Hydro Turbine Power Control With Energy Storage for Stable Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydroelectric power generation systems face undesirable phenomena such as S-shaped instability, unstable vortices, and helical or axial cable formation at specific output power ranges, leading to system damage and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit adjusts electrical power setpoints and energy storage system operations to maintain safe operating conditions, extending the power generation range by using energy storage to offset undesirable setpoints and manage state of charge, thereby avoiding risky conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the turbine system operates outside the specific output power range, then the power generation flexibility is improved, but undesirable phenomena such as S-shape instability, unstable vortices, and cable formation occur causing system damage
Solution Approach 1:
An energy storage system is introduced as an intermediary between the turbine and the grid. The control circuit manages power flow by selectively charging or discharging the energy storage system, allowing the turbine to operate within its safe power range while the energy storage system handles power variations to meet grid demands. This mediator enables extended operational flexibility without exposing the turbine to damaging conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by adjusting the power setpoint based on the turbine's current output and the grid's needs. The control circuit calculates appropriate setpoints that keep the turbine within its safe operating range while achieving the desired power transfer to or from the grid, effectively managing the transition between different operating states without entering unstable regions.
2Reliability
If the turbine system operates within a limited output power range to avoid undesirable phenomena, then system reliability is maintained, but the power generation flexibility and responsiveness to grid demands are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system serves multiple functions: it buffers power variations, extends the effective operating range of the turbine, provides rapid response to grid demands, and protects the turbine from operating in unstable regions. This multi-functional component enables the system to maintain reliability while achieving greater adaptability to various grid requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit proactively manages the energy storage system's charge/discharge states to prevent the turbine from entering unstable operating regions. By anticipating grid demand changes and pre-adjusting the energy storage system's state, the system maintains the turbine within its safe operating range while still meeting power demands, effectively preparing for potential instability before it occurs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If energy storage system is used to extend power range, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit autonomously manages the energy storage system's charging and discharging operations based on real-time turbine output and grid demand. The system self-regulates power flow without requiring complex external control mechanisms, using built-in logic to determine when to charge or discharge the energy storage system, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining extended operational capabilities.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively operates within a broader power range, preventing damage and reducing maintenance downtime by stabilizing the turbine system through strategic energy storage management.
Implementation Method 1
a water turbine system (3) comprising an electrical machine (31), configured to generate electrical power
Implementation Method 2
An energy storage system (14) is connected to the connection link (6)
Data Source
AI summary
An energy production system including a hydraulic turbine system having undesirable electrical power output setpoints and identified safe electrical power output setpoints, an energy storage system, a connection connected to the energy storage system and to an electric machine of the hydraulic turbine system, and further connected to an AC power network, a device for determining the state of charge, a control circuit controlling a transfer of electrical power between the connection and the energy storage system, configured to receive an electrical power setpoint value (Reps) and configured to determine that this received electrical power setpoint value belongs to the undesirable electrical power output setpoint values to generate an electrical power transfer setpoint value (Epts), and an actual electrical power output setpoint value (Aepos) belonging to the safe electrical power output setpoint values, satisfying the relationship Reps=Epts+Aepos.