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Full-size converter operation of hydro power generators: a state-of-the-art review of motivations, solutions, and design implications

Betrieb von Wasserkraftgeneratoren am Umrichter: Ein Überblick über Motivation, Lösungen und Auswirkungen auf das Generatordesign

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Abstract

This paper reviews motivations and solutions for variable-speed operation in large hydro power plants with a special emphasis on full-size converter operated synchronous generators. First, the established concepts of conventional pumped storage power plants are briefly described. Then, the implemented applications with use of power converters and synchronous machines in hydro power plants, their power ratings, power converter topologies used, and the experiences obtained during operation are reviewed. Concerning its state-of-the-art position in variable-speed pumped storage power plants, the variable-speed capability offered by doubly-fed induction machines is also briefly described, including the power range that can be achieved in pumping mode as well as the power converter ratings of existing power plants. Following this comprehensive analysis, this paper identifies the requirements of today’s power converters and synchronous machines for utilization in large pumped storage power plants as full-size converter operated synchronous generators. It analyzes the design implications on the electric machines driven by such converters, and investigates the advantages of the additional possibilities given by the full-size converter operation that may outweigh the added cost, system complexity, and power loss.

Zusammenfassung

Dieser Beitrag zeigt sowohl die Motivation als auch Lösungen für drehzahlvariablen Betrieb großer Wasserkraftwerke, mit besonderem Schwerpunkt auf den Betrieb von Synchrongeneratoren am Umrichter. Zuerst werden die konventionellen Konzepte in Pumpspeicherkraftwerken kurz dargestellt. Als nächstes werden umgesetzte Projekte von umrichterbetriebenen Synchronmaschinen in Wasserkraftwerken dargestellt, es werden die jeweilige Kraftwerksleistung, die verwendete Umrichtertopologie und die Betriebserfahrung veranschaulicht. Die doppelt gespeiste Asynchronmaschine ist der aktuelle Stand der Technik in drehzahlvariablen Pumpspeicherkraftwerken. Daher werden kurz das mit ihr erreichbare Leistungsspektrum im Pumpbetrieb dargestellt und die Dimensionierung der dafür notwendigen Umrichter anhand von Beispielkraftwerken betrachtet. Nach dieser umfassenden Untersuchung werden die aktuellen Anforderungen an Umrichter und Synchronmaschinen für den Einsatz in großen Pumpspeicherkraftwerken als umrichtergespeiste Synchrongeneratoren analysiert. Abschließend werden die zusätzlichen Möglichkeiten für das Generatordesign durch den Betrieb am Umrichter betrachtet und Vorteile durch den Betrieb am Umrichter dargestellt, die möglicherweise die zusätzlichen Kosten, Komplexität und Verluste überwiegen.

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  1. Electric Drives and Machines Institute, Graz University of Technology, Inffeldgasse 18/1, 8010, Graz, Austria

    Thomas Holzer & Annette Muetze

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Holzer, T., Muetze, A. Full-size converter operation of hydro power generators: a state-of-the-art review of motivations, solutions, and design implications. Elektrotech. Inftech. 136, 209–215 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00502-019-0710-3

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