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Abstract ===
In this paper, a number of innovative technologies are presented that have the potential to improve the efficiency and utilization of hydropower. These technologies include new turbine designs, improved efficiency, small hydro.
Keywords: hydropower, efficiency, small hydro turbines
Hydropower, the harnessing of energy from moving water, has long been a cornerstone of renewable energy generation. However, the industry is poised for a significant transformation driven by a surge of innovative technologies. This paper introduces a collection of these advancements with the potential to revolutionize hydropower efficiency and utilization.
In the following sections, a range of groundbreaking technologies will be presented. Novel turbine designs promise to capture the power of water with unprecedented effectiveness. Advancements in efficiency will optimize energy extraction, minimizing wasted potential. The exploration of small hydro solutions will unlock the power of previously untapped water sources. By exploring these advancements, this paper lays the groundwork for understanding how hydropower can become an even more critical player in the global energy landscape. The following paragraphs will provide a detailed exploration of each technology, examining its principles, applications, and potential impact
Figure 1: Gordon Dam in Tasmania
Building Information Modeling (BIM) has emerged as a powerful tool for enhancing the design, construction, and operation of hydropower facilities. Its integration with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations offers a comprehensive approach to modeling and analyzing Francis turbines, leading to improved performance, efficiency, and reliability. BIM provides a structured and collaborative framework for creating and managing digital representations of Francis turbines, encompassing their geometric details, material properties, and operational characteristics. This digital twin serves as a central repository of information, facilitating seamless data exchange among various stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
Key Benefits of BIM in Francis Turbine Modeling:
Figure 2: BIM and CFD modelling of a Francis turbine [1]
In [1] it can be summarized an application method of BIM for the design of Francis turbines (Figure 2).
In terms of applicability, the proposed models can be reproduced and applied to specific hydraulic turbine designs, like the Pelton turbine. The combination of BIM and CFD offers a broad range of applications, proving its value in optimizing design, operation and maintenance (O&M) management, and other tasks. This method can assist designers in finding the optimal design solution and guide O&M personnel in making informed decisions.
Additionally, to improve the model's practical value, future design optimization should explore how to integrate parametric driving design with core hydraulic design principles. Finally, achieving automatic synchronous coupling between the numerical simulation results and the BIM model presents a promising area for future research.
Hydropower plants often experience fluctuating operating conditions. These variations can significantly reduce overall plant efficiency and lead to problems like flow instability and cavitation, ultimately shortening the lifespan of hydropower equipment.
The concept of variable speed hydropower gained scientific attention in the 1980s. While technically feasible, fully-fed synchronous machines were not cost-effective at that time. Gish et al. (1981) explored the potential of using doubly-fed induction machines (DFIM) in hydropower plants [2].
Variable-speed hydro turbines (VSH) are a type of hydroelectric turbine that can operate at a variable speed. This allows them to more efficiently generate electricity over a wider range of water flows and power demands. VSHs are becoming increasingly popular as a way to improve the efficiency and flexibility of hydroelectric power plants.
This allows VSHs to operate more efficiently than fixed-speed turbines,
which can only operate at a single speed. VSHs can also be used to generate more electricity from a given amount of water, as they can operate at the most efficient speed for the current water flow conditions. There are two main configurations for variable speed hydropower plants:
Benefits for Power Systems with VariablThe increasing integration of non-synchronous VRE sources makes variable speed hydropower particularly advantageous. These plants offer:
Variable speed technology also benefits pumped storage facilities. These units can control both active and reactive power in pump mode, and they can start up and switch between modes much faster than conventional pumped storage units.
By adjusting the rotational speed of the plant's units independent of their synchronous speed, hydropower plants can better adapt to changing river flows. This approach, enabled by power electronic converters, enhances overall plant efficiency, extends equipment life, and allows for greater contribution to ancillary services within the power system.
