Hydroelectric Power Research Articles

Innovative design for enhancing transient stability with an ATFOPID controller in hybrid power systems

In order to make multi-area power systems more efficient and stable, this study aims to create a new intelligent controller design based on adaptive property. The integrated power grid becomes more unstable as renewable energy sources become more prevalent, and system inertia decreases. Resultant, the penetration of renewable and load variance causes frequency changes to be more pronounced. Keeping frequency stable is essential for the electrical energy transmission system to work reliably and efficiently. This paper presents an adaptive design based on the tilt fractional order proportional integral derivative (TFOPID) controller by using an optimized property of bio inspired tunicate search algorithm (TSA). The gains of the TFOPID controller are continuously updated by utilizing the ancillary TPID controller, which is dependent on changes in area frequency. The suggested control system is implemented in the northern and southern regions, which consist of photovoltaic (PV), wind, redox flow battery (RFB), hydro, and thermal power plants. Therefore, this study contributes in the creation of more resilient and efficient power grids, which are critical for incorporating renewable energy sources and satisfying the increasing need for environmentally friendly power solutions.

Modelling long-term operational dynamics of grid-connected hydro- photovoltaic hybrid systems

The development of variable renewable energy sources (VRESs), such as wind and solar photovoltaic (PV), has become a strategic choice for ensuring the security of electricity supplies and the decarbonization of power systems. The hybridization of hydropower with VRESs is an important measure for guaranteeing the smooth and cost-effective integration of VRESs into the power system. However, the highly variable weather- and climate-driven spatial and temporal fluctuations in VRES performance have significant potential to affect the optimal trajectory of hydropower operations. Therefore, it is essential to understand how hydropower responds to VRESs over long-term horizons, thereby allowing informed operation decisions to be made for hybrid generation systems (HGSs). In this study, a long- and short-term nested operation model is developed for hydropower operations considering PV integration. Specifically, the long-term model determines the day-by-day hydropower production over many years, and the short-term model simulates the day-ahead generation scheduling and real-time operation processes of the HGS. Performance metrics are established for evaluating the complementary operation in comparison with separate operation of hydropower and PV plants. China's two representative hydro-PV HGSs (Zhongyu and Longyangxia) are selected as case studies. The results indicate that the hybrid generation of hydropower and PV could, on average, increase total electricity generation by 11.33 %, reduce the load loss rate by 9.31 %, and decrease the PV curtailment rate by 36.60 %. However, hydro-PV hybridization may lead to an increase of 9.22 % in the water spillage rate and a decrease of 0.094 kWh/m3 in the water–electricity conversion coefficient. Therefore, hybrid generation of hydropower and PV could further enhance energy yield and supply reliability. Also, the importance of improving hydropower flexibility is highlighted.

Capacity Optimization of Pumped–Hydro–Wind–Photovoltaic Hybrid System Based on Normal Boundary Intersection Method

Introducing pumped storage to retrofit existing cascade hydropower plants into hybrid pumped storage hydropower plants (HPSPs) could increase the regulating capacity of hydropower. From this perspective, a capacity configuration optimization method for a multi-energy complementary power generation system comprising hydro, wind, and photovoltaic power is developed. Firstly, to address the uncertainty of wind and photovoltaic power outputs, the K-means clustering algorithm is applied to deal with historical data on load and photovoltaic, wind, and water inflow within a specific region over the past year. This process helps reduce the number of scenarios, resulting in 12 representative scenarios and their corresponding probabilities. Secondly, with the aim of enhancing outbound transmission channel utilization and decreasing the peak–valley difference for the receiving-end power grid’s load curve, a multi-objective optimization model based on the normal boundary intersection (NBI) algorithm is developed for the capacity optimization of the multi-energy complementary power generation system. The result shows that retrofitting cascade hydropower plants with pumped storage units to construct HPSPs enhances their ability to accommodate wind and photovoltaic power. The optimal capacity of wind and photovoltaic power is increased, the utilization rate of the system’s transmission channel is improved, and the peak-to-valley difference for the residual load of the receiving-end power grid is reduced.

