How to develop a Hydropower Facility

Cornwall Renewable Energy Show 27 July 2012 Chris Elliott BHA Working Group Member Western Renewable Energy

What is Hydropower?
Dams High impact Storage

Water Mills Low impact! Run-of-River

What is Hydropower?
Diversion Channel Intake

Pipeline Power Line

Powerhouse

Tailrace

Hydro Basics
It all depends on the head

Head (H) H

Hydro Basics
. and Flow Rate

Head (H) Flow rate (Q) Q H

Hydro Basics
Power
Water power available = H x Q Power output also depends upon: Head losses Turbine Efficiency Generator Efficiency Drive losses

Hydro Basics
Theres no such thing as a 80 kW water turbine
Medium Head = 10m Flow = 1m/s P = 80 kW Low Head = 1m Flow = 10m/s P = 80 kW

Small water turbine Large water turbine

Impulse turbines
High head
25m or more head In SW mainly small flows 100 l/s or less Upland rivers Long deprived reaches Minor rivers Quite hidden

Crossflow Turbines
5 to 25m head typically Typically 50 to 1000 l/s Flat efficiency curve Lots of SW sites suitable Makes use of draft Often good for old mills on smaller rivers

Reaction machines
Francis machines
Similar applicability to Crossflows Available new, also common historical design Reliable and typically from UK firm

Kaplan machines
5m or less head 1000 l/s or more Needs screening Great efficiency

Screw turbines
5m or less head 500 l/s or more No screening needed Good efficiency

THE PROJECT LIFE CYCLE Five stages

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Pre-Feasibility Feasibility Planning and Licensing Detailed Design Construction

Choosing an installer Long term relationship

Experience BHA membership REAL Assurance member Professionally qualified staff Local contacts

Timescales & Costs

Stage 1. Pre-Feasibility 2. Feasibility 3. Planning & Licensing 4. Detailed Design 5. Construction Typical Timescale Approximate Cost 2 months 4 months 6 24 months Included in 5 10 12 months 500 - 2,000 3,000 - 10,000 1,000 - 25,000 Included in 5 2,000 - 10,000 per kW

Sources of further information:

BHA installer listings Mills groups BHA Micro hydro guide Environment Agency Good Practice Guide

www.british-hydro.org

HYDROPOWER A New Lease of Life