Generator/Motors and Adjustable-Speed Drives for Waddell Pumped-Storage Plant

Lonnecker, Bruce R.; ,

Generator/Motors and Adjustable-Speed Drives for Waddell Pumped-Storage Plant

by Bruce R. Lonnecker, US Bureau of Reclamation, Denver, CO, USA,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Water Power '87

Abstract:

This paper describes the pumping and generating units and associated electrical equipment planned for Waddell Pumped-Storage Plant. Waddell Pumped-Storage Plant is to be located near Phoenix, Arizona, and will regulate water flowing from the Granite Reef Aqueduct towards Phoenix and Tucson. Savings in electric power costs and improved water delivery system reliability can be achieved by pumping excess water from the aqueduct into Lake Pleasant during the winter when electric power rates are lower, then using the energy of the stored water to generate electric power during the summer when electric power rates and demand for water are higher. Design problems encountered include operation over a wide speed range, converter cooling system size and reliability, system voltage dip and var limitations, high short circuit currents, space limitations, and control of harmonic distortions injected onto the electrical system.

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