This paper describes a complex simulation of a pumped-storage hydroelectric
power station. Dinorwig power station's fast response is essential for con
trolling the electricity supply frequency on the national grid in Great Bri
tain. The paper describes the station's key physical features and it is sho
wn that the plant is nonlinear, multivariable and time-varying. The details
of a Simulink(R) model, which is valid over a wide range of operating cond
itions, are presented. The improved understanding of the station's dynamic
characteristics is illustrated by using the simulation to investigate an in
cident of oscillatory behaviour in its power output. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scie
nce Ltd. All rights reserved.