Control Methods for Converter-Fed Synchronous Machines
1. Field-Oriented Control
- Description: This method is widely used in motor control systems where the flux and torque components are controlled separately. It enables precise control over the machine’s operation.
- Use in Pumped Storage Plants: Field-oriented control can be applied to the permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs) used in some pumped storage systems to manage both generating and pumping modes effectively.
2. Virtual Synchronous Machine (VSM) Control
- Description: VSMs mimic the behavior of traditional synchronous machines but with the flexibility of power electronics. They are used to provide grid support and stability by mimicking synchronous generator characteristics.
- Use in Pumped Storage Plants: In transition modes between pumping and generating, converters can be controlled as VSMs to ensure grid stability and synchronization.
3. Steady-State Control Strategies
- Description: These strategies involve optimizing the operation by controlling parameters such as speed, power output, and grid synchronization.
- Use in Pumped Storage Plants: Full-size converter-fed synchronous machines allow for variable speed operation, which is managed through steady-state control strategies to optimize efficiency and adapt to different water flow conditions.
4. Control Based on Sinusoidal PWM or Space Vector Modulation
- Description: These are modulation techniques used to control the output of power converters, enabling efficient and precise management of the machine’s operation.
- Use in Pumped Storage Plants: These techniques are suitable for converter-fed synchronous machines, providing robust control over the machine’s operation during both pumping and generating modes.
5. PI Type Regulator and Speed Optimization
- Description: PI (Proportional-Integral) controllers are used to manage parameters like guide vane opening based on grid conditions and power setpoints. Speed optimization algorithms, often in the form of look-up tables, maximize efficiency by adjusting speed according to power output and mass flow rate.
- Use in Pumped Storage Plants: In generating mode, PI regulators adjust the guide vane opening, while speed optimizers determine the optimal speed to maximize turbine efficiency.
These control methods collectively enhance the flexibility and efficiency of converter-fed synchronous machines in pumped storage plants, allowing them to operate over a wide range of conditions effectively.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-control-methods-are-used-to-optimize-the-performance-of-converter-fed-synchronous-machines-in-pumped-storage-plants/
