Capability of synchronous and asynchronous hydropower generating systems: A comprehensive study

Hydropower is the third largest supplier of global electricity generation trailing behind coal and natural gas. It serves as the backbone of low-carbon electricity generation, supplying 55% more than nuclear and greater than the combination of solar and wind energy. With a growing emphasis on cleaner, carbon neutral and economical energy production, it is important to shift the focus to accelerate the growth of large hydropower generating stations, including pumped storage power plants. International energy agency statistics estimate that the projected increase in installed capacity towards 2030 is 230 GW, representing a 17% growth in hydropower for this decade. This work attempts to project the potential of existing hydel power plants through technological updates and modernization. The capabilities of these hydropower generating stations are strongly conditioned by the characteristics of turbine, generator, transformer, and power electronic converter. In recent years, new techniques have been developed to improve the output controllability of hydropower generating systems at better efficiency and facilitate their integration with different forms of renewable energies and develop new ways of balancing supply and demand. A major revamping is expected for 40% of the major hydropower plants that have served as the backbone of low-carbon electricity generation for the past 45–60 years, representing a potential of 476 GW. Capability enhancement will rejuvenate the potential of old hydropower plants. This investigation aims to review current research and development trends along with potential future research fields to identify the best-combined operation strategy to optimize the capabilities of hydropower generating stations. [Display omitted] •Hydropower generation is critical to global decarbonization efforts.•Improve existing capabilities to achieve sustainability.•Technology adoption, upgradation and renewable energy integration is mandatory in the present scenario.•Bulk energy storage systems should be installed to ensure grid stability.