Next generation variable speed pump-storage power stations

The drive system of a variable speed pump-storage power station consisting of a doubly-fed induction machine with a 3-level voltage source inverter feeding the rotor is presented. The advantages of variable speed pump-storage power stations are outlined. After a short comparison with the classical cyclo-converter solution the voltage source inverter solution is described in detail covering various aspects like grid code requirements, protection, start-up and black start operation. The presented solution fulfils all requirements of a modern pump storage power station.