ROR Hydro Governor: Real-Time Simulation & Analysis for Low-Head Hydropower Units

This software package offers hydro governor and turbine models in Simulink and RSCAD, specifically designed for low-head bulb-style Kaplan turbine hydropower plants. Tuned to match real-world hydropower units, the models enable hardware-in-the-loop implementation with OPAL-RT and RTDS digital real-time simulators. Automatic initialization streamlines dynamic simulation, with the RSCAD model featuring a novel python-based interface. Targeting utilities, hydropower plant owners, researchers, and academics, the models help assess the response of bulb-style Kaplan hydropower units to changing electrical loads and water conditions, critical for microgrids and islanded operations. With a successful field demonstration at Idaho Falls Power and recognition from the DOE, the team will continue engaging with the Water Power Technologies Office and promoting the model through various channels. The high-fidelity model allows for accurate assessment of electromechanical instability in islanded operations, enabling effective mitigation strategies to be developed and deployed.

GitHub repository: https://github.com/IdahoLabResearch/Hydropower_Unit_Models