Corps of Engineers considers adjustable-speed generation

Journal Article · Thu Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1993 · Hydro Review; (United States)

OSTI ID:6635805

The US Army Corps of Engineers and the Bonneville Power Administration recently commissioned a study to assess the various aspects of adjustable-speed generation (also called variable-speed generation). Electronic Power Conditioning Inc., of Corvallis, Oregon, studied the cost, efficiency, and other operating implications of installing the necessary hardware to enable adjustable-speed generation at four Corps hydroelectric plants on the lower Snake River (Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose, and Lower Granite). Results of the study indicate that, while costly, five adjustable-speed options could be installed and operated on a practical basis. The Corps initiated the study to determine the cost for adding adjustable-speed generation at the four projects to improve fish survival. The Northwest Power Planning Council currently is considering proposals to modify operating procedures for hydroelectric projects on the Columbia River and its tributaries, including seasonal adjustments of pool levels behind dams to flush fish through the river system more rapidly. However, dropping pool levels significantly below normal levels may cause a loss in generating efficiency and a corresponding increase in fish mortality. Adjustable-speed generation is seen as a method for solving both problems

• OSTI ID: 6635805
• Journal Information: Hydro Review; (United States), Vol. 12:2; ISSN 0884-0385
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

13 HYDRO ENERGY
HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
POWER GENERATION
VARIATIONS
ELECTRIC GENERATORS
FISHES
MORTALITY
US CORPS OF ENGINEERS
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
POWER PLANTS
US DOD
US ORGANIZATIONS
VERTEBRATES
130700* - Hydro Energy- Power-Conversion Systems
130600 - Hydro Energy- Environmental Aspects