Small hydro power: technology and current status
TL;DR: The European Commission have a target to increase small-scale hydropower capacity by 4500MW (50%) by the year 2010 as discussed by the authors, and the UK has 100MW of existing small hydro capacity (under 5MW) operating from approximately 120 sites and at least 400MW of unexploited potential.
Abstract: Hydropower, large and small, remains by far the most important of the “renewables” for electrical power production worldwide, providing 19% of the planet’s electricity. Small-scale hydro is in most cases “run-of-river”, with no dam or water storage, and is one of the most cost-effective and environmentally benign energy technologies to be considered both for rural electrification in less developed countries and further hydro developments in Europe. The European Commission have a target to increase small hydro capacity by 4500MW (50%) by the year 2010. The UK has 100MW of existing small hydro capacity (under 5MW) operating from approximately 120 sites, and at least 400MW of unexploited potential. With positive environmental policies now being backed by favourable tariffs for ‘green’ electricity, the industry believes that small hydro will have a strong resurgence in Europe in the next 10 years, after 20 years of decline. This paper summarises the different small hydro technologies, new innovations being developed, and the barriers to further development.
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TL;DR: In this article, the development of wave energy utilization since the 1970s is discussed, with a focus on the characterization of the wave energy resource; theoretical background, with especial relevance to hydrodynamics of wave absorption and control; how a large range of devices kept being proposed and studied, and how such devices can be organized into classes; the conception, design, model-testing, construction and deployment into real sea of prototypes.
Abstract: Sea wave energy is being increasingly regarded in many countries as a major and promising resource. The paper deals with the development of wave energy utilization since the 1970s. Several topics are addressed: the characterization of the wave energy resource; theoretical background, with especial relevance to hydrodynamics of wave energy absorption and control; how a large range of devices kept being proposed and studied, and how such devices can be organized into classes; the conception, design, model-testing, construction and deployment into real sea of prototypes; and the development of specific equipment (air and water turbines, high-pressure hydraulics, linear electrical generators) and mooring systems.
2,115 citations
Cites background from "Small hydro power: technology and c..."
...As in conventional mini-hydroelectric low-head plants [134,135], axial-flow reaction turbines are used to convert the head (typically 3–4 m at full size) created between the reservoir of an overtopping device and the mean sea level....
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TL;DR: In this article, a complete analysis of the wave energy technology is presented, starting with the characterisation of this global resource in which the most suitable places to be exploited are showed, and the classification of the different types of wave energy converters in according to several features.
Abstract: The wave energy is having more and more interest and support as a promising renewable resource to replace part of the energy supply, although it is still immature compared to other renewable technologies. This work presents a complete analysis of the wave energy technology, starting with the characterisation of this global resource in which the most suitable places to be exploited are showed, and the classification of the different types of wave energy converters in according to several features. It is also described in detail each of the stages that are part in the energy conversion, that is, from the capture of the energy from the waves to the extraction of a proper electrical signal to be injected to the grid. Likewise, existing offshore energy transmission alternatives and possible layouts are described.
553 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of the literature on decentralized power systems is presented, where 102 articles were reviewed and features of several technological alternatives available for decentralized power, the studies on modeling and analysis of economic, environmental and technological asibilities of both grid-connected (GC) and stand-alone (SA) systems as decentralized power options are presented.
Abstract: The decentralized power is characterised by generation of power nearer to the demand centers, focusing mainly on meeting local energy needs. A decentralized power system can function either in the presence of grid, where it can feed the surplus power generated to the grid, or as an independent/stand-alone isolated system exclusively meeting the local demands of remote locations. Further, decentralized power is also classified on the basis of type of energy resources used-non-renewable and renewable. These classifications along with a plethora of technological alternatives have made the whole prioritization process of decentralized power quite complicated for decision making. There is abundant literature, which has discussed various approaches that have been used to support decision making under such complex situations. We envisage that summarizing such literature and coming out with a review paper would greatly help the policy/decision makers and researchers in arriving at effective solutions. With such a felt need 102 articles were reviewed and features of several technological alternatives available for decentralized power, the studies on modeling and analysis of economic, environmental and technological asibilities of both grid-connected (GC) and stand-alone (SA) systems as decentralized power options are presented. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
492 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed the installation on Gran Canaria island (Canarian Archipelago) of an appropriately administered wind powered pumped hydro storage system, which would have no negative effect on either the reliability of the electrical system or consumer satisfaction.
