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Main Authors: Gerini, Francesco, Vagnoni, Elena, Seydoux, Martin, Cherkaoui, Rachid, Paolone, Mario
Format: Preprint
Published: 2024
Subjects:
Online Access:https://arxiv.org/abs/2405.03201
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author Gerini, Francesco
Vagnoni, Elena
Seydoux, Martin
Cherkaoui, Rachid
Paolone, Mario
author_facet Gerini, Francesco
Vagnoni, Elena
Seydoux, Martin
Cherkaoui, Rachid
Paolone, Mario
contents This study explores the practical viability of repurposing aging Kaplan turbines into variable-speed propellers by employing full-size frequency converters. The motivation behind this approach is to improve the provision of \emph{Frequency Containment Reserve} (FCR) while reducing fatigue in the Kaplan blades servomechanism. We evaluate the performance of these modified Kaplan turbines against the one of another hydro asset composed of the same Kaplan turbine hybridized with a \emph{Battery Energy Storage System} (BESS). Experiments are conducted on a one-of-its-kind reduced-scale model testing platform. Our findings reveal that Kaplan turbines repurposed as variable-speed propellers exhibit similar dynamic response characteristics compared to the standalone Kaplan operation, with the added benefit of effectively eliminating blade movements. Furthermore, the ability to control the speed increases the hydraulic efficiency for certain operating points. In summary, investment in variable speed technology emerges as a viable alternative to BESS-based hydropower hybridization.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2405_03201
institution arXiv
publishDate 2024
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Experimental Investigation of Repurposed Kaplan Turbines as Variable-Speed Propellers for Maximizing Frequency Containment Reserve
Gerini, Francesco
Vagnoni, Elena
Seydoux, Martin
Cherkaoui, Rachid
Paolone, Mario
Systems and Control
This study explores the practical viability of repurposing aging Kaplan turbines into variable-speed propellers by employing full-size frequency converters. The motivation behind this approach is to improve the provision of \emph{Frequency Containment Reserve} (FCR) while reducing fatigue in the Kaplan blades servomechanism. We evaluate the performance of these modified Kaplan turbines against the one of another hydro asset composed of the same Kaplan turbine hybridized with a \emph{Battery Energy Storage System} (BESS). Experiments are conducted on a one-of-its-kind reduced-scale model testing platform. Our findings reveal that Kaplan turbines repurposed as variable-speed propellers exhibit similar dynamic response characteristics compared to the standalone Kaplan operation, with the added benefit of effectively eliminating blade movements. Furthermore, the ability to control the speed increases the hydraulic efficiency for certain operating points. In summary, investment in variable speed technology emerges as a viable alternative to BESS-based hydropower hybridization.
title Experimental Investigation of Repurposed Kaplan Turbines as Variable-Speed Propellers for Maximizing Frequency Containment Reserve
topic Systems and Control
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2405.03201