What we do
The HydroFlex project aims to develop new technology permitting highly flexible operation of hydropower stations. Flexibility of operation here means large ramping rates, frequent start-stops and possibilities to provide a large range of system services. All this within (strict) excellent environmental and social conditions while being economically competitive compared to alternative solutions.
Flexibility is a requirement inherent in all power systems. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on how to manage flexibility.
The HydroFlex project aims towards scientific and technological breakthroughs to enable hydropower to operate with very high flexibility.
To meet the objectives of the HydroFlex project, the research and innovation activities are structured in seven work packages.
Designing flexible turbines
On Feb 05-06, WP3 participants from NTNU and EDR&Medeso met in Trondheim to discuss how to optimize turbine design for operation with high flexibility.
Successful measurements at the Porjus Hydropower Plant
The WP4 team from Uppsala University, Sweden, carried out successful measurements of the excitation winding resonance frequencies of the generator Unit 9 at the Porjus Hydropower Plant.
New HydroFlex Publication
The HydroFlex report "Hydropower Providing Flexibility for a Renewable Energy System: Three European Energy Scenarios" is published.
HydroFlex PhD position at NTNU
PhD vacancy at NTNU - application deadline 23.01.2019.
Meet HydroFlex PhD Candidates: Anton Burman
HydroFlex PhD Candidate Anton Burman conducts research in work package 5 on "Flow Scenario Modelling in Proximity to Hydropower Plants with Rapidly Changing Flow Conditions".
Meet HydroFlex PhD Candidates: Marija Lazarevikj
HydroFlex PhD Candidate Marija Lazarevikj from "Ss Cyril and Methodius" University in Skopje conducts research on the optimization of the guide vanes system in Francis turbines.
©Hans Blomberg
©Statkraft
©Statkraft
©Vattenfall
© Photographer Kristofer Ryde – NEGATIVE