Hydraulic Turbine Control for Large Power Setpoint Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic turbine systems struggle to instantaneously respond to significant variations in electrical power setpoints due to physical limitations, leading to undesirable phenomena and increased maintenance costs, while energy storage systems with high capacity are costly and inefficient in contributing to rapid power adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A control method that dynamically controls the turbine system and an energy storage system to quickly reach new power setpoints by delaying the power input from the energy storage system, allowing the turbine to operate within its physical constraints and tolerating power oscillations, thereby reducing the required energy storage capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the turbine system responds quickly to significant power setpoint variations, then responsiveness is improved, but system instability occurs due to physical limitations and water column inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The control method predicts future power setpoints and proactively adjusts turbine operating parameters in advance. By forecasting power variations and preparing the turbine system beforehand, the system can respond more quickly to setpoint changes without experiencing instability, as the water column inertia is already accounted for in the predictive control strategy
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements dynamic control parameters that adapt to changing operating conditions. The control method continuously adjusts turbine guide vane positions, water flow rates, and generator excitation based on real-time system state and predicted future demands, allowing the system to maintain stability while improving responsiveness to power setpoint variations
2Speed
If energy storage capacity is increased to support rapid power variations, then responsiveness is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the need for large-capacity mechanical energy storage systems with a predictive control strategy. By using algorithms that forecast power setpoints and pre-adjust turbine operations, the system achieves rapid responsiveness without requiring expensive battery banks or pumped hydro storage infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The turbine system serves its own responsiveness needs through intelligent control rather than external energy storage support. The predictive control method enables the turbine to self-adjust to power setpoint variations using its existing hydraulic and mechanical capabilities, eliminating the need for additional energy storage components
3Power
If the turbine operates outside its specific output power range to meet rapid power demands, then power delivery capability is improved, but system damage occurs due to unstable vortices and turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The predictive control method forecasts upcoming power demands and proactively adjusts turbine operating parameters to stay within safe operational ranges. By preparing the system in advance with appropriate water flow rates and guide vane positions, the turbine can meet power demands without entering unstable operating zones that cause damaging vortices
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors turbine operating parameters, water flow conditions, and power output, using this feedback to adjust control actions and maintain operation within the safe power range. The feedback mechanism detects approaching unstable conditions and corrective actions are taken to prevent vortex formation and turbine damage
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling an energy production system (1), comprising: —a connecting link (6) provided with a connection (62) to an AC network (2); —a turbine system (3) comprising an electric machine (31) for delivering a nominal electrical power Pnom; —an energy storage system (14), comprising the following steps; —receipt of a first electrical power setpoint Ps0 and control of the turbine system (3) so as to deliver an electrical power Pt0=Ps0; and—receipt of an electrical power setpoint Ps1, where ΔPs=Ps1−Ps0 and |ΔPs|>Pnom*0.3; a) application of a hydraulic setpoint to the turbine system (3) so as to increase the delivered electrical power Pti thereof and prevent the storage system (14) from delivering electrical power (62); b) determination of the power Pea that the storage system (14) is able to supply; c) when Pti+Pea≥Ps1−ε1, the storage system (14) delivers an electrical power Pe1 to satisfy the requirement Ps1−ε1≤Pe1+Pti≤Ps1+ε2.