Category: Industry Trends

Our advantages

• Proven technology & decades of experiences in power

electronics

• Wide range of systems architecture tailored to projects

specifics

• Grid code compliance simulation / grid forming control

• Integrated solution with mechanical OEM

• Numerous references of large pump storage system,

including largest projects in Europe

• Centralized expert team in Germany (Center of Excellence)

• Global partner with strong regional presence

• Strong presence in North America (local facility with

manufacturing, engineering and service)

Multiple reasons for investing in PSPP

When investing in a pumped storage power plant, decision

makers identify and define the main requirements the plant

has to fulfill. Reasons may vary, for example with the main

drivers being to produce power from water as a renewable

energy source, to balance the grid or to build a large-scale

energy storage system to help manage the power grid

and security of supply. Investors and decision-makers need

to identify the best technology suitable to meet the project’s

specific purpose.

Power Conversion’s technology for

variable PSPP applications

The heart of Power Conversion’s converter systems

are press-pack IGBTs.

Power Conversion uses rugged, robust press-pack IGBT

technology, which is superior to standard grade IGBT

technology. Press-pack IGBT yields better surge current

rating, improved thermal cycling and longest lifetime.

Press pack IGBTs do not use failure prone bond wires.

Power Conversion’s control technology supports different

algorithms for line side control, as well as various operation

modes that are required by grid operators around the world.

If required, Power Conversion offers support for grid

approvals with HIL simulators.

Needed space inside the power plant is strictly

connected to the specific requirements on our equipment and

design of the machine set. Power Conversion is investigating

and checking all relevant data to provide the best solution to fit

in the appropriate rooms for green field and brown field projects.

Power Conversion builds customized solutions

to meet your specifi c space requirements

Examples for possible arrangements for each kind of topology

which reflected pumped storage power plants with variable

speed approach. Needed space inside the power plant is strictly

connected to the specific requirements on our equipment and

design of the machine set. Power Conversion is investigating

and checking all relevant data to provide the best solution to fit

in the appropriate rooms for green field and brown field projects.

Power Conversion uses rugged, robust press-pack IGBT

technology, which is superior to standard grade IGBT

technology. Press-pack IGBT yields better surge current

rating, improved thermal cycling and longest lifetime.

Press pack IGBTs do not use failure prone bond wires.

Power Conversion’s control technology supports different

algorithms for line side control, as well as various operation

modes that are required by grid operators around the world.

Voice of our customers

With our expertise and extensive know-how with large scale

PSPP projects, we are able to support our customers with

customized solutions that help minimize costs while

maximizing output.

Available operation modes

• Variable speed in turbine mode

• Variable speed in pump mode

• Braking mode

• Statcom operation

• Black start

• Island mode

• LVRT/HVRT capability

• Virtual inertia (dynamic grid support)

Support for grid model and approvals

• Support grid approval with hardware

in loop simulator (HIL)

• RMS models DIG silent power factory & PSSE

• Transient models MATLAB & PSCAD

• Model validation with HIL

Extensive expertise in

variable speed projects for hydro

With our variable speed drive technology, pumped storage plant

operators are better able to meet the need for peak supplies

of power while in turbine mode. Also, the plant achieves higher

efficiency levels in partial-load conditions because the machine

speed can be adjusted to meet the grid’s changing power

requirements while maintaining the turbine close to its highest

efficiency point. At last operators have greater control over the

plant’s performance in pump mode, by being able to control

the power consumed from the grid while refilling the upper reservoir.

However, in order to react to changing wind and solar power

conditions that can undermine grid reliability, pumped storage

power plants need to have greater flexibility and shorter

response time. Reversible pump turbines with variable speed

motor-generator provide adjustable discharge and power in

both turbine and pump operation, plus enhanced grid services

like virtual inertia.

GE Vernova’s Power Conversion business designs energy conversion

systems that provide tailor-made solutions for mission-critical applications

Power Conversion provides customized

solutions for reliable applications

Power Conversion’s pumped stoarge power plant (PSPP)

portfolio includes variable speed drive solutions such as

AC-excitation systems with 3kV and 6kV converter drives,

fully-fed applications, fixed speed solutions with start-up

equipment as well as DC-excitation systems.

We offer all power conversion and grid integration equipment

for large hydropower plants, such as pumped storage, river

and tidal applications, from planning and optimization to

manufacturing, installation and commissioning, and lifelong

services and consultancy.

