Controller testing facility on 32.5 MW water turbine

As part of a collaborative programme of work between university and industry on the control of hydro-generating units supplying power to the UK national grid, equipment has been installed on a 32.5 MW unit which permits the testing of new controllers in a realistic, operational environment. A central feature of this equipment, which includes a new independent high-pressure servomotor, is that it permits the generating unit to be returned quickly to operational use with its existing controller. Full integration with the power station operator´s controls, automatic control scheme and protection, permit the controllers under test to be evaluated under normal operational conditions.