Integrated Optimization and Design of a Variable-Speed Pumped Storage Electric Machine and Converter System

In response to the national strategic goals of “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality” and to enhance the safety and stability of the new power system, China is vigorously promoting the construction of pumped storage power stations. Variable speed pumped storage technology, with its advantages of superior power characteristics, good adaptability to water head, and flexible working condition transitions, has become the most advanced pumped storage technology in the world today. It is also a critical “bottleneck” issue that China must focus on overcoming.

In the development and operation of such new units, there are still problems such as poor coordination between main and auxiliary machinery, unclear operating mechanisms of the units, and a lack of specialized performance evaluation tools. These issues not only hinder the research and development of key equipment for domestically-produced units but also limit the characteristic analysis and status assessment after the units are put into operation. Against this background, this project plans to conduct research on the design optimization and mechanistic twin technology of variable speed pumped storage units. This includes proposing a water-machine-electric coupling multi-physics field simulation method for variable speed pumped storage units, overcoming the technical challenges of integrated design for AC excitation generator-motor and inverter systems, establishing a mechanistic twin modeling theory and platform for variable speed pumped storage units, and constructing multi-physics field digital twin sub-models for key equipment of the units. These outcomes will provide strong support for the design, manufacturing, and operation and maintenance diagnostics of large variable speed pumped storage units, enabling real-time and accurate perception of the internal operating states of the units. It will also lead to the establishment of a device-level twin simulation platform domestically, aiding the localization of research and operation of variable speed pumped storage units.