Power Conversion – a global partner

with a local footprint

Our regional presence with key facilities and the right

partners allows us to support your hydro business

worldwide.

All regions are directly connected to our Center of

Excellence (CoE) for hydro pump storage in Berlin, Germany,

where we bundle competencies and use our knowledge

to focus on the best solutions for our customers. Due to

regional manufacturing, engineering and service facilities in

the US and Europe we can deliver tailor-made solutions with

high domestic content.

Touchscreen for Operator Control and Maintenance

Replacing antiquated meters and

pushbuttons with modern touchscreen

controls will immediately improve your

ability to operate, maintain and

enhance diagnostic management of your SFC’s controls.

Input/OutputModules (PIBeCard)

• Modular construction

• Up to 8 digital inputs and 4 outputs (24VDC)

• Up to 8 analog inputs and 4 outputs (+/-10VDC)

GE’s Service Programs Tailored to your

Application and Needs:

• Replacement of Parts & Repair Services

• Preventive “Performance” Maintenance (Annual)

• Preventive “Major” Maintenance (once every 3 or 5 years)

• Long Term Service Agreements

• Local Field services & Repairs

• Retrofits, Refurbishments and Upgrades

• Interactive trainings

• Remote support via VISOR

BENEFITS AND FEATURES

• Experts that fully understand your industry and will

match our drive features to meet your specific requirements

• Improved reliability and serviceability

• Replacement of all obsolete parts by GE new

standard hardware

• Consistent and cost-effective project execution

from start to finish

• Phased upgrades that fit your operating budget

• Improved process control resulting in lower operating costs

Power Electronics Controller (PECe)

• Standard industrial PC (Intel based chipset)

• VXWorksoperating system-

IEC1131 Compliant Function Block

• Deterministic Ethernet

• 5 Ethernet ports 10/100

• High performance processor (2.5 GHz)

• 60ºC Ambient

• Fanlessoperation

• 2 or 4 PCI slots allows Profibus, Reflective Memory,

Modbus , EGD, Ethercat, etc.

Engineered solutions for complex drive and control applications

PROVEN DRIVES CONTROL TECHNOLOGY

If you currently rely on vintage SFC drive controls like

VME or Syconumdrive controller, you cannot ignore

the risk of obsolescence. A reliable and cost-effective

upgrade can save you the time and expense of a

complete system’s replacement.

This simple upgrade will modernize your controls and

data interfaces, substantially improving control

capabilities and performance. Extensive diagnostics

and comprehensive testing can make systems easier to

maintain, with GE’s outstanding drive services helping

you get the greatest possible value from your MV drives’ controls.

The external control interface -GE’s P80i Control

System toolbox-is widely considered as one of the best

tools for configuring, troubleshooting and maintaining

legacy SFC drives and controls.

IMPROVED CONTROL CAPABILITIES & PERFORMANCE

A well planned and executed upgrade by GE Power

Conversion experts can save time and cost of an

extensive system replacement and help you extend the

life of critical power equipment.

The Intellix™ MO150 transformer monitoring system, from GE Energy, is an intelligent, cost-effective

solution which provides comprehensive monitoring and interactive transformer condition diagnostics,

to provide early warning of incipient failure conditions.

Based on field-proven technology, the Intellix MO150 uses various sensors such as the Hydran™ and

state-of-the-art transformer mathematical models based on IEEE® or IEC® standards, to provide real

time information on the overall performance of the transformer to assist utility operations managers

and system operators in making critical decisions.

Key Benefits

On-line monitoring and performing real-time, transformer diagnostics can help reduce the risk of

unexpected and sometimes catastrophic failures. This also helps you avoid expensive replacement

and clean-up costs, unplanned downtime and overall improvement in asset. Reliability. Early detection

of potential transformer problems is vital tothe lifespan extension of critical transformers and brings

significant business and operational benefits:

• Reduce inspection and maintenance costs by confidently stretching out the time between routine

maintenance activities

• Optimize equipment life by monitoring cooling system performance

• Reduce the probability of an unplanned outage with continuous condition monitoring

• Provides greater lifespan confidence through the use of on-line model computation providing real

time transformer condition information

• Defer major replacement costs by optimizing your transformer’s performance and extending its

lifespan