RT20 | Power Electronics Applications for Hydropower Plants

​Hydropower Plants (HP) converts the energy of water in the stream and river into electricity. The volume of water flow and the utilized head determine the quantity of electricity. The greater the flow and head, more electricity produced. Usually hydro-turbines are optimized for an operating point defined by speed, head and discharge. HPs that are constructed in the beginning of the 20th century in the European continent were of fixed speed type employing synchronous machine and the same were continually established in Asian and American continents also. At fixed speed operation, limited deviation from head and discharge are allowed if the efficiency of turbine is considered as a constraint. Variable speed operation (VSO) of hydro turbine and generator offers an attractive solution for improved efficiency at part-loads in addition with reduced draft tube pressure oscillations and greater flexibility in power delivery.