OPERATIONAL FLEXIBILITY AND LIMITATIONS IN TERTIARY FREQUENCY REGULATION OF HYDROPOWER PLANTS WITH SURGE TANKS

AUTHOR(S) / AUTOR(I): Jovan Ilić, Aleksandar Petković, Đorđe Koković

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.46793/EEP25.158I

ABSTRACT / SAŽETAK:

Hydropower plants play a vital role in the power system, as their operational flexibility and relatively fast synchronization to the grid allow them to cover peak loads in the electricity demand curve. However, depending on the configuration and technical characteristics of a hydropower facility – from the reservoir and intake structures, through the type of turbine-generator units and grid connection point, to the outlet structures – certain operational limitations may arise. The objective of this paper is to explain the role of hydropower plants in the power system, particularly in the context of the intensive integration of variable renewable energy sources, with special attention to the features of hydropower facilities that affect performance in tertiary frequency control. Although solar and wind power plants are environmentally sustainable sources of energy, their variability introduces imbalances into the power system. Consequently, the operational flexibility of hydropower plants, which contribute to system stability through the provision of ancillary services, has gained increasing importance. This paper presents the case study of the Bistrica Hydropower Plant, illustrating the principles of plant dispatch, unit capabilities, and constraints resulting from the facility’s technical characteristics.

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