Hydroelectric Plant Research Articles

Assessing Extreme Drought Events and Their Temporal Impact: Before and after the Operation of a Hydropower Plant

The probabilistic analysis of streamflow and drought event durations plays a crucial role in the efficient and sustainable management of existing water resources in the region. This approach involves the collection of historical hydrological data from river gauging stations, the use of statistical and probabilistic models, and the assessment of hydrological projections at different return periods to provide valuable information for society to understand the potential impacts of extreme events. The analysis is carried out on the Sinú River in Colombia, with consideration given to both the presence and absence of the Hydropower Plant Urrá I. The results reveal that, under natural conditions, a higher number of return periods correspond to less extreme drought flows and longer temporal durations. However, when the hydropower plant is operational, the occurrence and duration of drought are influenced by the regulations implemented during energy generation. The results of this analysis can guide water resource management policies, considering the operation of the hydroelectric plant, thereby enabling decisions that enhance the resilience and sustainability of the river’s hydrological conditions and communities that depend on it.

No additional stress of sublethal gas supersaturation in a landlocked population of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) exposed to environmental acidification

The landlocked Atlantic salmon population “bleke” faces extinction due to environmental acidification (EA) and hydropower expansion in the Norwegian river Otra. Despite of restoration, unexpected mortality has been reported for this population, possibly due to gas bubble trauma (GBT) from gas supersaturation (GSS) downstream of hydroelectric plants, or EA induced aluminum toxicity. In this study, we applied the allostasis concept to investigate interactions between EA and GBT. This concept comprises additive effects of stressors, which can lead to allostatic overload. Stress coping mechanisms become maladaptive in such situations, which can be indicated by an inability to mount a proper cortisol response in fish. Fish were exposed to sublethal levels of simulated EA (SEA), GSS (a total gas pressure; TGP; of 110%) or a combination of these stressors for six days. Effects on allostatic load were subsequently investigated by assessing the cortisol response to an acute stress test. SEA increased cortisol responsiveness and GSS induced clinical signs of GBT, but no interacting effects between GSS and SEA were observed. This suggests that that 110% TGP did not have an additive effect on the allostatic load imposed by SEA.

A Case Study of a Reverse Osmosis Based Pumped Energy Storage Plant in Canary Islands

Gran Canaria, due to its status as an island, has an isolated energy system (IES). This has made it dependent on itself for energy production, which is basically obtained from: (a) Wind and solar energy, which equals 19% of the total energy produced, (b) Energy obtained from the burning of fossil fuels in the energy production equipment of the existing thermal power stations, which equals 81% of the total energy produced. A solution must be found to the current production system, which is already partially obsolete and is due for renewal and/or decommissioning, in order to avoid “Energy Zero”, which means a change in the production cycle. In addition, the incorporation of a pumped hydroelectric energy storage plant “Chira-Soria” into the Gran Canaria electricity system represents another, even more important, change in the dynamics followed up to now. Basically, this plant, which is hydraulically stabilized by means of a seawater desalination plant, incorporates energy storage by storing water at high altitude to be turbined under appropriate conditions. The new situation will be analyzed with this incorporation and the option of an integrated operation in the overall energy system of Gran Canaria will be considered.

Alternatives for the Optimization and Reduction in the Carbon Footprint in Island Electricity Systems (IESs)

The penetration of renewable energies in island electricity systems (IESs) poses a series of challenges, which include, among others, grid stability, the response to demand, and the security of the supply. Based on the current characteristics of electricity demand on the islands of the Canary Archipelago (Spain) and their electricity production systems, this study presents a series of alternative scenarios to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and increase the penetration of renewable energies. The goal is to optimize combustion-based (nonrenewable) energy production and combine it with renewable-based production that meets the requirements of dynamic response, safety, scaling, and integration with nonrenewable systems in terms of efficiency and power. As verified in the research background, the combination of power producing equipment that is generally employed on the islands is not the best combination to reduce pollution. The aim of this work is to find other possible combinations with better results. A methodology is developed and followed to obtain the lowest GHG production and to determine the measures to be applied based on: (a) changing the fuel type by switching to natural gas in the equipment that allows it; (b) using optimal combinations of the least polluting energy production equipment; (c) integrating, to the extent that it is possible, the Chira-Soria pumped hydroelectric energy storage plant into the Gran Canaria electricity system. A series of alternative scenarios are generated with different operating conditions which show the possibility of increasing the renewable installed capacity in the Canary Islands by up to 36.78% (70% in Gran Canaria), with a 65.13% reduction in GHG emissions and a 71.45% reduction in fuel consumption. The results of this study contribute, through the different measures determined through our research, to the mitigation of GHG emissions.

