Penetration of intermittent renewable energy sources into the power grid requires large-scale energy storage to ensure grid stability. Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES) is among the most mature, environmentally friendly, and economical energy storage technologies, but has traditionally only been feasible at sites with large natural topographic gradients. ALPHEUS addresses this by developing reversible pump-turbines […]
Category: News
Dry emulation test-setup at Ghent University
In WP3, the Power Take-Off and Machine-Side Control (MSC) are studied and designed. An important asset to validate the Machine-Side Control is the dry emulation test-setup, developed at Ghent University. This update includes pictures of the virtual design, as well as a first look at the setup in action. To validate the Machine-Side Control (MSC) […]
Axial-Flux PMSMs: Detailed 50 kW design
In the ALPHEUS project, the efficiency of the full system is important. Therefore, in WP3, Axial-Flux Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines (AF-PMSMs) is designed for the full 10 MW design. To validate this design, two ~33 kW AF-PMSMs are designed and developed at Ghent University. Axial-Flux PMSMs (AF-PMSMs) have a high efficiency, power density and high […]
New Publication: Axial Flux PMSM Power Take-Off a Rim-Driven Contra-Rotating Pump-Turbine
Pumped hydropower storage (PHS) is a costeffective and mature energy storage technology. However, it has inherently been limited to locations with suitable topographies. Therefore, the ALPHEUS project aims to implement PHS for shallow seas and coastal environments with the goal to support grid stability. To ensure optimal efficiency and fast switching times in these low-head […]
ALPHEUS Newsletter 2022 is now available!
It is my pleasure to introduce the second Newsletter of the ALPHEUS research project to you. With the so-called “Green Deal” the EU adopted quite ambitious targets of climate neutrality in Europe by 2050 and a reduction of net greenhouse gas emissions of at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. ALPHEUS Newsletter 2022Download […]
Power Take-Off for a Shaft-Driven Countra-Rotating Reversible Pump-Turbine
In WP3, the Power Take-Off (PTO) and Machine-Side Control (MSC) are studied and designed. One outcome of task 3.4 was the virtual design of the PTO for the 10 MW shaft-driven contra-rotating RPT. For this dual drivetrain PTO, where both runners are coupled to separate Axial-Flux PMSMs, many different configurations are possible and are discussed […]
The ALPHEUS Team Analyzed Stakeholders Concerns Regarding the Low-Head PHS Technology
Within the WP5, ALPHEUS will propose adequate locations for the construction of low-head pumped hydro storage (PHS) stations in the North Sea. Current methods for location selection of large civil structures consider technical and environmental aspects. However, the implementation of large civil structures can face opposition from the public, which in turn, can deal to […]
Dry Emulation Test-Setup at Ghent University
In WP3, the Power Take-Off and Machine-Side Control (MSC) are studied and designed. An important asset to validate the Machine-Side Control is the dry emulation test-setup, developed at Ghent University. In the ALPHEUS project, three dual drivetrain Reversible Pump-Turbines (RPT) are developed. Each RPT runner is coupled to a separate Axial-Flux PMSM. The Machine-Side Control […]
Update on ALPHEUS Work Package 3
In WP3, the Power Take-Off (PTO) and machine-side control are studied and designed. One part of this work package deals with rotor fatigue. One of the overarching aims of the ALPHEUS project is to show the viability of using low head pumped hydro to improve the stability of the grid. One of the means to […]
ALPHEUS will present two papers at the IAHR 31st Sympsosium
We have the pleasure to present two papers from the ALPHEUS Project (Chalmers University of Technology) at the AHR 31st Symposium on Hydraulic Machinery and Systems. The 31st symposium provides unique opportunity to the academic and industrial research teams to exchange the stat-of-the-art knowledge and ideas that will help to develop the next-generation of hydropower […]