The first generating unit at the Qujiang pumped storage power station in eastern China has been commissioned and placed into operation.
Located in Qujiang District, Quzhou City, Zhejiang Province, the project is close to the major electricity demand centres of Jinhua and Quzhou. Unit 1 is expected to support electricity supply during Zhejiang’s peak summer period and contribute to the safe and stable operation of the provincial grid.
The power station will have a total installed capacity of 1.2GW, comprising four 300MW reversible pump-turbine generator units supplied by Harbin Electric Machinery Co Ltd (HEM).
Once fully commissioned, the plant will provide peak-shaving services, help relieve pressure on the Zhejiang power grid and improve the quality and reliability of electricity supply.
HEM said the development of the units involved several high-precision manufacturing processes intended to minimise residual unbalanced torque. The company also developed a delayed pre-opening start-up arrangement for the movable guide vanes to support rapid response and stable operation under different operating conditions.
During installation and commissioning, HEM deployed an on-site team of project managers and technical specialists. The company said the team adjusted start-up procedures and dynamic balancing arrangements to reflect the characteristics of the generating units.
According to HEM, commissioning and trial operation results showed that the unit’s principal operating parameters met or exceeded design requirements and relevant industry standards.
A ceremony marking the commissioning of Unit 1 was attended by representatives from State Grid Xinyuan Group, State Grid Xinyuan Holdings’ East China Development and Construction Branch, Zhejiang Qujiang Pumped Storage Co and other organisations involved in the project.
Manufacturing of the remaining three units has largely been completed, HEM said. The units will now progressively move into installation and commissioning, with the company aiming to support their scheduled entry into operation.