Experimental Flow Performance Investigation of Francis Turbines from Model to Prototype

Investigating the flow performance of Francis turbines from model to prototype is a complex but essential process for ensuring reliable and efficient turbine operation in hydropower plants. It ensures that Francis turbine designs operate efficiently under various operating conditions, extending from laboratory reduced-scale models to full-scale prototype installations. In this investigation, a Francis turbine model was tested under different operating conditions, and its properties were measured, including torque, hydraulic efficiency, power output, cavitation coefficient, rotational speed, flow rate, and pressure pulsations. The results of the Francis turbine model test indicate that it achieved the maximum torque with the designed discharge and designed head. The cavitation coefficient consistently remained higher than the critical cavitation coefficient. The initial cavitation bubbles were observed at 50% partial load but disappeared at full load. Pressure pulsations under different operating conditions showed the maximum peak-to-peak amplitude appearing at the turbine inlet domain and the minimum amplitude occurring at the draft tube elbow. A hill chart shows that the model’s best efficiency was 93.66%, and the estimated best efficiency of the prototype was 95.03% at the design head. The conclusions and methodology of this study can be generalized to other similar hydraulic turbines, especially prototype Francis turbines that lack experimental results.

Dynamics of catches and state of stocks the European perch Perca fluviatilis in rivers in the middle Ob basin (in the Tomsk region)

European perch Perca fluviatilis Linnaeus, 1758 — is a mediumsized representative of the Percidae. It distributed in lowland rivers, lakes and artificial reservoirs, as well as in desalinated coastal areas of the seas of Northern Eurasia, with the exception of the Far East and the coast of the Arctic Ocean. This species is numerous almost everywhere. It is one of the main objects of industrial and amateur fishing. In the Middle Ob basin, a significant part of the life cycle of perch is associated with the floodplain system. There is, during the spring flood, its spawning and subsequent feeding of juveniles and producers take place. Therefore, the regulation of the Ob’s flow by the Novosibirsk hydroelectric power station dam served as one of the important factors that had a negative impact on the state of its reserves. Thus, within the Tomsk region, commercial catches of perch before the regulation of the Ob flow (1946–1961) averaged 354 tons per year, and after regulation (during the period of stable fishing pressure, in 1960–1985) — 157 tons. In recent years (2018–2022), the catch of perch has increased slightly and, according to official fisheries statistics, amounts to 211 tons per year, providing 5.9% of the total fish production in the region. Currently, the reserves of perch are in a relatively stable state, the estimated indicators of its biomass in rivers within the Tomsk region in recent years range from 1190.9 to 2277.5 tons, with an average number of 10.6 million pieces. The development of the perch’ reserves is satisfactory, averaging 94.2% of the recommended catch. Amateur fishermen do not have a significant impact on the state of perch stocks.

Optimasi Charger Controller Pembangkit Listrik Picohidro Kapasitas 250 Watt

PLTMH is one of the renewable energy power plants that is environmentally friendly. Indonesia has considerable hydropower potential that can be developed into Micro / Mini Hydro Power Plants of 19,385 MW spread throughout Indonesia [2]. PicoHidro Power Plant is part of PLTMH with an output power of < 1 kW [1]. The advantages of this plant are generating electricity without being too influenced by seasons and day and night changes, power generation fluctuations are relatively small, the possibility of electricity generation is high, the impact on the environment is very small and the fast response is suitable for peak load conditions and when there is a disturbance in the network. PLPicohidro uses a DC generator that utilizes a power source for battery charging. The battery is used as an inverter voltage source to turn on the AC load. For that, a Charger Controller is needed which is useful for charging the battery. The DC voltage source coming from the generator is stored using a battery and then goes to the inverter to be converted into AC voltage. In this study, automatic charging of two batteries was used or can be called automatic charging. The way this circuit works is when the battery is full, the charger will automatically stop. The voltage indication during the charger process is 11 Volts and stops when the voltage reaches 14 volts. The use of two batteries in the charger process can work alternately, if battery 1 is full then battery 2 will charge automatically, and vice versa.

