The hydraulic system of a hydroelectric power system

1. System Overview

This hydraulic control system is a key subsystems used in hydroelectric power plants for unit regulation and actuation control. It utilizes high-pressure hydraulic oil as the transmission medium to achieve stable and precise control of turbine generator operation.

The system is widely applied in turbine speed regulation, guide vane and blade positioning, main valve actuation (including butterfly valves and spherical valves), braking control, and auxiliary hydraulic power supply. It ensures reliable and coordinated operation of hydropower units under varying load conditions.

2. Main Components

Hydraulic Power Unit

• Electric or diesel-driven high-pressure oil pump units

• Accumulator system for pressure stabilization and energy storage

Actuation Mechanism

• Hydraulic cylinders and hydraulic motors

• Used for guide vane adjustment, gate movement, and valve operation

Control System

• Electro-hydraulic servo valves and proportional valves

• PLC-based automated control for precise response and regulation

Safety Protection Devices

• Pressure relief valves

• Pressure sensors and monitoring instruments

• Emergency shutdown and protection mechanisms

Auxiliary Subsystems

• Oil filtration system

• Cooling system for temperature control

• Oil tank and piping network for circulation and storage

3. Technical Characteristics

High Operational Stability
Designed with corrosion-resistant materials and redundant structural configuration, enabling reliable operation in humid, high-vibration hydropower environments.

High-Precision Control Performance

• Servo valve response time: < 10 ms

• Guide vane positioning accuracy: ±0.1%

Energy Efficiency Optimization

• Supports variable frequency or variable displacement pumping systems

• Accumulator-based pressure compensation reduces frequent pump cycling and lowers energy consumption

Automation and Smart Integration
Compatible with SCADA systems for real-time monitoring of pressure, flow, temperature, and system status, with built-in fault diagnosis capabilities.

System Redundancy Design
Dual pump units and dual power supply configuration ensure continuous operation even under failure conditions.

4. Typical Applications

• Turbine Speed Regulation: Maintains stable turbine operation and grid frequency synchronization

• Guide Vane and Runner Control: Adjusts water flow based on load demand to improve efficiency

• Main Valve Operation: Enables fast opening/closing of butterfly and ball valves, including emergency shutdown scenarios

• Hydraulic Braking System: Provides controlled deceleration during turbine shutdown

5. Key Benefits

• Improved Equipment Lifespan: Reduces mechanical wear through smooth hydraulic actuation

• Higher Power Generation Efficiency: Fast response to load variations optimizes energy output

• Enhanced Safety Performance: Designed in compliance with ISO 4413 and IEC 61362 standards, with seismic and explosion-resistant capability

• Stable Long-Term Operation: Suitable for continuous-duty operation in demanding hydroelectric environments

6. Engineering & Service Support

• Customized system design available (pressure range: 16–40 MPa, flow configuration adaptable to project requirements)

• Full installation and commissioning support

• Remote monitoring integration options

• Long-term maintenance and technical service support