Simulation studies for refurbishment and uprating of hydro power plants

With the revolution in technology, material science and design techniques, the aged hydro power plants need refurbished and uprated so as to capture the rated capacity, availability and efficiency. Also, life can be enhanced at much lower cost and within short span of time than commissioning a new hydro facility. Before going for refurbishment and uprating of a plant a prefeasibility study is prerequisite so as to avoid wastage of time and investment. Hydro generator excitation system is a vital sub system in hydro power plants. In the present paper, simulation studies for excitation system of an aged small hydro power plant have been carried out with various options available for excitation design and their response under various conditions. The results of simulation studies may be used as guiding factors by power utilities during refurbishment and uprating while selecting a particular type of excitation.