File:Draft Calvi 590091600-image3.png Hydrokinetic turbines are devices that convert the kinetic energy of moving water into electricity. They are a type of renewable energy that can be used to generate power for homes, businesses, and communities.
Hydrokinetic turbines are similar to wind turbines, but they use water instead of air to generate electricity. They can be installed in rivers, tides, and ocean currents. The speed of the water flowing past the turbine blades determines how much electricity is generated.
There are three main types of hydrokinetic turbines:
Figure 4: Hydrokinetic turbine systems
File:Draft Calvi 590091600-image4.png
Figure 5: Hydrokinetic turbine – Velocity Vs. Power
Hydrokinetic turbines have a number of advantages over other renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. They are not affected by the weather, and they can generate electricity 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are also relatively quiet and have a low visual impact.
However, hydrokinetic turbines also have some disadvantages. They can be expensive to install, and they can be harmful to marine life. They are also not suitable for all locations, as they require a strong current to generate electricity.
Overall, hydrokinetic turbines are a promising renewable energy source that has the potential to generate a significant amount of clean electricity. As the technology continues to develop, the cost of hydrokinetic turbines is expected to decrease, and their efficiency is expected to increase. This will make them a more viable option for generating electricity in the future.
Here are some of the benefits of using hydrokinetic tu rbines:
Domestic energy: Hydrokinetic turbines can be installed in rivers, tides, and ocean currents near where the electricity is needed, which can reduce transmission losses.
Here are some of the challenges of using hydrokinetic turbines:
Another technology to achieve the shift towards clean energy, is the Hydrostatic Pressure Machine (HPM), a promising option that could meet these needs. Inspired by the design of a water mill's hydraulic wheel, the HPM features a horizontal rotating shaft. This design opens doors to a wide range of applications. The HPM could not only revitalize abandoned mill sites but also be installed in irrigation canals, where it can function as a water level regulator similar to a weir.
HPC uses the hydrostatic pressure differences between upstream and downstream of the machine. This allows for high efficiencies with very low load differences. The simplest HPC, the hydrostatic pressure wheel, consists of a wheel with radial blades that act as a barrier and that move with the velocity of the flow. The difference in hydrostatic force F1 - F2, proportional to the speed v1 generates the power P. The efficiency becomes a function of the ratio d2 / d1. This principle is rather unusual, but experiments have shown good agreement with the theory.
[1]. Sun, S.; Liu, X.; Zhang, R.;Liu, C.;Wang, A. Numerical Simulation and Analysis ofHydraulic Turbines Based on BIM formSustainable Development. Sustainability 2023, 15, 16168. https://doi.org/10.3390/su152316168.
[2]. Ioannis Kougiasa,∗, George Aggidisb, François Avellanc, Sabri Denizd, Urban Lundine,
Alberto Moroa, Sebastian Munteanf, Daniele Novarag, Juan Ignacio Pérez-Díazh, Emanuele Quarantai, Philippe Schildj, Nicolaos Theodossiouk, Analysis of emerging technologies in the hydropower sector, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2019.
[3]. C.M. Niebuhra, M. van Dijka, V.S. Nearyb, J.N. Bhagwanc: A review of hydrokinetic turbines and enhancement techniques for canal installations: Technology, applicability and potential
[4]. http://www.hylow.eu/
Engineer working at Enel Green Power S.p.A., with experience and theoretical knowledge about hydroelectric plants and dams.
He has been participating in +30 projects in Italy and abroad since 2013. His primary education is civil engineering, with a Master's degree obtained at Politecnico di Torino in 2010, with achievement of a professional certificate at Stanford University in 2014 (Energy Innovation and Emerging Technologies). Hydraulic Engineering Certified Expert (EQF8) by CERTING (CNI, Italy) since 2019.
He was included in the list of highly qualified European Engineers in 2022, being awarded the title of EUR ING, and appointed Fellow of The RSA in 2023.
Accepted on 23/05/24
Submitted on 15/05/24
Licence: CC BY-NC-SA license