scholarly journals Evaluation of the flow velocity distribution in the intake structure of a small hydropower plant

2021 ◽  
Vol 1203 (2) ◽  
pp. 022102
Author(s):  
Lucia Bytčanková ◽  
Ján Rumann ◽  
Peter Dušička
Keyword(s):  
Velocity Distribution ◽  
Flow Velocity ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Current Situation ◽  
Hydropower Plant ◽  
Small Hydropower ◽  
Hydropower Plants ◽  
Intake Structure ◽  
Distribution Of Flow ◽  
Flow Velocities

Abstract Intake structures are an important part of small hydropower plants, which affect the water flow, turbine operation and total power of power plant. The flow quality is significantly influenced by the flow homogeneity in the intakes, as the inhomogeneous flow velocity distribution has a negative impact to the operation of the hydropower plants, such as uneven load on the mechanical parts which leads to decrease in efficiency and faster aging of turbine parts. The paper describes the flow assessment in the intake structures of a low-pressure small hydropower plant (the Stará Ľubovňa small hydropower plant) with respect to the flow homogeneity. The River2D, 2D numerical modelling software, has been used for evaluation of flow in the intakes. Flow simulations for the current state of operation have been modelled. In assessing the current situation of intake structure, scenarios were modelled. The boundary conditions were changed to approximate the various variants of hydropower plant operation. The simulations proved the negative impact of the construction solution for the flow conditions in the intakes. This appears mostly in profiles of coarse racks and screenings where is a significant unequal distribution of flow and significant deviation in flow velocities from the recommended values. The simulations results were evaluated in turbine intake profiles (profile of screenings), where the distribution of flow velocities was evaluated. The flow velocities in this profile were compared with the average flow velocity in the turbine intake profile. In order to optimize the velocity distribution in the intake structure, the modification of the intake shapes has been proposed. The subject of the proposal was to improve flow parameters. Simulations were created for the modification that were subsequently reviewed. The modification was compared to the current situation of the intakes.

Analyzing the impact of intake structure on the flow at low pressure SHPP

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucia Bytčanková ◽  
Ján Rumann ◽  
Peter Dušička
Keyword(s):  
Velocity Distribution ◽  
Flow Velocity ◽  
Hydropower Plant ◽  
Small Hydropower ◽  
Hydropower Plants ◽  
Low Head ◽  
Structural Parts ◽  
Numerical Flow Modeling ◽  
Intake Structure ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe structural parts of intake structures directly affect the flow velocity distribution in the turbine intake of small hydropower plants, where inhomogeneous flow leads to uneven load of the turbine units causing operational problems. A 2D numerical flow modeling was used for investigations of the flow in an intake structure of a low-head small hydropower plant. The effects of shape changes of the intake structure on the flow velocity distribution in the turbine intakes were investigated and assessed proving significant effect of the shapes of the intake structure on the flow homogeneity in turbine intakes.

scholarly journals Assessment of the effect of shapes of a shaft intake structure using the PIV method

2021 ◽  
Vol 1209 (1) ◽  
pp. 012072
Author(s):  
L Bytčanková
Keyword(s):  
Flow Velocity ◽  
Vertical Section ◽  
Structure Design ◽  
Hydropower Plant ◽  
Horizontal Distance ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Small Hydropower ◽  
Horizontal Section ◽  
Intake Structure ◽  
Distribution Of Flow

Abstract The construction of shaft intake structures in Slovakia has increased. The shaft intake structures overcome significant vertical height over short horizontal distance. In their front horizontal section, the water flows with free surface, then in the vertical section the flow changes its direction and character to a pressurized flow. The flow of water in these shaft intake structures is therefore very complicated. A hydraulically suitable design of the intake structure is associated with achieving the required parameters of the small hydropower plant (SHPP), but due to the reduction of project costs, the shapes of shaft intake structures of SHPP are often not correctly hydraulically designed. One of the important aspects is the distribution of flow velocity of these intake structures. Uneven distribution of flow velocity causes negative effects on turbine performance. Therefore, the investigation of the effects of shaft intake structure design on flow velocity distribution has been realized. The velocity field at a shaft intake of a small hydropower plant was investigated on a physical model in a hydraulic laboratory using the PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry) method. The PIV measurements were realized for different shaft heights and proved negative effects of the design on the flow homogeneity in the turbine intake.

scholarly journals Development of a Hydropower Turbine Using Seawater from a Fish Farm

Processes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 266
Author(s):  
Md Rakibuzzaman ◽  
Sang-Ho Suh ◽  
Hyoung-Ho Kim ◽  
Youngtae Ryu ◽  
Kyung Yup Kim
Keyword(s):  
Power Plants ◽  
Guide Vane ◽  
Cross Flow ◽  
Synchronous Generator ◽  
Fish Farm ◽  
Hydropower Plant ◽  
Fish Farms ◽  
Data Simulation ◽  
Small Hydropower ◽  
Hydropower Plants

