Technical Terms in Real Power Frequency Control

TECHNICAL TERMS

Control area:

Most power systems normally control their generators in unison. The individual control loops have the same regulation parameters. The individual generator turbines tend to have the same response characteristics then it is possible to let the control loop in the whole system which then would be referred to as a control area.

Power Pool:

An association of two or more interconnected electric systems having an agreement to coordinate operations and planning for improved reliability and efficiencies.

Prime Mover:

The engine, turbine, water wheel, or similar machine that drives an electric generator; or, for reporting purposes, a device that converts energy to electricity directly (e.g., photovoltaic solar and fuel cell(s)).

Pumped-Storage Hydroelectric Plant:

A plant that usually generates electric energy during peak-load periods by using water previously pumped into an elevated storage reservoir during off-peak periods when excess generating capacity is available to do so. When additional generating capacity is needed, the water can be released from the reservoir through a conduit to turbine generators located in a power plant at a lower level.

Regulation:

The governmental function of controlling or directing economic entities  through the process of rulemaking and adjudication

Reserve Margin (Operating):

The amount of unused available capability of an electric power system at peak load for a utility system as a percentage of total capability.

Restructuring:

The process of replacing a monopoly system of electric utilities with competing sellers, allowing individual retail customers to choose their electricity supplier but still receive delivery over the power lines of the local utility. It includes the reconfiguration of the vertically-integrated electric utility.

Retail Wheeling:

The process of moving electric power from a point of generation across one or more utility-owned transmission and distribution systems to a retail customer

Revenue:

The total amount of money received by a firm from sales of its products and/or services, gains from the sales or exchange of assets, interest and dividends earned on investments, and other increases in the owner's equity except those arising from capital adjustments.

Scheduled Outage:

The shutdown of a generating unit, transmission line, or other facility, for inspection or maintenance, in accordance with an advance schedule.

Real power:

The real power in a power system is being controlled by controlling the driving torque of the individual turbines of the system.