Challenges of Large Converter-Fed Synchronous Machines for Variable-Speed Pumped Hydro Storage

Stefan Polster (), Johannes Deschler, Herwig Renner, Aurelie Bocquel and Martin Janssen
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Stefan Polster: Verbund Hydro Power GmbH, 1010 Vienna, Austria
Johannes Deschler: Grenzkraftwerke GmbH, 84359 Simbach, Germany
Herwig Renner: Institute of Electric Power Systems, Graz University of Technology, 8010 Graz, Austria
Aurelie Bocquel: GE Power Conversion Berlin, 12277 Berlin, Germany
Martin Janssen: GE Power Conversion Berlin, 12277 Berlin, Germany

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 22, 1-18

Abstract: The green energy transition of electrical energy production is leading to an increasing share of total energy production for volatile renewable energy sources, mainly wind and solar power. To handle this volatile production, flexible and efficient energy storage is required. The development of high-power converters has enabled the generation of variable-speed pumped hydro storage power plants, combining the so-far-unequalled energy storage capacity of classical pumped-storage hydro power plants and the recently increased operation requirements. The introduction of large-scale converters has led to new challenges in the overall design of power plant systems. This paper intended to take a closer look at a large-scale converter-fed synchronous generator, especially the distribution of the current and voltage harmonics caused by the converter in the implemented generation system. Thereby, holistic design considerations for an ideal loss distribution as well as possible measures to limit the effects of harmonic coupling at the generator shaft and bearings are discussed. Furthermore, basic considerations of harmonic emission to the connected network are described. These topics are addressed by analyzing on-site measurements at an 85 MVA converter-fed synchronous generator with a voltage source inverter, underpinned with the theoretical background.

Keywords: converter-fed synchronous machines; voltage source inverter; shaft voltage; harmonic emission; variable-speed pumped hydro storage (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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