Pumped Storage Retrofit and Upgrade: Converting Le Cheylas to Variable Speed

摘要

Today, variable output renewable power generation, such as wind and solar, represents an ever larger share of the world's power output. But it represents a major challenge for grid stability. The ideal complimentary solution for intermittent renewable energies is pumped storage plants (PSP) that can support rapidly changing grid requirements. Electricite de France (EDF) operates a fleet of about 100 GW of electricity generation in its home country and more than 135 GW worldwide. Of this, 5 GW are PSPs using synchronous generators. The large PSPs were commissioned in France between 1975 and 1990 in response to booming nuclear development. A key enabler was reversible Francis pump turbine machines, which allowed large capacities per unit (＞200 MW). Alstom (formerly Neyrpic) was amongst the early developers of this technology and supplied the power plants of Revin and Le Cheylas, which are operated by EDF.