Indications that fishers perceive socio-environmental problems related to hydroelectric plants in the Tocantins river, Brazil

Hydroelectric dams (HEDs) cause significant socio-environmental damage such as reduced fish diversity, population displacement and health problems. The fishers have extensive local ecological knowledge that can be used to improve understanding of the impacts of HEDs. Therefore, the objective of this study was to verify and evaluate the perceptions of fishers about the impacts caused by the HEDs in the Tocantins River. For this, 25 fishers were interviewed using a questionnaire with 22 questions. Data analyses were performed considering descriptive analysis of the responses. There was convergence in the responses of fishers who perceived the decrease in fish diversity after the construction of the HEDs, including fish of commercial interest, which is linked to a decrease in income and decreased food security for these families. In addition, the fishers noted symptoms that may be a consequence of mercury contamination, and diarrhea as a possible consequence of decreased water quality. Despite all these socio-environmental losses, the fishers report a lack of prior consultation, and low representativeness and transparency in the decision-making process that preceded the construction of HEDs. In general, the fishers perceived themselves as being strongly affected from the socio-environmental point of view and do not cite any benefits offered to the community from these projects.

European Green Deal + Poland + hydroelectric plants = Future?

This study considers the current state of hydropower in Poland and the legal and environmental conditions for its development. The research objective was to provide insights into the future of hydropower in Poland. An attempt was made to determine the direction of hydropower development in Poland by 2050, taking into account the requirements of the European Green Deal. The basic method used is logical argumentation, which is in turn based on a critical analysis of planning documents and scientific papers. Statistical data on the production and consumption of hydropower were also analysed. Currently, Poland’s potential for hydropower production is not being fully exploited. The main reasons for this are a lack of political support and socio-ecological issues associated with the need to take over inhabited areas or areas of high natural value. The analysis of the state of hydropower in Poland indicates that urgent intervention is required in many areas. This applies, especially, to issues of the control, modernisation and technical condition of hydropower plants and damming facilities. The potential for the development of hydropower in Poland is assessed to be very small. Environmental, socio-economic and legal conditions are unfavourable to the construction of new, large hydropower plants. The exception is pumped-storage power plants, which, acting as energy storage facilities, should in the future constitute an important element of the Polish energy system. The possibility of using defunct lignite mining pits for this purpose is indicated. It is shown that some of Poland’s former lignite mines are also conveniently located. The possible beneficial impact of building pumped-storage power plants into the water ecosystem of central Poland is emphasised.

Siphon-type hydroelectric plants: application for power generation in a low head dam in southern Brazil

Hydroelectric energy continues to be the most representative renewable resource in the world, accounting today for 40% of installed capacity. The availability of water, combined with the technologies for generating electricity at a reasonable cost, have sustained the success of this type of generation over the years. Continuing to leverage the hydroelectric sector is even more challenging today, because there is a growing world demand for energy, at the same time that the most attractive places from an economic point of view have already been benefited. The current context refers to approaches to water exploitation aimed at exploiting smaller-scale potentials and existing water structures that operate in a multifunctional way. Solidified in this conjecture, the purpose of this study is to contribute, in the sense of attributing alternatives, for the generation of energy in existing low head dams through the pre-dimensioning of a siphon plant. This type of plant is part of a specific and still evolving niche for decentralized power generation. The reduced structural requirements (generator, turbine, and suction tube), as well as the minimal intervention in the existing structure of the dam, the cessation of new socio-environmental and economic impacts related to the construction of a new plant are the main favorable characteristics of these facilities. The case study of an inoperative plant and the tools available in the Homer Software for data simulation were used as methodological resources. Two base configurations were considered: one with 100% renewable matrices and another one including a diesel generator. From them, different hybrid systems, to determine an optimal configuration in terms of net present cost, were simulated. Among the simulations performed, the most promising optimal solution was hybrid, considering among its components a set of siphon turbines totaling 271 kW, plus 50 kW in photovoltaic modules and 140 kW in a diesel support system. A battery bank with 32 200 Ah batteries complemented this system. The energy cost for this system is $0.164 per kWh. For a system without diesel and with 0% service failures, viable results appear only up to 2600 kWh load.

