Rotor–stator interaction investigations in variable speed reversible pump-turbine at higher head

Efficiency and grid stability can be improved by variable speed operation using doubly fed induction machine technology for pumped storage plants experiencing significant head variations. With the higher penetration of intermittent and variable renewable energy sources, viz., solar and wind, the grid may be stabilized by operating the reversible pump-turbines (RPTs) in off-design conditions. In a turbine mode, the RPT is more susceptible to fatigue and vibrations when operating at a higher head as a result of hydraulic instability generated by rotor–stator interaction (RSI); therefore, its performance becomes even more critical. The powerhouse structural components, including floors and columns, could experience intense vibrations because of this instability. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the RSI in the variable speed RPTs at the higher head. These investigations present the results of a numerical analysis of RSI and its associated pressure fluctuations in the variable speed RPTs at the higher head. The high-head scaled model of variable speed RPT was used, and the numerical simulations were executed by utilizing the shear stress transport k-ω turbulence model. The numerical analysis was performed at the best efficiency point and high-head operating conditions having optimized rotational speed. The results show that the main source of pressure fluctuations in the variable speed RPT at all operating conditions is RSI, where the dominant frequencies are blade passing frequency (9fn) and its harmonics. It is also found that the variable speed operation lowers the pressure fluctuations in the RPT.