Thomas A Sims

US Patent:

6492801, Dec 10, 2002

Filed:

Aug 21, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/934365

Inventors:

Thomas R. Sims - Birmingham AL
Daniel W. Noles - Birmingham AL
Daryl K. Hallmark - Alabaster AL

Assignee:

Southern Company Services, Inc. - Birmingham AL

International Classification:

G01R 1132

US Classification:

324142

Abstract:

An actual real-time reactive power output reserve of a generator is calculated by determining a real-time reactive power output of the generator at present operating conditions, determining a maximum reactive power output of the generator at the present operating conditions based on a maximum volt-ampere output capability of the generator, a real-time transmission voltage level of a transmission system connected to the generator, and a real-time maximum acceptable generator terminal voltage, and subtracting the real-time reactive power output from the maximum reactive power output. A future near-term reactive power output reserve of the generator is calculated by determining an expected maximum reactive power output of the generator at rated operating conditions based on a rated maximum volt-ampere output capability of the generator, a scheduled transmission voltage level of a transmission system connected to the generator, and a maximum acceptable generator terminal voltage, and subtracting the real-time reactive power output from the expected maximum reactive power output.