A computer program called HYDRA, that calculates the optimal design parameters of hydropower plants, is described here.
by P Punys · 2025 · Cited by 5 — This article analyses and compares computer-based tools designed for small hydropower (SHP) potential assessment, site planning, and design.
SCADA is the software through which almost all the operations of starting/ stopping the generation units, monitoring of various parameters and controlling of
4 Guide on How to Develop a Small Hydropower Plant ESHA 2004 Figure 1-3 Low head scheme integrated in the dam 1.3.2 Schemes with the powerhouse at the base of a dam A small hydropower scheme cannot afford a large reservoir to operate the plant when it is most convenient, the cost of a relatively large dam and its hydraulic appurtenances would be too high to make it economically viable. 5 Guide on How to Develop a Small Hydropower Plant ESHA 2004 Figure 1-4 Low head scheme using an existing dam Provided the dam is not too high, a siphon intake can be installed.
1-800-346-9140 • www.attra.ncat.org A project of the National Center for Appropriate Technology By Leif Kindberg NCAT Energy Specialist Published February 2011 © NCAT IP383 Contents Micro-Hydro Power: A Beginners Guide to Design and Installation Introduction ......................1 Determining the Hydro Potential of Your Site .........................2 Environmental Impact .................................9 Regulatory Issues ..........11 Equipment ...................... Micro-hydro systems generally consist of the following components: • A trash rack, weir, and forebay to pre-vent debris from entering the pipeline and turbine • A pipeline (also called a penstock) to pipe water to the turbine • A powerhouse that contains the turbine and electronics • A water turbine that converts the kinetic energy of the fl owing water into mechanical energy that can be used directly or to drive a generator or other piece of equipment—this is the main component of a micro-hydro system • A tailrace to release the water back into the source it came from • Transmission lines to deliver electrical power where it is needed Th is publication is intended to include as much information as necessary to get you started in the process and to assist you generally at each step along the way of a micro-hydro project.
# Calculate key parameters for Pelton, Francis and Kaplan turbines and Archimedean Screws in minutes with our online tool. Ideal for engineers, consultants, and developers seeking precise data for feasibility studies or optimizing existing installations. Pelton, Francis, Kaplan, Archimedean Screw. Tailored results for Pelton, Francis and Kaplan turbines, and Archimedean Screw. In order to size a turbine we need two parameters: the net head (H) and the water flow rate (Q). At this point, it is necessary to make a choice: the tool suggests a possible configuration, but the proper choice depends on the size of the plant, the price of the generator, the efficiency curve and other variables. Kaplan Turbine is now available! HPP-Design is still in beta phase and now it works only for Pelton and Francis turbines. **What is a Kaplan turbine?**. A Kaplan turbine is the most common type of propeller turbine, in which the angle of the blades and the gates to the flow can be adjusted. **How to select a Kaplan turbine in HPP-design?**.
You need two things to generate hydro power: height and flow. That means you need to know how far vertically you can drop the water, from the intake to the
Technical Risks Hydrological Due to lower or higher-than-expected water flows, floods, unusual seasonal variations Thorough hydrology analysis, contingency margin for output, detailed investigation during feasibility and design phases Geotechnical seismic Due to geological activity structural problems arise Detailed analysis, site-specific design Electro-mechanical equipment performance Due to underperformance as per project specifications Supervision, inspection, quality assurance, reliability tests, guarantees and warranties Construction Due to construction delays Supervision, inspection, quality assurance, reliability tests, guarantees and warranties Operation and maintenance Due to underperformance of O&M Detailed O&M contracts, guarantees and warranties Social Risks Land and water use conflicts Due to conflicts with local water users or downstream riparian, water use Formal agreement with stakeholders, modify design Resettlement and social unrest Due to resettlement, local employment and compensation Formal agreement with stakeholders, modify design Public health and safety risks Due to threats to public safety or health during all project phases Safety management plan, formal agreement with stakeholders, modify project International objection on social, environmental or cultural grounds Develop and carry out strategic communications strategy, modify project Cultural heritage issues Preservation of historically significant sites and artifacts Design pre-project activities to investigate, preserve, or modify project Environmental Risks Water quality Modify project, compensate for impacts Sedimentation Modify project Upstream/downstream flow regime Modify project, compensate for impacts Wetlands protection Modify project, compensate for impacts Biodiversity Modify project, compensate for impacts, pest management Fish habitat Modify project, compensate for impacts A Guide for Developers and Investors HYDROELECTRIC POWER 115 18 Acronyms ADB Asian Development Bank AVR Automatic Voltage Regulator B/C Benefit/Cost ratio BOO Build-Operate-Own BOT Build-Operate-Transfer BREP Balkan Renewable Energy Program CAPEX Capital Expenses DSCR Debt-Service Coverage Ratio E&M Electrical and Mechanical E&S Environmental and Social EIA U.S. Energy Information Administration EP Equator Principles EPC Engineering, Procurement and Construction ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ESMP Environmental and Social Management Plan ESMS Environmental and Social Management System FDC Flow Duration Curve FIDIC Fédération Internationale des Ingénieurs-Conseils