Control system for run-of-river hydroelectric plant
US4674279A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 12, 1984 |
| Grant date | Jun 23, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 12, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/20
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A control system for a hydroelectric power plant of the run-of-river type wherein the load on the turbine-generator units is matched to the flow of the river so that the units operate at the maximum head available for existing flow conditions to produce the maximum energy available from the river flow for the installed capacity of the plant and within the allowable, safe operating capability range of the turbine-generator units. Reservoir water level sensors provide a signals indicative of changing water level, sensors for generator electrical and thermal operating characteristics provide a signals related thereto, and a control connected to the water level sensors, to the generator sensors and to the turbine governor adjusts the turbine flow control devices to change the turbine power in response to changing river level within the safe and allowable operating range of the generator. Adjusting the turbine power to match the water available either when the reservoir level increases or decreases maintains maximum head for the power plant to obtain maximum energy therefrom. A tailwater level sensor and cavitation control also control the turbine flow control devices in an appropriate …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.