Hydropower plants frequency regulation depending on upper reservoir water level

Abstract

This paper presents a novel method of hydro power plant operation, based on the control of the injectors' or wicked gates opening time as a function of the upper reservoir level. In this way, a faster power injection, depending on the current water level on the upper reservoir, could be achieved. When this level is higher, the opening time could be shorter; hence, hydropower ramps could be steeper. Due to this control, frequency excursions and load shedding trips are smaller, thus the power quality is enhanced. This method has been tested and validated by computer simulations in a case study located in El Hierro island, Canary Archipelago (Spain). The simulations made show significant improvements, dependent on upper reservoir water level, in power quality.