Dual Frequency Regulation in Pumping Mode in a Wind–Hydro Isolated System

Abstract

Frequency control is one of the most critical tasks in isolated power systems, especially in high renewable penetration scenarios. This paper presents a new hydropower pumped-storage dual control strategy that combines variable-speed-driven pumps and fixed-speed-driven pumps. A possible case for implementation of such a control scheme is described based on El Hierro Island’s power system. This isolated power system consists of a hybrid wind pumped-storage hydropower plant and diesel generators. The pumped-storage power plant is divided into a hydropower plant equipped with four Pelton turbines and a pump station equipped with both fixed- and variable-speed pumps. According to the proposed control scheme, frequency regulation will be provided by a dual controller: a continuous controller for the variable-speed pumps and a discrete controller for the fixed-speed pumps. The Pelton units, which operate as synchronous condensers, also supply the power system inertia. Therefore, diesel units may be disconnected, decreasing generation costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Owing to the combination of both controllers and the inertia of the Pelton units, an acceptable frequency regulation can be achieved. This technique has been validated through computer simulations.