Variable-speed generation enhances hydro operation
Two major developments have given impetus to wider adoption of variable-speed turbine/generators in hydroelectric plants, both essentially environmental: (1) the need for stream-bed stability below river dams, and (2) the need to minimize fish damage. Also, the need to stabilize pumped-storage and generating efficiencies to match extreme changes in head levels has been a driving force. Variable-speed operation in hydro applications is relatively new to North America. In other parts of the world, it has been used in pumped-storage plants since 1971. In the US, and increasing potential exists for variable-speed hydro, considering the 30 pumped-storage plants already in operation and several river plants struggling with high head fluctuations--including four at stations operated by the Bonneville Power Administration. Several modifications to hydro-plant hardware and operating procedures are actively being considered at Bonneville--all of them practical but costly. The question becomes: How to preserve efficiency in power generation when water levels change the way generating machinery functions This article addresses three options for dealing with fluctuating water head: Pole-switching generators, Variable-speed generators, and Static-frequency converters.
- OSTI ID:
- 5822721
- Journal Information:
- Power; (United States), Vol. 137:7; ISSN 0032-5929
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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