Abstract

Abstract The rapidity of power response in pumped storage units (PSUs) plays a crucial role in their regulating performance within power grids. Consequently, it is essential to conduct a quantitative analysis of the power response power response rapidity. A numerical simulation method is adopted to investigate the fastest power response of PSUs and the corresponding response conditions. By considering two real power plants in China as case studies, the influence of characteristics of control and hydraulic systems on the power response rapidity is examined. In addition, by giving six different power commands, the fastest response of PSUs under the influence of multivariate coupling is explored. The findings reveal that the maximum power response rates of the two plants are 8.361%/s and 11.848%/s respectively in this work. The quantitative analysis can provide a reference for the fast power response and parameter optimization of pumped storage plants.