Discharge water from fish farms is a clean, renewable, and abundant energy source that has been used to obtain renewable energy via small hydropower plants. Small hydropower plants may be installed at offshore fish farms where suitable water is obtained throughout the year. It is necessary to meet the challenges of developing small hydropower systems, including sustainability and turbine efficiency. The main objective of this study was to investigate the possibility of constructing a small hydropower plant and develop 100 kW class propeller-type turbines in a fish farm with a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG). The turbine was optimized using a computer simulation, and an experiment was conducted to obtain performance data. Simulation results were then validated with experimental results. Results revealed that streamlining the designed shape of the guide vane reduced the flow separation and improved the efficiency of the turbine. Optimizing the shape of the runner vane decreased the flow rate, reducing the water power and increasing the efficiency by about 5.57%. Also, results revealed that tubular or cross-flow turbines could be suitable for use in fish farm power plants, and the generator used should be waterproofed to avoid exposure to seawater.

scholarly journals Fishways as Downstream Routes in Small Hydropower Plants: Experiences with a Potamodromous Cyprinid

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1041
Author(s):  
Francisco Javier Sanz-Ronda ◽  
Juan Francisco Fuentes-Pérez ◽  
Ana García-Vega ◽  
Francisco Javier Bravo-Córdoba
Keyword(s):  
General Assumption ◽  
Downstream Migration ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
Hydropower Plant ◽  
Small Hydropower ◽  
Pit Tag ◽  
Safe Alternative ◽  
Hydropower Plants ◽  
Longitudinal Connectivity ◽  
Alternative Routes

Fish need to move upstream and downstream through rivers to complete their life cycles. Despite the fact that fishways are the most commonly applied solution to recover longitudinal connectivity, they are not considered viable for downstream migration. Therefore, alternative facilities are recommended to facilitate downstream migration. However, a few recent studies have disagreed with this general assumption, showing the potential for bidirectional movements. This study advances our understanding of the potential of fishways for downstream migration by studying their efficiency in a run-of-the-river hydropower plant in the Duero River (Spain). To achieve this, downstream movements of the Iberian barbel (n = 299) were monitored in a stepped fishway for two years with passive integrated transponder (PIT)-tag technology, considering the effect of fish origin and release zone. The results showed that 24.9% of barbels descended through the fishway, with the origin and release zone affecting the fishway location. In addition, downstream movements were observed throughout the whole year, except in winter. The study concludes that, under specific scenarios, fishways could act as safe alternative routes for downstream migration.

scholarly journals Fine-scale multiannual survey of benthic invertebrates in a glacier-fed stream used for hydropower generation

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Scotti ◽  
Roberta Bottarin
Keyword(s):  
Research Programme ◽  
Eastern Alps ◽  
Hydropower Plant ◽  
Research Network ◽  
Small Hydropower ◽  
Hydropower Plants ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Long Term Ecological Research ◽  
Research Facilities

AbstractThe present dataset contains information about aquatic macroinvertebrates and environmental variables collected before and after the implementation of a small “run-of-river” hydropower plant on the Saldur stream, a glacier-fed stream located in the Italian Central-Eastern Alps. Between 2015 and 2019, with two sampling events per year, we collected and identified 34,836 organisms in 6 sampling sites located within a 6 km stretch of the stream. Given the current boom of the hydropower sector worldwide, and the growing contribution of small hydropower plants to energy production, data here included may represent an important – and long advocated – baseline to assess the effects that these kinds of powerplants have on the riverine ecosystem. Moreover, since the Saldur stream is part of the International Long Term Ecological Research network, this dataset also constitutes part of the data gathered within this research programme. All samples are preserved at Eurac Research facilities.

scholarly journals Macroinvertebrate Recovery to Varying Hydropeaking Frequency: A Small Hydropower Plant Experiment

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Kathryn Aksamit ◽  
Mauro Carolli ◽  
Davide Vanzo ◽  
Christine Weber ◽  
Martin Schmid
Keyword(s):  
Field Experiments ◽  
Ecological Impact ◽  
Power Production ◽  
Hydropower Plant ◽  
Small Hydropower ◽  
Hydropower Plants ◽  
Recovery Times ◽  
Plant Experiment ◽  
Specific Reactions ◽  
Macroinvertebrate Drift

As the demand for hydroelectricity progresses worldwide, small hydropower operators are increasingly examining the feasibility of using existing infrastructure (e.g., settling basins) in run-of-the-river schemes for intermittent power production. Such flexible production causes short-term discharge fluctuations (hydropeaking) in downstream reaches with potential adverse effects for the sensitive fauna and flora in alpine streams. In an experimental field study on a previously unregulated section of the upper Rhone River (Switzerland), we measured density and composition of macroinvertebrate drift in two habitats (riffle, pool) following a 15-minute hydropeaking wave. The experimental hydropeaking was replicated five times over 14 days with decreasing recovery times between peaks (8, 3, 2 days, and 24 h), and drift measurements were compared with kick samples for the benthic community. Results from the kick sampling showed that benthic macroinvertebrate abundance and composition did not significantly change between the experimental peaks. There were habitat specific reactions in macroinvertebrate drift to hydropeaking, with the pool experiencing more pronounced drift abundances than the riffle. Overall, drift abundance was not significantly correlated with recovery time, but results indicate taxa-specific differences. This research advocates for the importance of completing more in-situ field experiments in order to better understand the ecological impact of flexible power production in small hydropower plants.

