Hydro

Hydroelectric power is produced by water flowing through a turbine, which then turns a shaft in an electric generator. Management of hydroelectric power systems must optimize power generation by monitoring water flow and levels, controlling wicket gates, regulating power and detecting and announcing alarms. Automation and SCADA systems help do that by providing remote monitoring and control of hydroelectric systems, reducing operating and maintenance costs, and providing data reporting. We work on large or small, vertical, horizontal and inclined tube turbine controls.

UIS Renewable Power, Inc. has experience installing, designing, and servicing hydroelectric power systems. We can provide PLC-based controls for new and existing systems. Analog and/or digital inputs and outputs can monitor and control gate positions, hydraulic pressure, water level, excitation, speed, synchronizing, governing, protection devices, and more. We use standard, widely available equipment. Our experienced staff can provide a complete and coordinated design for all major electrical systems.

Typical controls include:

Unit Automation

Flow control
Power control
Voltage control
Governing (frequency control)
Black start
Start and stop sequencing
Synchronizing
Francis turbines
Kaplan turbines
Correlation curves

Plant Automation

Water level control
Voltage control
Optimization control
Peaking control

Run-of-River Controls

FERC requires that all dams with or without hydro power generators respect the natural run-of-river flow. Many sites use a manual level control system that is labor intensive and more likely to result in large changes in water level. UIS Renewable Power has designed and installed automated run-of-river control systems at large and small sites throughout North America to replace the manual system. We use state of the art PLCs, SCADA software and sensors to maximize performance. Our algorithms will automatically compensate for wind, water hammer, recreational boats, and seasonal variations. Our control algorithms are tested and proven and consist of one the following three depending on the site’s existing infrastructure:

PID control algorithm usually used at newer facilities where dam and wicket gate positions can be accurately monitored
Matrix control algorithm where dam and/or wicket gate positions are not as well monitored
Matrix Combination of both where it makes most sense.