Rehabilitation or Demolition of Small Hydropower Plants: Evaluation of the Environmental and Economic Sustainability of the Case Study “El Cerrajón”

During the 1950s, numerous small-capacity hydroelectric power plants were built in Spain. Seventy-five years on, it must now be decided whether to continue their operation or demolish them. In order to provide a valid answer, it is necessary to have access to decision-making tools that enable sustainable economic and environmental decision making. The present work proposes a methodology that employs an economic indicator of life cycle cost and environmental indicators of carbon footprint and embodied energy by means of life cycle data analysis. Quantification of the impacts was carried out with the support of construction cost databases and the PREDICE software tool for the quantification of environmental impacts incorporated into maintenance tasks. The case study of the “Cerrajón” power plant was analyzed, where historical hydrological cycles were considered. A life cycle scenario was evaluated in which renovation extended the life of the power plant by a further 75 years. The results show savings in environmental impacts with respect to the impacts of the Spanish energy mix of up to 175 kgCO2 per MWh produced, although no economic benefit was found. It was also shown that in climate change scenarios, the profit price breakeven increases. Rehabilitation appears to present the best choice when combining the two criteria.

Eutrophication Levels of Hydropower Plant Water Reservoirs Via Trophic State Index With Evaluation of the Fate of Pollutants Affected By the Land Use Model

Eutrophication Levels of Hydropower Plant Water Reservoirs Via Trophic State Index With Evaluation of the Fate of Pollutants Affected By the Land Use Model

Hydrovoltaic Effects from Mechanical-Electric Coupling at the Water-Solid Interface.

The natural water cycle on the Earth carries an enormous amount of energy as thirty-five percent of solar energy reaching the Earth's surface goes into water. However, only a very marginal part of the contained energy, mostly kinetic energy of large volume bulk water, is harvested by hydroelectric power plants. Natural processes in the water cycle, such as rainfall, water evaporation, and moisture adsorption, are widespread but have remained underexploited in the past due to the lack of appropriate technologies. In the past decade, the emergence of hydrovoltaic technology has provided ever-increasing opportunities to extend the technical capability for energy harvesting from the water cycle. Featuring electricity generation from mechanical-electric coupling at the water-solid interface, hydrovoltaic technology embraces almost all dynamic processes associated with water, including raining, waving, flowing, evaporating, and moisture adsorbing. This versatility in dealing with various forms of water and associated energy renders hydrovoltaic technology a solution for fossil fuel-caused environmental problems. Here, we review the current progress of hydrovoltaic energy harvesting from water motion, evaporation, and ambient moisture. Device configuration, energy conversion mechanism mediated by mechanical-electric coupling at various water-solid interfaces, as well as materials selection and functionalization are discussed. Useful strategies guided by established mechanisms for device optimization are then covered. Finally, we provide an outlook on this emerging field and outline the challenges of improving output performance toward potential practical applications.

Devising a methodology for prototyping convex-concave parts using reverse-engineering technology providing the predefined geometric accuracy of their manufacturing

