Run-of-River Controller for Hydro Plants

Havrilla, J. P.; Rodrigue, P.; ,

Run-of-River Controller for Hydro Plants

by J. P. Havrilla, New York State Electric & Gas, Binghamton, NY, USA,
P. Rodrigue, New York State Electric & Gas, Binghamton, NY, USA,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Waterpower '85

Abstract:

New York State Electric and Gas Corporation has installed programmable run-of-river (ROR) controllers at five of their plants. Each of these plants has either two or three units with installed capacities ranging from 5. 4 to 16. 8 MW. These ROR controllers operate as basic pond level controllers to maintain headwater level at a pre-set elevation, but incorporate a number of features which permit complete unattended plant operation. These include provision for: Automatic starting and stopping the units and dividing plant flow to maximize energy generation. Maintaining generator operation within design temperature and excitation limitations with the ability to operate at a constant power factor or a constant var output, and with a priority logic to vary the excitation, if necessary. Operation of the turbines within their recommended cavitation limitation, which is a function of tailwater level and head. As of June this year, three of the ROR controllers are fully operational and the others will be in service by September.

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