This paper focuses on the AC excitation control system of variable speed pumped storage units(VSPSU)based on active disturbance rejection control(ADRC). Firstly

the mathematical model of VSPSU is proposed that takes into account the effects of the inverter. Then

a second order ADRC is presented as well as an AC excitation control system based on stator flux oriented control to control the active and reactive power of the VSPSU. For verification

a system of VSPSU is built in MATLAB/Simulink to perform simulations with respect to the proposed ADRC. The simulation results show that the proposed control system can achieve control of the output power of VSPSU in both the generating and pumping mode by virtue of its good dynamic performance and robustness.