Analysis of floating photovoltaic systems on hydro reservoirs

Floating solar photovoltaic (FSPV) systems offer a more sustainable energy option than ground-mounted ones by avoiding land use and enabling decentralised power generation. This paper presents a conceptual hybrid design for an actual hydropower plant and a simulated FSPV plant, considering relevant factors. Five significant reservoir dams in India were chosen to test the proposed design, and as a novelty, the cooling effect was considered. In general, the cooling impact is dependent on the kind of supporting structure. Metrics such as generation, carbon dioxide (CO2) reductions, water savings and extra hydropower were computed in this work by considering two kinds of floating structures. The results indicate that with a total coverage of less than 20%, the hydroelectric reservoirs can double their installed power capacity. In terms of energy gain, the hydroelectric plant generated 92% more energy on average after integrating floating solar power. Furthermore, the capacity factor of the plant grew by an average of 18.43%. The total water savings in this scenario are 134.6 million m3, resulting in an additional 34.97 GWh of annual hydroelectricity generation. The cost–benefit analysis shows that the energy produced by FSPV is the most cost effective, ranging from 2.65 to 3.05 Indian rupees/kWh (US$0.03–0.04/kWh), depending on the FSPV platform.

Statistical modeling of diffusive CO2 emissions before the creation of the SINOP hydroelectric reservoir, Brazil.

Several discussions have arisen about energy from hydroelectric plants being considered clean energy and its reservoirs have been investigated due to the large emission of greenhouse gases (GHG), such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. The present work shows a statistical study of the diffusive CO2 emissions before the formation of the reservoir of the hydroelectric power plant (HPP) of SINOP, Brazil. The association between emissions collected at the surface (water-air) and at the bottom of the reservoir (sediment-water) was investigated during four data collection campaigns, carried out from November 2017 to September 2018. This study aims to compare the effect of reservoir depth on the diffusive flow of CO2 at 34 collection points. The variable depth analyzed was defined from points collected on the surface and bottom of the reservoir. The objective is to detect whether different periods of time and whether the depth of the reservoir have a direct impact on the behavior of diffusive CO2 emissions. As the measurements of the observational unit are repeatedly observed, there is a multilevel structure, individuals are independent of each other, but there is an intra-individual correlation. Considering this data configuration, an estimation of generalized equations (GEE) was performed, which is a technique that estimates the intra-individual correlation matrix and thus produces estimates for the parameters of the generalized regression models (Generalized Regression Models - GLM) that are not biased. The study showed that the average diffusive CO2 emissions are higher on the reservoir surface. The study also found that, on average, there are more emissions during the rainy season in the region than during the dry season.

Model Predictive Control for water management of a two-reservoir hydroelectric power plant

In the present work, model predictive control techniques are applied to the water management of a two-reservoir hydropower plant. The availability of forecasts on water requests by the hydroelectric plant was assumed and this motivated the adoption of a model predictive control approach. Ad hoc model mismatch compensation strategies has been developed which takes into account for unknown and unmeasured water flows and model uncertainties. The MPC strategy has been designed based on first principles linear model equations and on assigned control specifications. MPC parameter tuning is suitably adapted to the occurrence of specific state conditions, thus enabling optimal management of conditions of possible reservoir overflow, limiting water wastage while ensuring prompt reaction to possible variation in water demand related to the hydropower production plan. The reliability of the proposed approach has been tested through tailored simulation experiments, taking into account different significant scenarios.

Variações de vazão em escala sub-diária (hydropeaking) decorrentes da operação de reservatórios no Brasil

ABSTRACT International studies have focused on the hydrological impacts on an hourly or sub-daily scale that hydroelectric plants can cause through hydropeaking operations. However, this topic is still underexplored in Brazil, despite its large number of hydroelectric plants. Thus, to bring it to the Brazilian context, this study initially presents a literature review to characterize hydropeaking, its impacts and proposed mitigating measures, and research conducted in Brazil. Next, it was demonstrated that hydropeaking operations occur throughout the entire national territory, in hydroelectric plants of different sizes, that can cause changes increasing up to 450% of the base flow. Conflicts related to hydropeaking in Brazil are also brought up and, despite their occurrences and records of specific thresholds for their mitigation, this has not been addressed in environmental impact studies for licensing Small Hydropower Plants (SHPs) or legislation. Thus, the present study seeks to bring to light the importance of further research on hydropeaking in Brazil.

