1. An operational analysis of Kadamparai Pumped Storage Hydro Plant located in Tamil Nadu
Sanyasi Naidu J, Sr. Engineer, SRLDC (POSOCO)

2. Topics Why “Pumped Storage” Hydro Plant
SRLDC
Why “Pumped Storage” Hydro Plant
Introduction: Pumped Hydro Plant
“Kadamparai PSP” - A Glance
Analysis of operational pattern of Kadamparai PSP
Conclusion

3. Why “Pumped” Hydro Plant
SRLDC
Indian Govt. has an ambitious plan of installing 175 GW RE by 2022
RE poses challenges to grid operation
Need - Quick start & rapid control gen’
Integrating highly variable RE increase the need for energy storage, flexible and controllable generation
Need - most reliable, cost-effective, CO2-free & flexible storing methods
Low-carbon resources – less flexibility to match demand variation
Conventional generation – less than tech min’ limits – More emissions

4. Introduction: Pumped Hydro Plant
SRLDC
Current pumped storage round-trip or cycle energy efficiencies exceed 80%
It is the most commonly used and most commercially viable large scale electricity storage technology.
It currently accounts for 96% of the total storage capacity globally
Item
in MW
Hydro Installed Capacity in India
44600
Designed and capable of operation as pumped storage
4785
Pumped storage capacity is presently under operation in SR, WR & ER

5. “Kadamparai PSP” - A Glance
SRLDC
Commissioned between 1987 and 1989
Though it is 3rd constructed PSP, But 1st to operate as both Generator & Pump
Underground PH with four (4) Reversible Francis Turbine units each having a generating capacity of 100 MW.
Designed to operate between 49.5 Hz and 50.5 Hz

6. “Kadamparai PSP” - A Glance
SRLDC
It generates 100 MW during Gen’ cycle & consumes 110 MW during pumping cycle.
Minimum capacity required for generation is 4 MU, and pumping is 0.96 MU.
Parameters
Kadamparai Dam
(Upper Reservoir)
Upper Aliyar Dam
(Lower Reservoir)
Reservoir Capacity
26.85MU
25.91MU
FRL (Full Reservoir Level)
1149 meters
762 meters
MDDL (Minimum Draw Down Level)
1112 meters
722 meters
Dead storage (in Million Cubic Feet)
170 MCFT
23 MCFT
Gross Storage (in Million Cubic Feet)
1080 MCFT
938 MCFT
Mode
Condition
Response Time
Generator
Stand still to on-line
5 min
On-line to full load
Few seconds
Motor
Stand still to synchronous condenser
9 min
Synchronous condenser to pump
1 min

7. Analysis of operational pattern of Kadamparai PSP
SRLDC
Gen’ Mode during Peak Hrs., and Pump mode during night off-peak Hrs.
To reduce TN state deviation, to balance TN wind and to meet TN peak requirements.
Statistical Analysis:
Starts & Stops in a day
Gen’ & Pump MW Duration Curve
Avg’ monthly Pump/ Gen’ in MU's
Capacity Utilization Factor
Kadamparai Gen/Pump operation vs TN Dev’ / Wind Gen’
Monthly operation 3D pattern of Kadamparai

8. Kadamparai Gen’/Pump operation vs TN Dev’ / Wind Gen’
SRLDC
Gen’ & Pump Mode within a span of few hours on the same day.
Gen’ mode with the sudden decrease in wind generation to reduce over-drawl from grid.
Pump mode to counter the sudden increase in wind generation and reduce under- drawl from grid.

9. No of Starts & Stops, Duration Curve
SRLDC
On an average around 2 to 7 start/stop operations for each generating unit per day
25% of the time for generation and 22% of time for pumping mode 1 2

10. Generation details – MU’s & CUF
SRLDC
Average monthly pump/generation MU of the plant is around 45 MUs
Average monthly Capacity Utilisation Factor of the plant is around 30% 1 2

11. Kadamparai Operation: Gen’ and Pump
SRLDC
Feb-18
Jun-18
Tamil Nadu Morning and Evening Peak & off-Peak support
During high wind period to handle the imbalance created due to intermittent wind generation

12. Kadamparai Operation: Gen’ and Pump
SRLDC
Jul-18
Aug-18
During high wind period (June-Aug) to handle the imbalance created due to intermittent wind generation

13. Conclusion
SRLDC
TN-SLDC utilising it during peak & off-peak Hrs. to control RE fluctuations.
Managing it’s portfolio and getting economic benefits
Utilises low cost off-peak Hrs.; peak Hrs. (avoiding purchase of high cost power to meet peak demand).
Pumped storage scheme utilisation can further be improved
Utilising the scheme around 20 to 25% of the time; and CUF is around 30%
To operate in a national perspective – Need ‘Regulatory treatment & Market design’
Should fully capture benefits of PSP and reward such assets for the full range of services

14. Thank You