Retrofit of a hydroelectric power plant in Chile
Intervention type
Product definition, support for commissioning assistanceCustomer
FORESTAL NELTUME CARRANCO S.A. (Forest management)Location
ChileContext
Located in the Andes mountain range, this region of Chile offers a large number of rivers that can be harnessed for power generation. This makes it possible to re-inject energy into isolated areas, making the hydroelectric industry crucial in this region. However, many aging hydroelectric power plants require modernization due to outdated manual operation.
The retrofit project concerned the automation of a hydroelectric power plant, improving efficiency and reducing human intervention. CRE Technology products were chosen to ensure optimal automated control.
Application type
The hydroelectric power plant is used to generate electricity from water and feeds this energy back into the power grid, even in remote areas.
Energy sources
- Water turbine: 3,000 kVA, 2-reactors Peltron technology.
- Generator: Operating at 6,300 volts.
- Mains connection: 23,000 volts via step-up transformer.
- Speed control: By contact on the hydraulic system and piloting of the voltage regulator.
Application details
The river's flow triggers the turbine to start up and feed energy back into mains. CRE Technology's GENSYS COMPACT PRIME CORE synchronizes the system's speed and voltage to enable paralleling with mains. Once the machine is paralleled, the system regulates both the active power (kW) exported and the power factor (kVAR). In addition, the GENSYS COMPACT PRIME CORE manages the interlocking of the power circuit breaker to ensure optimum safety.
Although the GENSYS COMPACT PRIME CORE is generally designed for power plants with several generators and requires the use of a MASTER COMPACT in the presence of mains, it can be configured in Base Load mode to operate with a fixed setpoint on mains.
The transition from a manual system to fully automated management has optimized energy production and minimized the need for human intervention.
Our partner DMA Energia provided engineering, installation and commissioning services for this project.
Service provided by CRE
CRE Technology took charge of product definition and provided technical support to help commission the GENSYS COMPACT PRIME CORE and the BP+1024M charger, ensuring automated and efficient operation of the hydroelectric power plant.
Products installed
- 1 x GENSYS COMPACT PRIME CORE
- 1 x BP+1024M used as power supply
Related products
GENSYS COMPACT PRIME
The GENSYS COMPACT PRIME is designed for advanced management of multiple generators in power plants, while offering interoperability with other types of energy sources for more complex systems.
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