The object of this paper is the geometric accuracy of the acquired portrait from the 3D printed full-scale sample in the reduced size of the convex-concave parts compared to the correspondingly reduced ideal one. The subject of research is reverse engineering and additive technology for manufacturing convex-concave parts for mechanical engineering (ME). A new prototyping methodology for convex-concave parts of mechanical engineering objects has proposed. Underlying the methodology is the use of the scaled (by reducing in size) ideal portrait of the 3D scanned original part. The decision to start the production is made by comparing the geometry of the portrait acquired from the 3D printed sample in reduced size with the ideal one, provided that the values are within the tolerance range. The following results were obtained. A design and technological analysis of the blade of the pumped hydroelectric power station was performed, after which a 3D scanner and a 3D printer were selected. A 3D scan of the blade with the formation of a portrait in the STL format file was implemented, as well as its refinement into an ideal one. From the geometric features and shapes of the blade, as well as the technical characteristics of the 3D printer, the percentage of reducing the sample for printing (by 75 % of the original dimensions) was calculated. According to the rated dimensions of the original part and the reduced sample, the tolerance field was set for the size: 0.6 mm and 0.25 mm, respectively, at 12 quality of the part’s manufacturing accuracy. Inspection of the printed sample and comparison with the correspondingly reduced ideal portrait revealed a deviation from –0.123 to +0.120 mm, which is within the defined tolerance field for the manufactured reduced sample. The results of experimental studies confirmed the adequacy of the proposed methodology for prototyping the mechanical engineering parts and verified the theoretical foundations of reverse engineering for convex-concave parts of any large size by using a proportional reduction in the size of finished portraits

Evaluating machine learning models in predicting dam inflow and hydroelectric power production in multi-purpose dams (case study: Mahabad Dam, Iran)

This study aimed to forecast dam inflows and subsequently predict its capability in producing HEPP using machine learning and evolutionary optimization techniques. Mahabad Dam, located in the northwest of Iran and recognized as one of the nation’s key dams, served as a case study. First, artificial neural networks (ANN) and support vector regression (SVR) were employed to predict dam inflows, with optimization of parameters achieved through Harris hawks optimization (HHO), a robust optimization technique. The data of temperature, precipitation, and dam inflow over a 24-year period on a monthly basis, incorporating various lag times, were used to train these machines. Then, HEPP from the dam was predicted using temperature, precipitation, dam inflow, and dam evaporation as input variables. The models were applied to data covering the years 2000 to 2020. The results of the first part indicated both hybrid models (HHO-ANFIS and HHO-SVR) improved the prediction performance compared to the single models. Based on the results of Taylor’s diagram and the error evaluation criteria, the HHO-ANFIS hybrid model (RMSE, MAE, and NSE of 3.90, 2.41, and 0.86, respectively) exerted better performance than HHO-SVR (RMSE, MAE, and NSE of 4.39, 2.70, and 0.86, respectively). The results of the second part showed that using the HHO algorithm to optimize single models (RMSE, MAE, and NSE of 0.2, 10, and 0.90, respectively) predicted HEPP better than single models (RMSE, MAE, and NSE of 0.2, 10, and 0.90, respectively). The results of Taylor’s diagram also showed that the HHO-ANFIS model exerted better performance. The findings of this study indicated the promising performance of machine learning models optimized by metaheuristic algorithms in the simultaneous prediction of dam inflows and HEPP in multi-purpose dams for better management and allocation of surface water resources.

Advancing towards zero emissions: Integrating floating photovoltaic systems in hydroelectric power plant reservoirs

One technological alternative to diversifying the energy matrix and reducing reliance on conventional sources involves integrating floating photovoltaics into hydropower plants. To improve the efficiency and sustainability of electricity production, this combination harnesses the benefits of solar and hydropower, thus contributing to climate change mitigation. This study proposes an assessment of the floating photovoltaics resource in water bodies associated with the 14 most important hydropower plants in Mexico. Using ERA5 reanalysis data and the assumption of a 10% coverage of the area of the water bodies, parameters such as annual energy production, avoided greenhouse gases and water savings were estimated. This was done considering two scenarios of floating photovoltaics power density, a pessimistic 30 W/m2 and an optimistic 125 W/m2. Under the conditions proposed in this work, the results of the optimistic Scenario indicate that an annual energy production of 33.12 TWh could be achieved, avoiding the emission of 14.51 MtCO2e of greenhouse gases and the evaporation of 336.78 hm3 of water.

