Dynamic model of a small hydropower plant

The selection of the best turbine for a particular hydro site depends on the site characteristics and on the power required. For the particular values of the flow and head, the turbine tends to run most efficient at a particular speed. Often, the generator needs to be rotated at a speed greater than the turbine optimum speed. Therefore, a speed increaser is needed in many cases to link the turbine to the generator. The paper analyzes the influence of introducing a speed increaser between a Turgo turbine and the generator. The generator is tested on experimental stands in order to find the mechanical characteristics. Then, the synthesis of the chosen planetary speed increaser is performed. The paper presents the dynamic modeling of the turbine-speed increaser-generator assembly; the working point in steady state regime is established. The validation of the theoretical results using Matlab - Simulink software guarantees the good functioning of the physical prototype of small hydropower plant in certain conditions.