INVESTIGATION OF RESERVES FOR ENHANCING THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF A SMALL HYDROPOWER PLANT UNDER VARIATIONS IN TURBINE GENERATOR CURRENT FREQUENCY

• Дата: 2025
• Автори: Popovych, O., Golovan, I.
• Формат: Стаття
• Мова: Українська
• Опубліковано: Institute of Renewable Energy National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine 2025
• Теми: small hydropower plant; simulation model; electromechanical system; dynamic mathematical models; steady-state operating modes; energy efficiency; frequency control.
• Онлайн доступ: https://ve.org.ua/index.php/journal/article/view/587
• Назва журналу: Vidnovluvana energetika

A comprehensive mathematical model of the electromechanical system of a small hydropower plant has been substantiated for the purpose of investigating its energy efficiency under varying parameters: the opening degree of the axial guide vane apparatus, the current frequency of the induction generator, and the static head. A methodology for conducting numerical experiments aimed at studying the domain of effective application of frequency control of turbine-generator units has been developed. The search for optimal operating conditions is carried out according to the criterion of maximum energy efficiency—the ratio of generated power to water consumption—determined from the steady-state operating parameters obtained by solving the system of differential equations of electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic equilibrium until the steady state is reached, with consideration of the mutual influence of system components and the nonlinearity of their equations. The first stage of the numerical experiment is intended to determine the optimal values of the asynchronous generator current frequency variation under constant static head. It is shown that the expediency of applying frequency control to turbine-generator units increases as the operating point approaches the boundary of the turbine’s energy-efficient operating region. The second stage of the numerical experiment is related to identifying the conditions for efficient operation of the hydropower plant with frequency control under a natural flow regime. It has been determined that, under optimal frequency control modes, water discharge is reduced, thereby increasing the reservoir water level and, consequently, the hydropower plant's energy output. A specific case study demonstrates that, in natural flow conditions, the application of frequency control resulted in a 53% increase in generated power.