Review of intrusion detection system in cyber‐physical system based networks: Characteristics, industrial protocols, attacks, data sets and challenges

AbstractCyber‐Physical Systems (CPSs) provide critical infrastructure for the betterment of human lives thereby integrating cyber and physical components but the fusion of physical and digital components leads to an increase in the attack surface, which in turn provides opportunities for the attackers to intrude on these systems, which can affect the critical services like health care, water treatment facility, the electrical grid, hydropower plant, and so forth. The existing intrusion detection systems (IDSs) in CPSs are facing issues like poor detection accuracy, high false alarm rate and more computation time. Also, existing intrusion detection systems cannot identify new attacks that is, zero‐day assaults. Prerequisite exists for the design of the framework for detecting intrusions using artificial intelligence inspired approaches grounded on the principle of ensemble techniques. Intrusion detection framework assimilating ensemble‐based technique for CPS has been proposed. Since the proposed framework incorporates privileges of multiple techniques for intrusion detection and classification, hence the proposed framework may overcome the limitations of existing IDSs for CPS. Overview of cutting‐edge incursion identification methods for CPSs is presented. Several characteristics of CPS, industrial protocols, and anomaly detection techniques for intrusion detection are analyzed. Taxonomy of IDS for CPS has been proposed, taxonomy of attacks and threats on CPS has been intended. Research challenges for IDS in CPS are also uncovered from this review.

Strategic Siting of Hydroelectric Power Plants to Power Railway Operations with Renewable Energy

The present study explores the strategic siting of hydroelectric power plants, focusing on the Miyanaka Intake Dam (MID) and Shinano River Hydroelectric Power Station (SHP). Built in 1939 to support Tokyo’s railway electrification, these facilities demonstrate the complexities of balancing renewable energy production with ecological conservation. Despite the high costs and energy losses associated with transmitting power from the Sea of Japan side, the SHP has effectively powered Tokyo’s rail system for over 80 years, owing to advanced transmission technologies and the region’s abundant water resources. However, river-crossing structures such as dams disrupt fish migration and habitats, necessitating the implementation of fishways. The MID fishway, continually improved since its construction, emphasizes the importance of integrating ecological considerations into hydropower projects. Our findings highlight the higher power generation efficiency on the Sea of Japan side and stress the need for careful site selection to ensure sustainable hydroelectric power while preserving river ecosystems. In conclusion, hydropower sites should be chosen based on both environmental impacts and future development potential to maintain the ecological balance and support long-term renewable energy goals.

Short-term load distribution model for giant cascade serial diversion-type hydropower stations

With the development of complex cascade serial diversion-type hydropower plants (CSDHP) in Southwest China, it has become imperative to study short-term scheduling challenges that are distinctive to this type of hydropower facility. Unlike conventional cascade hydropower stations, which have large reservoirs to regulate the outflow between stations, the CSDHP system consists of several diversion-type hydropower plants connected in series, requiring strict matching of turbine discharge between upstream and downstream facilities. In addition, these plants impose complex operation constraints, such as multiple units sharing one tunnel, which greatly increases the difficulty of short-term scheduling. This paper proposes a short-term optimal scheduling model for CSDHP systems aimed at achieving efficient load distribution among units while minimizing water consumption. The model takes into account the strict matching of turbine discharge and the complex constraints of multiple units sharing one tunnel. Subsequently, the model is transformed into a mixed integer linear programming problem using specified linearization techniques, with complexity further addressed via an iterative resolution method. A case study of a cascade illustrates the model’s efficacy in facilitating effective unit load distribution under complex hydraulic and electrical constraints, which substantially reduces the system’s water consumption by up to 6.1% during the dry season and 1.8% during the flood season, and reducing the number of crossing forbidden zones by 50.0% and 52.0%, respectively. The result shows the models’ potential to enhance day-ahead scheduling for the CSDHP system.

