Monitoring of the hydraulic units operation of the Sayano-Shushenskaya hydroelectric power plant using remote seismic observations

After a major accident in August 2009 at the Sayano-Shushenskaya Hydroelectric Power Plant (SS HPP), all 10 hydroelectric units (HU) with a total capacity of 6400 MW failed. After investigating the causes of the accident and the reconstruction of the hydroelectric power plant, there was to develop a methodology for monitoring the operation of the newly commissioned HU. For inspection, a method was developed based on monitoring the natural frequencies of the dam structures and forced vibrations caused by the operation of the equipment. The article presents the main results of this study. Within the framework of the proposed approach, monitoring was carried out at various observation points of the dam structures and the turbine hall, as well as on a network of remote seismic stations. Based on the data recorded since 2009, an assessment of the parameters of dynamic impacts arising from the operation of hydraulic units of various types in different load modes on the elements of the HPP structure was carried out, and cause-and-effect relationships between changes in the operating modes of equipment and recorded vibrations in dam structures were investigated. An estimate of the general level of vibrations during the operation of various types of hydraulic units is given. As a result, the operating modes of hydraulic units are determined, in which there is a multiple increase in the amplitude of natural vibrations of the dam, an assessment of the operational characteristics of hydraulic units is given, taking into account the impact of seasonal conditions and changes in the water level in the reservoir.