Hydro-Electric Series

The objective of this course, the first in the Hydro-Electric Power Series, is to give hydro power plant operators and technicians an understanding of the role of hydro-electric power in the overall power system. The characteristics of different types of hydro plants are briefly discussed in relation to their effect on power system operation. An overview of the power system is presented plus a review of the tasks and responsibilities of the power dispatcher and power system operators.

Upon completion of this course, you should have an overall understanding of the following concepts:

• The characteristics of different types of hydro-electric plant:
  • Low head, run-of-the river plant
  • Intermediate head with storage reservoir
  • High head plant
  • Pumped storage
• Advantage of interties to neighboring power systems
• The power generation mix
• Characteristics of different types of power generation including fossil, combustion turbines, and nuclear
• Advantages of hydro power generation
• The purpose of the transmission system
• Advantages of the integrated power system generating stations to distribution systems
• The purpose of the distribution system, i.e. to deliver power to all of the individual consumers at the appropriate voltage
• Comparison of overhead transmission with underground cable
• Specific applications where transmission by high voltage DC is advantageous
• Review of equipment installed in typical switching stations, transformer stations, and substations
• The daily load curve and seasonal load curve
• The need to have sufficient generating capacity on line at all times of the day to equal the daily load forecast, plus an allowance for fluctuation, plus an allowance for spinning reserve
• Economic load dispatch
• Constraints on economic loading
• Prevention of system overload (low frequency)
• The application of the AGC system to control frequency and interchange
• Methods of controlling voltage at different points in the system
• The hydro generator as a synchronous condenser
• Power system security