Assessment of electrical energy production in small hydropower plant with ultra-low head

Abstract

With intentions of preserving cultural heritage and biotic diversity near less technically exploitable Slovenian rivers, plans for sustainable energy production in small hydropower plants are examined. New technologies of water turbines allow the exploitation of ultra-low heads down to 1 m. We have developed a computer program, which makes assessment of energy performance and economic efficiency of small hydropower plant possible. The program has many options from selection of turbine type to variation of number of turbines. Through calculation of efficiency, exploitable flow, net head and other factors, the program calculates nominal power of the power plant and its energy production over a chosen time period. Considering many different conditions we have found out that for power plant in question two units in parallel arrangement of overall nominal power not exceeding 50 kW is preferred solution. Results enable good insight into project viability and thus offer support to investors or sales technicians, while planning investments in hydropower plants on ultra-low head and moderate flow watercourses.