Control Equipment - Hydropower

Overview:

 

Function:

 

Load- or Flow- controller ensure that the power output does not exceed the power demand (e.g. 230V, 50 Hz).

If flow of water in a MHP-station is constant the energy output of a turbine/generator is constant as well. Power demand is usually fluctuating over the time (e.g. day/night). If supply is higher than demand, excess energy is diverted/dumped or the flow is reduced. In case of more power demand than supply the controler cuts of the of demand line.  Load controller are placed between generator output and the consumer line.

Controll Elements

Load controller

Electronic circuit, which keeps output power constant in Frequency- and Voltage- parameters.

Fluctuating energy demand requires a mechanism which either regulates the water input into the turbine (=> flow control) or  by diverting excess energy from the consumer connection (=>ballast load). 

Flow controll:

regulates the amount of water into the turbine in order to match power output and power demand.

Ballast load:

If energy demand is temporarily low, the controller sends excess energy to the Ballst Load. This are usually electrical heaters in water or air.

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