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Optimal guide vane opening-based variable-speed control for small hydropower units: Enhancing efficiency under wide head fluctuations

Author

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  • Zhu, Ziyi
  • Lou, Yaolin
  • Liu, Shuran
  • Liu, Deyou
  • Ke, Haisen
  • Lin, Changchan

Abstract

Small hydropower units are vital for rural electrification and clean energy transitions, but conventional constant-speed operation causes severe efficiency loss under off-design conditions—especially in stations with limited reservoir regulation, where seasonal head fluctuations waste water energy. This study proposes a novel variable-speed control strategy, innovatively integrating optimal guide vane opening (derived from turbine characteristic curves) with dynamic speed regulation, addressing gaps in existing technologies that ignore turbine characteristics or focus on pumped-storage units. A comprehensive electromechanical model (turbine, PID governor, generator, converter) with closed-loop control was built. Simulations (24–58 m head) and Taolinkou Hydropower Station field tests showed 38 % power enhancement at 24 m (vs constant-speed), 12–38 % efficiency gains under low head, with minimal retrofitting needs, boosting renewable energy utilization.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhu, Ziyi & Lou, Yaolin & Liu, Shuran & Liu, Deyou & Ke, Haisen & Lin, Changchan, 2025. "Optimal guide vane opening-based variable-speed control for small hydropower units: Enhancing efficiency under wide head fluctuations," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 340(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:340:y:2025:i:c:s036054422504753x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.139111
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Maxim Vasilyevich Chernyaev & Yuliana Vladimirovna Solovieva & Anna Vadimovna Korenevskaya & Timofey Mikhailovich Mazurchuk & Sergei Vladimirovich Gavriusev, 2022. "Small hydropower development prospects: Chinese and Russian experience," International Journal of Economic Policy in Emerging Economies, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 16(2/3/4), pages 457-483.
    2. He, Shaokun & Li, BinBin & Li, Qianxun & Zheng, Hezhen & Chen, Yingjian, 2025. "Refining hydropower operation by dynamic control of cascade reservoir water levels with flood season segmentation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 314(C).
    3. Fälth, Hanna Ek & Hedenus, Fredrik & Reichenberg, Lina & Mattsson, Niclas, 2025. "Through energy droughts: Hydropower’s ability to sustain a high output," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 214(C).
    4. Karlilar Pata, Selin & Pata, Ugur Korkut, 2025. "Comparative analysis of the impacts of solar, wind, biofuels and hydropower on load capacity factor and sustainable development index," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 319(C).
    5. Ashraf, Faisal Bin & Huuki, Hannu & Torabi Haghighi, Ali & Juutinen, Artti & Romakkaniemi, Atso & Marttila, Hannu, 2025. "Valued peaks: Sustainable water allocation for small hydropower plants in an era of explicit ecological needs," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 244(C).
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