GIS technologies for assessing hydroecological state of rivers in the Aral sea basin

This article analyzes the results of a study on the difficulties and possibilities of using information technology to support the adoption of novel approaches in hydroecology and hydropower. Additionally, it examines the advancement of geographic information systems (GIS) for hydroecological and hydro-technical monitoring and their utilization as educational tools for students. Researching the utilization of information systems to develop environmentally friendly approaches for managing hydraulic infrastructure. The paper centred on the present subject of developing GIS systems for hydro-ecological monitoring, which are valuable tools for improving the information systems of the Aral Sea basin. Furthermore, it assists in optimizing models to create ecologically sustainable approaches for utilizing hydrotechnical constructions. Utilizing the amalgamation of findings from many scientific studies inside a single GIS database may be both feasible and advantageous, serving as a versatile instrument for modeling. An illustration of this methodology may be seen as a unified system where the amalgamation yields outcomes: the water-salt balancing system across all rivers in Uzbekistan. The digital mapping system and schemes are used to build ecologically sustainable methods for operating hydraulic and hydroelectric plants in Uzbekistan. The Aral Sea basin monitoring system (ASBMS) is a computerized system that uses ArcView to monitor the hydroecological quality of surface waters in the Aral Sea basin. Keywords: ecological situation, hydroecology, hydroecological maps, GIS technology, Aral Sea basin.

Uspon Toplog Dola i Stare planine i oslobođenje od Turaka 1878. godine prema dnevniku sveštenika Đorđa Ignjatovića

The work deals with the rise of Toplo Do as the central place of Stara Planina, its efforts and sacrifices during the liberation from Turks as well as its development path until the annexation of Pirot region to Serbia in the period before Second World War. In this short but exciting history of this place, a prominent role was played by several important figures for the history of Stara Planina. One is priest Djordje Ignjatović, teacher and hajduk scribe under hajduk Stojan Oreovački, leader of the rebellion against Turks in 1876. Kosta Mladenović Gaga, a grandson of a hajduk from Stara planina, successfully made his mark in trade and started the development of the entire region with his money and talent. In addition to trade, he was involved in politics as one of the first MPs for Pirot region after joining the Kingdom of Serbia. However, his main merit was that he was able to recognize the new era and that he directed his brightest grandson Dimitrije Mladenović Gaga towards entrepreneurship and sent him to study in Thessaloniki and Switzerland. Afterwards Dimitrije built the first hydroelectric plants and large cheese workshops in the vicinity of Pirot to finally seal the development of this area with the establishment of Tigar factory during the 30s of the 20th century. With that, he closed the development story that started with the pastures of Stara Planina and ended with the project that keeps Pirot alive and one of relatively more developed towns in this part of Serbia.

Ameaças econômicas, ambientais e sociais de uma proposta de exploração mineira em terras indígenas do Brasil

ABSTRACT Deforestation, mining, pollution and the construction of hydroelectric plants are among the main risks for biological communities, ecosystems and indigenous peoples. In the Brazilian Amazon, historically there has been political pressure to reduce the constitutional rights of indigenous peoples, especially regarding mining activities and the construction of hydroelectric plants. This culminated in a law proposal allowing mining in indigenous lands (PL 191/2020), proposed during the last presidential term in Brazil (2018-2022), which sparked a heated debate in both the legal and ethical spheres. In this article we present objective arguments for the negative effects of mining on indigenous lands, using PL 191/2020 as a model to debate the consequences of such policies for biodiversity, ecosystem services, increased risks for humans due to pollutants and epidemics, and how this law violates the main objectives of the Agenda 2030 for sustainable development. Particularly in the Brazilian Amazon, the negative effects of this law on human life quality, economy and the ecosystems are greater than the supposed positive effects projected into the future. We suggest rethinking the feasibility of mining on indigenous lands and reiterate the importance of conserving these lands and other protected areas in the Amazon intact as a heritage of all Brazilians and the wider human kind.

River dams, free stretches and migratory fish species: a review of the state of the art in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.

Population growth combined with the need for electrical energy resulted in the construction of hundreds of hydroelectric plants in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The consequence of these interventions was the fragmentation of rivers, forming barriers, that hinder the mobility of migratory fish species, generating an impact on the life cycle of these species, especially about movement between breeding and feeding areas. For this reason, this article aimed to evaluate the state-of-the-art knowledge regarding dams, free stretches, and migratory species in the three main river basins of the state of São Paulo and its tributaries. Through a systematic review from 2003 to 2023, 89 articles were obtained, 48 of which were about dams, 5 which addressed fish transposition systems, and 36 portraying migratory species. In the first half, research focused more on the impacts of dams on fish fauna, while in the second half of the period studied, studies of migratory fish were dominant. Most research was conducted in the main rivers, with few in the tributaries. Finally, 16 migratory species, considered long-distance, were studied, the most studied being P. lineatus, P. maculatus, L. friderici, M. obtusidens and S. hilarri and the ones that occurred most frequently in rivers are Prochilodus lineatus, Pimelodus maculatus, Megaleporinus obtusidens and Salminus hilarii. Therefore, we recommend maintaining the natural flow regime that still exists in the main rivers and tributaries of the state of São Paulo, to maintain healthy populations of the inventoried species.

