generation Control in a Multi-Area Interconnected Power
System”, Journal of Science Engineering Technology and Management Science, Vol. 02, Issue 04, April 2025, pp: 27-
33, DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15063908
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Abstract: This research analyses how variations in multi-area power system automatic generation control (AGC)
work when an HVDC system functions with an HVAC system taking into account system parameter alterations. A
fuzzy logic controller serves to connect four areas through parallel HVAC/HVDC transmission link systems also
referred to as asynchronous tie lines. A linear model of HVAC/HVDC becomes available for evaluation purposes
while analyzing abrupt load variations in the system. The investigation uses a four-area interconnected thermal power
system. A system whose dynamic performance has been improved will deliver appropriate solutions to the automatic
generation control problem affecting the four-region electrical power system. The controller robustness evaluation
happens through varying system parameters. The simulation output demonstrates effectiveness of this approach.
Advanced Fuzzy logic controllers in MATLAB-Simulink perform dynamic system analysis both in presence of and
absence of an HVDC link. The suggested system achieves better results regarding settling time and overshoot
compared to the existing model.

Keywords: Fuzzy logic controller, HVDC link, automatic generation control, area control error, and generation rate
limitation
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I. Introduction
Providing proper functionality to interconnected power systems requires automatic generation control to be
considered a mandatory technological framework. The operation and control of large electrical power system control
areas dependent on automatic generation control is essential for providing reliable and high-quality electric power
supply. Tie-line power flow discrepancies along with frequency mismatch problems develop between areas because
of area load modifications and unexpected generating unit outages and system parameter changes.
Generator power output regulation within defined control areas serves to correct lower frequency problems.
Automatic generation control maintains power output from generators within specific control areas to preserve
schedule frequency and interact between regions based on predetermined boundaries by adjusting generator outputs
based on tie-line variations and system frequency changes as well as other defined criteria [1]. An appropriate control
strategy coordinates the automatic definition of hydro gate and main stream valve operations.
Research indicates certain intelligent controllers operate this process after considering the tie line connection
of the control area. Fast-acting energy storage systems including superconducting magnetic energy storage [5], battery
energy storage [6], super-capacitor bank [7] etc. are capable of effectively reducing electromechanical power system
oscillations through their dual functionality as energy storage units and rotor kinetic energy containers. Engineers have
considered HVDC transmission links to serve as system interconnection components. Expert research has mainly dealt
with power systems which include area interconnection through ac tie lines alone.
The HVDC gearbox system experienced considerable growth because it provides superior benefits than other
available options regarding performance, economy and environmental impact. Several control areas benefit from
minor disturbances due to the simultaneous implementation of a dc link with an HVAC connection which both enhance
system dynamic performance and stability margins. The system interconnection resulted in enhancing system dynamic
performance levels.
Testing takes place after the system linearization process using operational conditions while incorporating
the system parameter values [6]. The actual operational parameters of systems change constantly since operating
conditions shift. Various modern intelligent controllers serve as solutions to this problem. The power system
demonstrates multiple characteristics with complex characteristics which make conventional control methods unable
Published by: Surya Publishers www.jsetms.com 27 | Page
 HVDC Links for Automatic Generation Control in a Multi-Area Interconnected Power System

to yield suitable solutions. Fuzzy controllers display dependable stability attributes that make them effective at
handling different control complexity problems such as power system AGC operations.
The authors have created a fuzzy logic-based proportional integral (pi) controller which simulates dynamic
control operations for four-area thermal power systems with parameter uncertainties attached to HVAC/HVDC
parallel linkages. The simulation displays evidence to show both the effectiveness and performance of this scheme.

II. Four Area Power System

The research model features four connected power system areas which consist of equal single-stage reheat
thermal turbines in each section. The four sites are connected through both HVDC transmission links and HVAC tie
lines. The model presents its two-area single line diagram in Figure 1 while Figure 3 illustrates the transfer function
model of a four-area power system with HVDC links. These transmission lines surpass the break-even distance
between HVAC and HVDC systems therefore they qualify as long transmission lines [8].

Fig 1: Single line diagram of two area power system with parallel HVAC/HVDC links

III. Fuzzy Logic Controller

Current conventional control approaches fail to solve power system problems because of power system
complexity and dynamic nature of shifting loads. Recognized as one of the main approaches for designing controllers
of non-linear systems is artificial intelligence-based gain scheduling. Fuzzy systems convert information from human
knowledge into mathematical expressions [5]. The adoption of fuzzy set theory methods serves as a valuable
supplementary tool to mathematical methods when handling power system problems. Fuzzy logic together with fuzzy
set theory establishes the rules that define a nonlinear mapping.
One of the basic elements of fuzzy control contains fuzzy logic which demonstrates similarities to human
thought processes while retaining distinctions from traditional logical systems. Fuzzy logic serves all contemporary
industry sectors and scientific domains. Automatic generation control constitutes one of the main functions. The main
task of AGC in linked power systems involves ensuring output consumption stabilization. The system analysis
received its fuzzy logic controller implementation presented through Figure 2.

Fig 2: Structure of fuzzy logic controller

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HVDC Links for Automatic Generation Control in a Multi-Area Interconnected Power System

Fig 3: Transfer function model of four area interconnected power system

Fig 4: Components of a fuzzy controller

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 HVDC Links for Automatic Generation Control in a Multi-Area Interconnected Power System

Fig 5: Membership functions used in the study

IV. Simulation Results

The simulation results indicate that adding an HVDC link alongside an HVAC link results in shorter settling
times and diminished peak overshoots as depicted in Figures 6, 7, and 8. Data from the simulation shows that HVDC
as an AC control system meets requirements for AGC systems.

Fig 6: Frequency deviation of area 1to area 4 with ∆Pd1 =0.01

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HVDC Links for Automatic Generation Control in a Multi-Area Interconnected Power System

Fig 7: Tie line power deviations with ∆Pd1 =0.01

Fig 8: Frequency deviation of area 1 to area 4 with ∆Pd2 =∆Pd4 =0.01

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 HVDC Links for Automatic Generation Control in a Multi-Area Interconnected Power System

Automatic generation control faces the power system as its essential operational issue at present. Due to
intense market rivalry electrical utilities need to supply stable reliable power to customers which makes HVDC
regulation controllers effective at shortening power oscillations.

Fig 9: System frequency response with -35 % of nominal values of Bi , Tpsi and Tij with ∆Pd1 =0.01

V. Conclusion
The proposed study introduces an HVDC link that operates with an HVAC link to enhance dynamic
performance within a linked four region thermal power system. The four-region power system consists of identical
thermal reheat turbines operating at a single stage that use GRCs. In-depth studies were performed to analyze system
dynamics after load disturbances occur anywhere in the linked power system areas. The analyst develops a fuzzy logic
control method through system parameter modifications then evaluates its functionality. When equipped with parallel
HVDC links the system shows better results through dynamic standards including settling time and peak overshoot
performance. Simulation evidence reveals that high-voltage direct current transmission links help supply consumers
with reliable power of superior quality.

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