Benefits of battery hybridization in hydraulic turbines. Wear and tear evaluation in a Kaplan prototype

Kaplan turbines are nowadays used to provide Frequency Containment Reserve (FCR) the grid due their fast capacity regulate power maintaining high efficiency. However, this continuous regulation increases wear and tear of system considerably. To reduce amount movements in servomotors, thus tear, a new technology is being investigated within frame European project XFLEX Hydro. This based on hybridizing hydro unit with small size battery parallel, one charge compensating frequency fluctuations by providing or absorbing power. In paper, benefits implementation evaluated. A turbine prototype located Vogelgrun, France, has been hybridized different parameters have monitored while was working hybrid mode normal standalone mode. Wear compared for both modes. reduction about 25% servomotors mileage 50% fatigue damage obtained unit. • Benefits units studied. installed parallel The helps primary control reducing regulating systems obtained.