Abstract: A significant number of islands have found themselves obliged to place restrictions on the penetration of renewable sourced energy in their conventional electrical grid systems. In general, this has been due to certain energy related characteristics often connected to their very nature as islands. These limitations attempt to prevent the appearance of problems that might affect the stability and safety of the electrical system. The restrictions imposed on the direct penetration of wind sourced energy in the conventional grids of the Canary Islands are an obstacle to meeting the renewable energy objectives set out by the European Union. As a partial solution to the problem, this paper proposes the installation on Gran Canaria island (Canarian Archipelago) of an appropriately administered wind powered pumped hydro storage system. The results obtained from the application of an optimum-sized economic model of such a system indicates that penetration of renewable sourced energy can be increased by 1.93% (52.55 GW h/year) at a competitive cost for the unit energy supplied. These results are obtained on the hypothesis that two of the largest existing reservoirs on the island (with a difference in height between the two of 281 m and a capacity of some 5,000,000 m3 used in each) are employed as storage deposits. Investment, operating and maintenance costs are taken into account, as well as those costs involving health and environmental damage associated with energy production and use (externalities). The system would consist of: a wind farm with a rated output of 20.40 MW; a modular pumping station with a rated output of 17.80 MW, operated so that the variation in the energy demand for pumping is in sympathy with the wind generation; and a hydraulic plant with a rated output of 60.00 MW. The proposed system would have no negative effect on either the reliability of the electrical system or consumer satisfaction. Furthermore, it would mean a fossil fuel saving of 13,655 metric tonnes/year and a reduction in CO2 emissions into the atmosphere of 43,064 metric tonnes/year. For regions that have topographically suitable sites and which suffer energy problems similar to those of the Canary Islands it is thus suggested that an analysis be made of the technical and economic feasibility of the installation of power systems such as that proposed in this paper. Within the general guiding framework of a policy promoting clean and renewable energy, these systems represent an enormous and as yet barely explored potential.
314 citations
Cites background from "Small hydro power: technology and c..."
...However, as various authors have pointed out [14,17,21], hydro storage systems may present a number of problems such as, for example, the environmental damage caused by reservoirs and the difficulty of finding topographically suitable sights with sufficient water capacity to make the installation of such systems profitable....
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...Nowadays pumped hydro storage systems are considered by engineers and planners to be an attractive alternative for the expansion of power systems [19,20], as a considerable amount of energy can be stored with this technique, the generating equipment is highly reliable [17,20,21] and the power output can be extensively regulated maintaining a practically constant efficiency within the generated power range [18]....
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors presented a study on solar energy in the form of a stand-alone and hybrid power generation system used to electrify off-grid locations, which is intended to be used to power a single house or a small community and also functions as a mini-grid, generating power in places where adequate solar radiation is available throughout the year.
Abstract: Global environmental concerns, increasing energy demands and developments in renewable energy technologies present a new possibility to implement renewable energy sources. Solar energy is the most prominent among renewable sources, as it is an inexhaustible resource and its exploitation has thus far been ecologically friendly. The potential amount of solar energy is considerably greater than current worldwide energy demands. Solar energy has been developing more rapidly than the other renewable energy sources for the last few decades. The best way to harvest the sun’s power is photovoltaic (PV) technology. This paper presents a study on solar energy in the form of a stand-alone and hybrid power generation system used to electrify off-grid locations. The stand-alone solar-PV system developed here is intended to be used to power a single house or a small community and it also functions as a mini-grid, generating power in places where adequate solar radiation is available throughout the year. However, many places throughout the world experience unsteady amounts of solar radiation and in those places, a hybrid solar-PV system is the most efficient solution for electrification. The main benefit of the hybrid system is that the weakness of one source is covered by the other source. This paper also presents some comparative case studies, project examples and demonstrations of stand-alone solar and hybrid solar systems implemented at various locations throughout the world over the last twelve years.
