2019-12-12
Voith is a leading member of the XFLEX HYDRO project, a new initiative to build a resilient, renewable power system with flexible hydropower technology
- The XFLEX HYDRO project demonstrates how modern hydropower plants can provide the vital power grid services required by variable renewables such as wind and solar power
- The project is a four-year initiative by leading utilities, equipment manufacturers, universities, research centres and consultancies
- Voith Hydro is in the lead of the development and implementation of additional solutions to make the Frades 2 demonstrator even more efficient
About the XFLEX HYDRO project
The XFLEX HYDRO technologies to be tested are enhanced variable- and fixed-speed turbine systems, smart controls and a battery-turbine hybrid, each of which will be demonstrated at hydropower plant sites across Europe. The project will conclude in 2023 by delivering a roadmap to increase adoption of the technologies across the hydropower fleet, with policy and market recommendations for governments, regulators and industry. The initiative has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. It aims to help the EU achieve a target of achieving 32% of energy from renewable sources by 2030. Read more about the XFLEX HYDRO project on: https://xflexhydro.net/
Making the Frades 2 demonstrator even more efficient
Voith supplied the pumped storage plant Frades 2 in Portugal with two variable speed pump turbines each with a rated output of 390 MW, two asynchronous motor generators with a rated output of 440 MVA each, the frequency converter and control systems as well as the hydraulic steel components. Within the XFLEX HYDRO project, Voith Hydro is in the lead of the development and implementation of additional solutions to make the Frades 2 demonstrator even more efficient. The aim is to extend power range through integration of hydraulic short circuit technology for variable speed machines and therewith increase the dispatchability of renewable energies. Another goal is to enhance high-quality and flexible ancillary services of the electric power system by implementing synthetic inertia and frequency containment reserve. By optimizing plant operation through application of multidimensional hillchart methods and optimized mode change procedures, maintenance intervals will be improved and outage times minimized. Furthermore, the annual energy production will be increased by reducing the power consumption of the auxiliary equipment.
Teresa Krieger
Manager Market Communication EMEA, Key Contact Voith Hydro
t +49 7321 37-2209
ContactAbout the company
The Voith Group is a global technology company. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, oil & gas, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, the company today has more than 19,000 employees, sales of € 4.3 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the larger family-owned companies in Europe.
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The Group Division Voith Hydro is part of the Voith Group and a leading full-line supplier as well as trusted partner for equipping hydropower plants. Voith develops customized, long-term solutions and services for large and small hydro plants all over the world. Its portfolio of products and services covers the entire life cycle and all major components for large and small hydro plants, from generators, turbines, pumps and automation systems, right through to spare parts, maintenance and training services, and digital solutions for intelligent hydropower.
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