A novel topology of drive & thermal model for variable speed pump-storage power plant

Improving drive techniques in variable-speed pumped storage power plants (VSPSPs) for optimal performance, higher efficiency and lower loss is an ongoing challenge in light of these plants' considerable high power output and consumption. Introducing a new direct torque & flux controller (DTFC)-based driver with 3 level voltage source convertor-active neutral point clamped (3LVSC-ANPC) for this power plant, this paper proposes a novel communication and operation topology for the voltage converter with a 5 + 1 layout, in which a driver central control unit (DCCU) controls each converter as an independent power module. This layout consists of five parallel and one redundant power module. Hydraulic and electric VSPSP models are presented to allow for a better grasp of the topic. In the following, models and thermal equivalent circuits of the drivers are presented before investigating the results of MATLAB and PLEXIM simulations in the end. The project is also verified and validated by statistical analysis, proving improved efficiency, reduced THD and lower driver losses by employing the new driver in the power plant.