246 citations
Cites background from "Small hydro power: technology and c..."
...than other renewable sources, the expense depends on the head height, with higher head systems requiring less water flow to generate electricity, thus avoiding the requirement of large and costly machinery [93]....
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...Hydroelectric power currently provides 19% of the world’s power supply [93]....
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...5–25 MW as small hydroelectric, less than 2 MW as mini hydroelectric, less than 500 kW as micro hydroelectric and less than 10 kW as pico hydroelectric power systems [93,94]....
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References
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Book•
01 Dec 1993
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a comprehensive guide on the design of small-scale water power schemes, including hydrology and site survey, civil works, commercial engineering, turbines, governing, drive systems, electrical power, financial evaluation, operation and maintenance, commissioning and testing.
Abstract: This comprehensive guide presents information on the design of small-scale water power schemes. Topics examined include hydrology and site survey, civil works, commercial engineering, turbines, governing, drive systems, electrical power, financial evaluation, operation and maintenance, commissioning and testing. (UK)
151 citations
"Small hydro power: technology and c..." refers background in this paper
...Range of costs for small hydro projects [5]....
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01 Feb 2002
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed a micro-hydro system for rural electrification in less developed countries, where large-scale opportunities either have been exploited already or would now be considered environmentally unacceptable.
Abstract: Hydropower on a small scale, or micro-hydro, is one of the most cost-effective energy technologies to be considered for rural electrification in less developed countries. It is also the main prospect for future hydro developments in Europe, where the large-scale opportunities either have been exploited already or would now be considered environmentally unacceptable. Whereas large hydro schemes often involve the construction of major dams and the flooding of whole valleys, micro-hydro is one of the most environmentally benign energy technologies available. The technology is extremely robust and systems can last for 50 years or more with little maintenance.
127 citations
31 Aug 2000
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors synthesize the experience of micro hydro developments in Sri Lanka, Peru, Nepal, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique and provide a rigorous comparative microeconomic analysis of the cost and financial returns of a sample of micro hydropower plants across the five countries.
Abstract: This report synthesizes the experience
of micro hydro developments in Sri Lanka, Peru, Nepal,
Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. It attempts to draw out the Best
Practice from this experience. Micro hydro plants are
defined as having a capacity of between 10 kW and 200 kW.
The report provides a rigorous comparative microeconomic
analysis of the cost and financial returns of a sample of
plants across the five countries. It draws out the
macroeconomic, financial, and other institutional
arrangements that appear important to the scaling-up of
micro hydro investments. Summaries of the microeconomic
analysis of the case studies of individual micro hyro plants
are included in the annex to this synthesis report. The
lessons for "Best Practice" are summarized in
Section 5.
96 citations
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01 Jan 1991
TL;DR: An overview of micro-hydro is given in this paper, and preliminary studies are discussed, with a focus on the practical needs of development workers, and a site survey is provided.
Abstract: This guide is specifically addressed to the practical needs of development workers. An overview of micro-hydro is given, and preliminary studies are discussed. Hydrology and site surveys are considered and civil works, penstocks, turbines, governing, drive systems, electrical power, basic economics, commissioning and testing, and operation and maintenance are reviewed in detail. (U.K.).
72 citations
37 citations
"Small hydro power: technology and c..." refers background in this paper
...The economic small hydro resource in China is estimated to exceed 70 GW [4]....
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