Hierarchical MPC scheme for the speed governing of PSU with complex conduit system.

Pumped‐storage unit (PSU) often acts as the peak and frequency modulation sources in modern power systems. The frequent operation condition conversions and tight hydraulic couplings with conduit system make its governing control a tough work in practise. To overcome the difficulty in the proportional–integral–derivative (PID) parameter tuning during transient processes, a hierarchical model predictive control (MPC) scheme, in which constrained generalised predictive control (CGPC) cooperates with classic PID is proposed. In the upper hierarchy of the MPC controller, CGPC acts as an auxiliary optimiser for the optimal PID parameters through online optimisation, whereas in the lower hierarchy, PID directly steers the movements of servomotor to control the guide vane opening; thus, to match the existing governing equipment in engineering practise. Also, typical constraints on the input/output signals and value ranges of PID parameters are discussed. Simulation experiments are conducted on a non‐linear distributed‐parameter simulation platform. It can precisely reflect hydraulic and mechanical dynamic behaviours of PSU and its conduit system. The results indicate that the proposed hierarchical MPC scheme not only outperforms in speed tracking and oscillation damping, but also attenuate instability phenomena caused by the negative 'S' character in pump turbine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]