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Small Hydro Project Anysis

Velimir Lackovic, MScEE


Course Outline

In this course calculation methods used for small hydro project modelling have been shown in detail. Generic formulae enable the calculation of turbine efficiency for a variety of turbines. These efficiencies, together with the flow-duration curve and the load-duration curve, enable the calculation of renewable energy delivered by a proposed small hydro power plant. The accuracy of the model, with respect to both energy production and cost estimation, is excellent for pre-feasibility stage studies for small hydro projects.

This course is suitable for engineers with a desire to understand the fundamentals of setting small hydro project. Presented details cover issues related to technical and financial implementation and exploitation of small hydro power systems. Upon successful completion engineers will be able to address small hydro power terms, methods of operation and how to set up detailed technical and financial feasibility model.

This course includes a multiple choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student will become familiar with:

Intended Audience

This course is intended for electrical and mechanical engineers.

Benefit to Attendees

Attendee of this course will understand basic small hydro project assessment principles, key terms that are used in particular industry and understand how to evaluate small hydro project at early project stage. Also attendee will be able to calculate basic parameters which will provide insight about small hydro project energy production and associated costs.

Course Introduction

Hydroelectricity is one of the most mature forms of renewable energy, providing more than 19% of the world’s electricity consumption from both large and small power plants. There is no universally accepted definition of the term “small hydro” which, depending on local definitions can range in size from a few kilowatts to 50 megawatts or more of rated power output. Internationally, “small” hydro power plant capacities typically range in size from 1 MW to 50 MW, with projects in the 100 kW to 1 MW range sometimes referred to as “mini” hydro and projects under 100 kW referred to as “micro” hydro. Installed capacity, however, is not always a good indicator of the size of a project. For example, a 20 MW, low-head “small” hydro plant is anything but small as low-head projects generally use much larger volumes of water, and require larger turbines as compared with high-head projects.

Course Content

In this lesson, you are required to download and study the following course content in PDF format:

Small Hydro Project Analysis

Please click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the document for your study. Because of the large file size, we recommend that you first save the file to your computer by right clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you still experience any difficulty in downloading or opening this file, you may need to close some applications or reboot your computer to free up some memory.

Course Summary

Calculation methodology for small hydro power plant technical parameters has been shown in detail. Generic formulae enable the calculation of turbine efficiency for a variety of turbines. These efficiencies, together with the flow-duration curve and (in the case of isolated-grid and off-grid applications) the load-duration curve, enable the calculation of renewable energy delivered by a proposed small hydro power plant. Condensed formulae enable the estimation of project costs; alternatively, a detailed costing method can be used. Presented methodology is excellent for pre-feasibility stage studies for small hydro projects.

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

Take a Quiz

DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.