Program Overview

Course Overview

The course "Frequency and Power Governing of Hydro Power Plants" is offered at the doctoral degree level, with 7.5 credits. It starts in the spring of 2026 and lasts for one semester. The language of instruction is English, and the course is located in Trondheim.

Course Content

The course presents the structure matrix method for mathematical modeling of hydro-electric power plants and pump systems connected to complicated pipelines and tunnel systems. The theory is founded on nonlinear friction alleviation of oscillating flow through tunnels and pipelines and the effects of turbines and pump characteristics in systems for turbines and pumped-storage power plants or in pump systems. Frequency response measurement methods to decide stability are described, and mathematical modeling of tunnels, pipelines, turbines, water level regulation, generators, and electric grid in the frequency domain are covered.

Learning Outcome

The course provides students with knowledge about:

• Dimensioning of hydro turbines and conduit systems for stable performance
• Methods for simulation of hydro power systems in frequency domain
• Stability criterion
• Pressure response measurements The course gives students insight into:
• Frequency and power governing of hydro power plants
• Dimensioning and simulation of hydro power plants for stable performance The course enables students to:
• Use the Matrix Method for modeling hydro power systems
• Simulate hydropower plants as regards governing stability The course provides students with competence regarding:
• Frequency and power governing of hydro power plants
• Competence on the turbine's interaction with the hydraulic conduit system, as well as with the generator and grid

Learning Methods and Activities

The course consists of lectures and voluntary tutorials. To pass the course, a score of at least 70 percent is required. The course might not be held if less than 3 students are signed up.

Recommended Previous Knowledge

Graduate level course(s) on fluid and mechanical aspects of hydropower plants.

Required Previous Knowledge

Exam in TTK4105 Control engineering with electric circuits or equivalent.

Course Materials

• Hermod Brekke: A Stability Study on Hydro Power Plant Governing
• Li Xin Xin: Hydropower System Modelling by the STRUCTURE MATRIX METHOD, HOG Report

Credit Reductions

The course has academic overlap with DIO4907. If overlapping courses are taken, a credit reduction will be applied to the course with the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject Areas

• Energy and Process Engineering
• Technological subjects
• Hydropower

Examination

The examination arrangement is an oral examination, with a grade of Passed or Not Passed. The ordinary examination is held in the autumn and spring, with a weighting of 100/100 and examination aids allowed (Code D).