Synchronous Condensing Mode Operation of Hydropower Plants

Energy is the essential requirement of humans. It plays a major role in the development of any country. The present status of crude oil import of India in the financial year 2018–19 was around 22,64,98,000 MT of Rs. 7,83,183 crore and other fuels like LPG, MS, Naphtha, ATF, etc. were around 3,33,48,000 MT of Rs. 1,13,665 crore [1] and the total installed capacity of India is around 3,65,981.00 MW which includes coal-based generation 1,97695.00 MW (54.2% of total installed capacity), Hydro power-based generation 45,399.00 MW (12.6% of total installed capacity) and RES based generation 84,400.00 MW (23.1% of total installed capacity). Electricity availability in the year 2018–19 was 12,67,529 MU against demand of 12,74,595 MU [2]. The share of RES generation is continually growing and the simultaneous reduction in rotating masses creates grid stabilizing issues. This paper presented an overview of synchronous condensing mode operation of the hydropower plants, modifications requirement in an existing hydro turbine, advantages of synchronous condensing mode operation of hydropower plants.