MEETING PEAK POWER REQUIREMENT IN THE EASTERN REGIONAL GRID VIS-A-VIS DEVELOPMENT OF PUMPED STORAGE PROJECTS

摘要

The State of West Bengal and the Eastern Region was having predominantly Thermal Power Generation system with an insignificant capacity of Hydro Power. The thermal predominant Power generating region has to cater peak, off peak, fluctuating as well asbase load with a serious effect on frequency and voltage. Frequency used to vary widely from 53 Hz to 47 Hz threatening, the grid failure. As a result, running of thermal power station at lower load lor considerable period reduced the efficiency drastically and caused severe and quicker wear and tear of the plant. Also due to high variable operating cost, slow in load variation response, thermal facilities were not felt a good means to supply the peak demand. The use of electricity for industries and commercial purposes as well as for domestic consumption had been substantially suppressed due to shortage of peaking power where as there was surplus energy during night. In order to achieve a better generation ink and more efficient electricity supply inthe region, the implementation of Pumped Storage Projects was taken up in Ajodhya hills in Purulia district of West Bengal. Taking advantage of the natural topography of the area Purulia Pumped Storage Project (PPSP) having installed capacity 900 MW (4x 225) was taken up first for construction and commissioning.