Methodology for target forecasting of water level in hydroelectric plant reservoirs under conditions of low inflow

Methodology for target forecasting of water level in hydroelectric plant reservoirs under conditions of low inflow

Environmental Consequences of the Explosion of the Kahovsky Hydroelectric Plant on Biodiversity

The purpose of this article is to determine the ecological consequences of the explosion of the Kakhovka hydroelectric plant (southern Ukraine) on the biological diversity of the region. The main research methods were: theoretical generalization and system-functional approach, analysis, synthesis, expedition method. The ecological consequences of the destruction of a hydroelectric dam are divided into two types: drainage and flooding. As a result of the flooding, 48 objects of the nature reserve fund, with a total area of 120 thousand hectares, were affected. Aquatic biotopes and biotopes characteristic of overmoistened areas were the most affected by drainage. 38 rare types of biotopes, which are under the protection of the Bern Convention, were affected by the ecological disaster; wetlands of international importance (so-called Ramsar) with an area of 33,000 hectares in the Dnipro delta and seven objects of the Emerald network. Prospects for further research are related to the study of biotope restoration after an ecological disaster.

Penjanaan Kuasa yang Bersih: Kajian Mendalam Penilaian Kitaran Hayat bagi Sel Bahan Api Oksida Pepejal

Nowadays, there is a growing emphasis on creating alternative power generation methods to replace outdated technologies like coal-fired power and hydroelectric plants. One promising solution is the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC), which offers high energy efficiency, low carbon emissions, and cost-effectiveness. This study presents a focused examination of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of SOFCs, with the objective of reducing dependence on nonrenewable energy sources. The review encompasses a review of published articles between years 2016 to 2023 and an analysis of research gaps in SOFCs' environmental performance. A systematic literature review underpins this investigation, where several publication selection criteria were considered including plants that can produce hydrocarbon such as biogas and biomass, utilization of LCA software as a method of assessment and incorporation of the life cycle impact assessment in the articles. The results suggest that using SOFC powered by biogas as a stationary power generator is a viable option. This is supported by recent LCA studies demonstrating that SOFCs using biogas have a reduced impact on climate change compared to other fuels. Implementing SOFCs holds great potential for a cleaner energy future, aligning with society's goals for sustainable power production. For a more precise comparison of results, future LCA studies should adopt a multi-criteria environmental impact analysis using a consistent functional unit across different SOFC operations.

Investigation on reuse of energy at a sewage treatment plant and payback period

AbstractThe reuse of energy is a topic currently being widely discussed around the world. This study analyzes the potential for energy reuse in treatment plants. Sewage Treatment Plants are responsible for treating the water present in the sewers of cities. The treated water returns clean to the river, and generally, the place of discharge has a high height and flow rate that can be harnessed for the generation of electric energy. This work investigates the feasibility of installing a Micro Hydroelectric Plant in the Treatment Station of the Uberaba River in Brazil. Hydraulic potential and investment analysis were used as viability criteria. For the study, a height of 6 m and an average flow rate of 0.465 m3/s were considered, which could generate about 22.51 kW using a Bulb water turbine. This power represents a return of US$1651.26 per month from the generation of electric energy. The estimated installation cost was US$32,966.73, and the payback period was found to be less than 2 years. There are 702 sewage treatment plants in Brazil alone, and hypothetical analyses were performed with flow rates ranging from 0.2 to 1 m3/s and heights ranging from 1 to 9 m. Motivating results with payback periods of less than 4 years were obtained for numerous hypothetical situations, which demonstrates the feasibility of installing Micro Hydropower Plants and achieving savings in the sewage treatment system.

Confronting coloniality of nature: Strategies to recover water and life in mapuche territory

Indigenous peoples dispute the material and symbolic control of territory and nature in confronting the “coloniality of nature,” proposing respect for knowledge and environmental relations that modernity-coloniality-capitalism have denied. In these disputes, they ways that nature, energy and water are used and their meaning are at the center of the debate. This work presents a decade of participatory action research with Mapuche organizations, with which strategies against the installation of extractive projects have been deployed. In these experiences, we highlight the use of the concept of ixofillmongen as a category of Mapuche knowledge that proposes a relational ontological approach to other life forms that are part of nature. Here we present its use as part of a Mapuche strategy to decolonize nature implemented against the installation of hydroelectric plants. Based on this work, we developed a participatory action research methodology that other indigenous communities can replicate for the design of collective research experiences and the creation of alternative territorial strategies. The research results show that it is possible to build strategies for the recovery of water based on native peoples’ territorial and natural knowledge and get them to dialogue with critical and decolonial geography.