A Review on Power Generation Enhancements in a Pumped Storage Powerhouse by Using Appropriate Guide Vane Sealing Material

V. Sampathkumar; P. Sridharan; Parthiban K.P

Abstract

One of the essential needs of the growth of a country is generating and utilizing electricity. India has made a powerful contribution to electricity generation. India is a naturally wealthy country with mountains and water resources. There are strategies to shape new hydroelectric power plants in the upcoming years. It is particularly important to establish Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Power Plants. This research describes that the water leakage occurring in guide vane end sealing rubber material due to damage, does not enter the turbine runner resulting in the reduction of water flow through the turbine runner, so the required amount of electricity is not generated in a Pumped Storage Powerhouse. This water leakage problem also affects the pumping mode operations, which reduces plant efficiency. Hence Pumped Storage Powerhouse generates less targeted electricity generation, and more power is also required for pumping mode operations. This research is carried out with the use of four new guide vane end sealing rubber materials such as Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber, Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, Polyurethane and Filled Polytetrafluoroethylene to assess their life and to find out the best one which improves the power generation and reduces power consumption in pumping mode operation