Hydro-Electric Series

The objective of this course is to present and discuss supervision of the hydro generator including control, monitoring, and protection. Included is a review of the significance of active and reactive power output from the generator.

After completion of this course, you should be able to understand the following concepts:

• Control of active (megawatt) and reactive (megavar) power output form the generator
• The significance of megawatt, megavar, megavolt amps, and power factor
• Governor control of power output
• AVR control of excitation with consequent control over terminal voltage and reactive power output
• The significance of load angle (power angle) in determining the power outputs of generators, which are synchronized together on the same system
• The limits of generator operation as indicated by the generator capability curve
• The arrangement of the traditional operators’ control panel for the hydro generator, including indicating instruments, recorders, alarms and annunciators
• Calculation of generator MVA output from indicating instruments such as terminal voltage, and stator current
• The function of energy integrating meters, i.e. MWH and MVARH
• Sensing points for monitoring the physical condition of the generator
• Operation of alarms and annunciators
• Digital control systems; the operator CRT interface
• Monitoring and control of remote plants through the SCADA system
• Information printouts, trends, log
• Information transfer to the energy control centre and other company departments
• The need for generator protection; the nature of generator internal faults
• The application of protective relays, and resultant tripping action