Automation of hydroelectric power plants

Journal Article · Thu Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1990 · Tappi; (USA)

OSTI ID:6437846

Grasser, H S ^[1]

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1. Consolidated Papers, Inc., Wisconsin Rapids, WI (US)

This paper describes how the author's company has been automating its hydroelectric generating plants. The early automations were achieved with a relay-type supervisory control system, relay logic, dc tachometer, and a pneumatic gate-position controller. While this system allowed the units to be started and stopped from a remote location, they were operated at an output that was preset by the pneumatic control at the generating site. The supervisory control system at the site provided such information as unit status, generator breaker status, and a binary coded decimal (BCD) value of the pond level. The generating units are started by energizing an on-site relay that sets the pneumatic gate controller to a preset value above the synchronous speed of the hydroelectric generator. The pneumatic controller then opens the water-wheel wicket gates to the preset startup position. As the hydroelectric generator starts to turn, the machine-mounted dc tachometer produces a voltage. At a dc voltage equivalent to synchronous speed, the generator main breaker closes, and a contact from the main breaker starts a field-delay timer. Within a few seconds, the field breaker closes. Once the cycle is complete, a relay changes the pneumatic setpoint to a preset operating point of about 8/10 wicket gate opening.

• OSTI ID: 6437846
• Journal Information: Tappi; (USA), Journal Name: Tappi; (USA) Vol. 73:3; ISSN 0039-8241; ISSN TAPPA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

13 HYDRO ENERGY
130300* -- Hydro Energy-- Plant Design & Operation
COMPUTERIZED CONTROL SYSTEMS
CONTROL
CONTROL SYSTEMS
FLUID MECHANICS
HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
MECHANICS
OPERATION
PNEUMATICS
POWER PLANTS
REMOTE CONTROL
SAFETY