Environmental impacts generated by the hydroelectric power plant El Quimbo - Colombia. An ex-post evaluation

Introduction: Hydroelectric power plants are the most demanded source of electrical energy worldwide after the year 2000. Objective: This article identified the environmental impacts generated by the construction and operation of the El Quimbo hydroelectric power plant in the area of influence in southern Colombia from an ex-post perspective. Methodology: The study was of a mixed nature, under the deductive and descriptive method using information gathering techniques such as documentary analysis, open and participatory reconnaissance and the Delphi survey. Results: A total of eighty-eight (88) environmental impacts were identified in the physical, biotic and socioeconomic spheres. In the physical dimension, aspects such as decreased river flow and land flooding were found; in the biotic dimension, aspects such as increased displacement of terrestrial fauna and increased mortality of native species of terrestrial flora and fauna were identified; and in the socioeconomic field, decreased agricultural employment and increased cost of living were highlighted. Conclusions: We conclude with the identification of a greater number of negative impacts in the socioeconomic dimension compared to the impacts in the physical and biotic fields.

An ultra-thin bolt tension sensor and online monitoring system: For application in hydropower plant unit

An ultra-thin bolt tension sensor and online monitoring system: For application in hydropower plant unit

ABOUT SOME PROBLEMS OF THE ELECTRIC ENERGY SECTOR OF GEORGIA

In the article - "About some problems of the electric energy sector of Georgia" - the issue of the country's electricity production potential and how it is used is discussed. The article mentions that out of all the energy resources, Georgia has the most electrical energy resources. These are hydropower (water resources), wind and solar resources. A retrospective analysis of both total and individual production and consumption of electricity in the period 1990-2023 concluded that a 47.5% increase in individual consumption was caused by the catastrophic population decrease in Georgia during the same period. The article also mentions that the average consumption of electricity in Georgia is half of the corresponding indicator of Germany, the USA - Mesa-Med, and Norway - one-sixth. The electricity balance of Georgia is negative. A significant part of electricity is imported from Russia and Azerbaijan. Among the problems faced by the electrical energy system, the article discusses the possibility of causing danger by depending on external sources of electricity, giving preference to the construction of large hydroelectric power plants (the construction of which destroys wild nature) and less attention to the study of the issue of regional production and consumption of electricity. The article provides conceptual solutions to each of these problems. Keywords: electric energy; hydropower; wind and solar energy; large and small hydropower plants; Electrical energy balance.

Optimal Coordinated Operation for Hydro–Wind Power System

The intermittent and stochastic characteristics of wind power pose a higher demand on the complementarity of hydropower. Studying the optimal coordinated operation of hydro–wind power systems has become an extremely effective way to create safe and efficient systems. This paper aims to study the optimal coordinated operation of a hybrid power system based on a newly established Simulink model. The analysis of the optimal coordinated operation undergoes two simulation steps, including the optimization of the complementary mode and the optimization of capacity allocation. The method of multiple complementary indicators is adopted to enable the optimization analysis. The results from the complementary analysis show that the hydraulic tracing effect obviously mitigates operational risks and reduces power losses under adverse wind speeds. The results from the analysis of capacity allocation also show that the marginal permeation of installed wind capacity will not exceed 250 MW for a 100 MW hydropower plant under random wind speeds. These simulation results are obtained based on the consideration of some real application scenarios, which help power plants to make the optimal operation plan with a high efficiency of wind energy and high hydro flexibility.

Creating sustainable capacity for river science in the Congo basin through the CRuHM project.

In this article, we examine the scientific and sustainable research capacity outcomes of the 'Congo River: user Hydraulics and Morphology' or CRuHM project, a six-year effort supported by the Royal Society's Africa Capacity Building Initiative. This project brought together a consortium of African and UK universities to undertake the first large-scale scientific expeditions to the Congo basin of the modern era in order to better understand the hydraulics and geomorphology of this understudied but globally important river. The river is essential for navigation, irrigation, drinking water and hydroelectric power generation for the 10 basin countries and is critically important for biodiversity and global nutrient, carbon and climatological cycles. This article summarizes the new scientific understanding contributed by the project and the steps taken to ensure a meaningful legacy that would continue long beyond the finite lifetime of available funding. Actions taken to achieve this include establishing a new hydrology research centre at the University of Kinshasa as well as steps to build a wider international community of Congo basin researchers. In this way, we hope to build momentum for future funding initiatives and collaboration.