Design and implementation of control algorithms for real-time static load control using LabVIEW and PLC

The Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system has been employed in power systems for recording and analyzing power measurements, operation status monitoring, and execution of control action for switchable equipment and load for quite some time now. In recent years, the introduction of LabVIEW, coupled with the tremendous technological advancements made in PLCs, has added a completely new dimension to SCADA in power systems. The advanced networking and communication capabilities being introduced in PLCs today allow for the design of a very sophisticated load control scheme. This thesis aims at employing these communication and networking capabilities in conjunction with those of LabVIEW to design and implement a user friendly, reliable, robust and practically feasible real time static load control module. The user friendliness in the control module is introduced using the graphical capabilities of LabVIEW. The emphasis in this thesis is on the development of an interface between the GUI in LabVIEW and the switching devices i.e. IP3416 PLCs. Two control algorithms have been designed, tested and implemented with varying degree of success during the implementation stage. Provisions are made for balanced, unbalanced load control and random load switching to emulate the actual power system operation. IP3416 PLCs have been employed in different configurations utilizing the networking and communication capabilities of the device to the hilt. The latter of the two control algorithms has been implemented with great success. The use of LabVIEW provides great scope for incorporation of monitoring facilities to the module keeping in mind the excellent monitoring capabilities provided by LabVIEW. This work can be employed as the foundation for the development of intelligent load control schemes for energy management systems, efficient utilization of energy and strategic load curtailment.