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Mechanism of self-starting process and hump characteristics linkage in variable-speed pumped storage units under pump mode

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  • Gao, Chunyang
  • Yang, Hangyu
  • Wu, Haikun
  • Yuan, Fengfeng
  • Yu, Xiangyang
  • Nan, Haipeng
  • Feng, Jianjun
  • Liu, Weixing
  • Shen, Shikang

Abstract

—During the transition from pump backspin mode to pump mode in self-startup of doubly-fed variable-speed pumped storage units (DFVSPSUs), hump characteristics significantly impact operational stability, pressure pulsations within this region adversely affect the operational envelope of pump-mode performance and impair startup stability, yet current research lacks comprehensive investigation in this domain. This study examines the correlation mechanism between pump mode self-startup processes and hump characteristics in DFVSPSUs. Initially, the two-phase startup sequence is analyzed with emphasis on speed-variable operation's influence on hump characteristics. Subsequently, a variable-speed pumped storage unit model is constructed to simulate factors affecting hump traversal, revealing that initial speed during backspin mode critically determines stability—excessively low speeds may even trigger startup failure. Addressing minimum speed requirements, an adaptive module-enhanced selection methodology is proposed to prevent pumping dysfunction. Finally, analysis confirms that higher initial speeds (within converter capacity constraints) substantially reduce hump traversal duration during startup.

Suggested Citation

  • Gao, Chunyang & Yang, Hangyu & Wu, Haikun & Yuan, Fengfeng & Yu, Xiangyang & Nan, Haipeng & Feng, Jianjun & Liu, Weixing & Shen, Shikang, 2026. "Mechanism of self-starting process and hump characteristics linkage in variable-speed pumped storage units under pump mode," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 257(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:257:y:2026:i:c:s0960148125024553
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124791
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    References listed on IDEAS

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