A Physical Experimental Platform of Hydropower-Dominant Hybrid Energy System: Preliminary Progress

Dependence on flexible hydropower plants to integrate renewable energy sources (RESs) such as wind and solar power, followed by the establishment of hybrid energy systems, has emerged as a critical avenue for advancing RES development. In this paper, the preliminary progress in the development of a physical experimental platform of a hydropower-dominant hybrid energy system is introduced. The platform is designed to integrate multiple power sources, including the completion of the conventional hydropower system (CHPS), pumped storage power system (PSPS), photovoltaic (PV) generation system, and battery energy storage system (BESS), with plans for the future construction of a wind power (WP) generation system. The hydropower facilities (CHPS and PSPS) can simulate the refined characteristics for the hydraulic-mechanical-electrical coupling process, meanwhile, the AC intelligent load system and grid circuit breaker can aid in creating scenarios such as microgrid and grid-connected conditions. Preliminary work involves establishing a numerical model to simulate the joint operation of the above five power sources, providing a basic understanding of the system's behavior. The purpose of the platform is to address common technical issues associated with hybrid energy systems. Hence, future experimental plans include topics such as coordinated control, transient processes of hydropower systems, and dynamic characteristics of the hybrid energy system. The construction and proposed study plans of this experimental platform aim to provide a theoretical and technical foundation for real-world hybrid systems.