Research on the method of suppressing power fluctuation of hydro generator unit based on vortex elimination technology

Abstract

Hydro power is a clean and renewable energy source, and it is one of the important ways to realize “carbon peak” and “carbon neutrality”. With the reform of the power system structure, the Central China Power Grid covering the four provinces of Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi and Henan and the Southwest Power Grid covering the three regions of Sichuan, Chongqing and Tibet have realized asynchronous operation. In terms of stable operation of the power grid, the Power Grid, which accounts for a large proportion of hydro power, is facing severe challenges. Aiming at the power fluctuation problem of a hydro power station in Southwest China, the mechanism that caused the active power fluctuation problem was explored from the aspects of water, machinery, and electricity. Combined with an example of active power fluctuation of a hydro power station, it was found out that the active power fluctuation was caused by the water inlet vortex caused by large fluctuations in shell inlet pressure. A method of installing a vortex eliminator at the water inlet is proposed to reduce the pressure fluctuation at the inlet of the volute. Numerical simulation and field data measurement prove that this method is effective in reducing the fluctuation of active power, and the problem of power fluctuation has been well solved. It provides an important reference for similar problems of hydroelectric generating units.