Research on the Relationship of Flow Velocity and Particles’ Separation in Cyclone

2012 ◽  
Vol 479-481 ◽  
pp. 2529-2532
Author(s):  
Ying Zhang ◽  
Zhen Wei Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Simulation ◽  
Velocity Distribution ◽  
Flow Velocity ◽  
Structure Design ◽  
Rotating Flow ◽  
Separation Performance ◽  
Simulation Results ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Distribution Of Flow

This paper mainly focuses on the numerical simulation of flow velocity aiming to obtain the velocity distribution of flow in the cyclone. The authors took advantage of RSM turbulence model of software FLUENT to calculate the velocity distribution. Relationship between particles separation and double-layer rotating flow can be obtained based on the simulation results, which can also provide basis for the improvement of structure design and separation performance.

Towards the Development of Sustainable Hydro Energy in Lithuania

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaunius Jatautas ◽  
Pranas Mierauskas
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Natural Environment ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Social Situation ◽  
Human Society ◽  
Renewable Energy Resources ◽  
Small Hydropower ◽  
Hydropower Plants

Development of renewable energy sources together with sustainable development covers a complicated range of issues which require complex assessment in the context of Lithuania’s energy independence. Hydropower is an integral part of renewable energy resources and affects both the natural environment and human society. Although negative impact of hydropower on the environment is acknowledged, advances in modern technology can reduce the potential damage, especially when developing a network of small hydropower plants in Lithuania. Moreover, implementation and continuity of this kind of projects enables to improve the economic and social situation, e.g. by creating new jobs. Construction of small hydropower plants in combination with a sustainable development strategy would help to avoid the possible damage to the natural environment and would contribute to improvement of the country’s economic and social landscape. Limitation of the negative impact on the environment is primarily based on technological solutions – the appropriate construction of fish ladders or other passes at dams enables fish migration. Meanwhile, contribution to improvement of the economic and social situation in the case of small hydropower plants depends on political decisions and activity of lobby groups.

Design of Fuzzy Logic Controller for Up to 25MW Hydropower Plant

2020 ◽  
pp. 95-106
Author(s):  
Sumer Chand Prasad
Keyword(s):  
Fuzzy Logic ◽  
Fuzzy Logic Controller ◽  
Fuzzy Controller ◽  
Hydraulic Turbine ◽  
Hydropower Plant ◽  
Small Hydropower ◽  
Hydropower Plants ◽  
Response To Change ◽  
Turbine Speed ◽  
Gain Adjustment

In this chapter the emerging control techniques for 25 MW small hydropower (SHP) plants which utilize fuzzy logic are compared with conventional PID control for the speed control of hydraulic turbine in terms of rise time, smoothness of response, settling time, and overshoot in wicket gate opening with the response to change in turbine speed. In the case of the PID controller, gain adjustment (tuning) is required. The fuzzy controller algorithm is based on intuition, experience, and it incorporates a simple, rule-based IF X AND Y THEN Z approach. These controllers obtained don't require gain adjustment. The work done is a small step towards the automation of the hydropower plants.

scholarly journals AN AHP APPLICATION IN THE INVESTMENT SELECTION PROBLEM OF SMALL HYDROPOWER PLANTS IN TURKEY

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Burak Omer Saracoglu
Keyword(s):  
Electricity Generation ◽  
Electricity Consumption ◽  
Feasibility Studies ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Hydropower Plant ◽  
Small Hydropower ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Hydropower Plants ◽  
Four Levels ◽  
Hierarchy Process

<p>Turkey is a country that has had to deal with high electricity consumption due to its rapid growth and development. Attempts have been made to address this increase in demand by increasing the electricity supply by means such as boosting resources by privatization. The electricity generation sector has been privatized in Turkey; hence investors have been looking for the most appropriate electricity generation projects for a long while. Therefore, researchers and practitioners should focus on how the most suitable small hydropower plant project (SHPP) investments can be selected. In this study, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was applied to make the most appropriate and satisfying decision according to the decision makers, experts or investors for a SHPP investment from amongst some alternative SHPP investments in Turkey. All of these SHPPs were assumed to be in the pre-development investment stage, which indicated that their pre-feasibility and feasibility studies had not been presented or taken into consideration until this study was performed. This main constraint forced the researchers to obtain the data and information from the information forms such as the application document to the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works during the data and information gathering process. The AHP model of this study was structured in four levels with five main criteria, seventeen basic criteria and five alternatives on the Super Decisions Software. The results indicated that Alternative 1 and Alternative 5 should be primarily investigated in detail in subsequent SHPP investment investigation steps.</p>

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