Asynchronous conversion method and apparatus for use with variable speed turbine hydroelectric generation

An interface for coupling a hydro-turbine unit to an electrical utility, the hydro-turbine having a hydraulic generator for generating hydro-turbine output electrical power which is transmitted via the interface to the electrical utility, the interface comprising:

• a rotary converter coupled to the hydro-turbine unit for receiving the hydro-turbine output electrical power generated by the hydro-turbine unit and through which the hydro-turbine output electrical power is applied to the electrical utility;
• and
• a controller which operates the rotary converter so that a requested output electrical power level is obtained from the hydro-turbine unit for the electrical utility, the controller using a signal indicative of water head to control speed and gate position of the hydro-turbine unit to yield the requested output electrical power level to the electrical utility.

A hydroelectric power generation system which generates electrical power for an electrical utilization system, the hydroelectric power generation system comprising:

• a hydro-turbine unit which is driven by water flow, the hydro-turbine unit including a hydraulic generator which generates hydro-turbine output electrical power;
• a rotary converter coupled to receive the hydro-turbine output electrical power;
• a controller which operates the rotary converter so that a requested converter output electrical power level is obtained from the hydro-turbine unit, the controller using a signal indicative of water head to control speed and gate position of the hydro-turbine unit for yielding the requested converter output electrical power level to the utilization system.