Hydroelectric Power Research Articles

Innovation and possibility of various coating materials with microwave hybrid heating

Cavitation wear is causing considerable financial losses for a range of industries, such as chemical, food processing and hydropower plants. Microwave cladding process involves the application of a coating of another material over the surface of a specific material, which offers properties beneficial for high electrical conductivity, low loss tangent and excellent thermal stability. This review article is intended to provide a basic understanding of the properties of various types of microwave cladding materials. This chapter also emphasises on the characterisation of the samples produced through the microwave cladding on various substrate materials. Furthermore, this chapter describes the potential applications of the microwave cladding process in numerous engineering and industrial sectors. Additionally, this chapter also reports the potential future technological advancements in the field of microwave cladding process.

Short-Term Optimal Operation Method for Hydro–Wind–Thermal Systems Considering Wind Power Uncertainty

Wind curtailment, caused by wind power uncertainty, has become a prominent issue with the large-scale grid connection of wind power. To fully account for the uncertainty of wind power output, a short-term hydro-wind-thermal operation method based on a wind power confidence interval is proposed. By utilizing the flexible start-stop and efficient ramp-up of cascade hydropower plants to smooth fluctuations in wind power output, a multi-objective optimal scheduling model that minimizes the cost of power generation and maximizes the consumption of clean energy is constructed. To reduce the solution’s complexity, we chunk the model according to the energy type using a hierarchical solution. The overall solution framework, which integrates a nonparametric method, a heuristic algorithm, and an improved particle swarm algorithm, is constructed to solve the model rapidly. The simulation results of a regional power grid show that the proposed method can attain an efficient solution in 83.5 seconds. Furthermore, the proposed method achieves an additional 455,600 kWh of hydropower and a reduction of ¥233,300 in the cost of coal consumption. These findings suggest that the proposed method is a good reference for the short-term operation of a hydro-wind-thermal combination in large-scale wind power access areas.

Monitoring the Impact of Artificial Structure on Hydrogeological Environment: A Case Study of Hydraulic Tunnel at Pirot Hydropower Plant.

Artificial objects, particularly tunnels used for water transport under pressure, impact the geological and hydrogeological environment to a greater or lesser extent, and it is vital to assess their contributions to groundwater quality. Although tunnels are typically lined with concrete, their interaction with the hydrogeological environment intensifies over time. In this study, the detailed spatiotemporal monitoring of all hydrogeological features within the potential influence zone of the hydraulic tunnel of the Pirot Hydropower Plant has been conducted in order to determine the degree of interaction between the artificial object and the natural environment in real time, and to assess the correlation between monitored parameters. Natural conditions of the environment were defined, as well as potential changes through the observing groundwater regimes. The monitoring network included observations of groundwater regimes at seven springs located in close proximity to the hydraulic tunnel, within the tunnel, at three piezometers, and along the river, while methods employed were hydrological monitoring, physicochemical monitoring, and groundwater piezometer sensing. Cross-correlation analysis has been applied for assessing the impact of precipitation dynamics on the spring discharge regime. The results indicate a direct influence of the tunnel on the hydrogeological environment, proving the consistency and high correlation between the monitored parameters.

Modeling and Comparison of Design Features of Pendulum and Radial Micro-Hydropower Plants Considering the Influence of Variable Design Parameters

This article provides a comparative analysis of pendulum and radial micro-hydropower plants. The novelty of this study lies in the comparative analysis of units that are fundamentally different in design to achieve the most rational option for low-speed rivers. It has been established that a pendulum micro-hydropower plant has a high torque with relatively small dimensions but operates cyclically. At a diameter of 1 m and a blade area of 0.3 m2, the peak torque was 140 N·m. At the same time, the design is sensitive to the blade area and at 0.6 m2 and a lever length of 1.5 m, the torque reached 430 N·m. A radial micro-hydropower plant has lower torque but operates constantly. At an area of 1.23 m2 and a diameter of 1 m, the torque was 40.4 N·m. Accordingly, in terms of specific area with a diameter of 1 m, a pendulum micro-hydropower plant has up to 12 times more torque. It has been established that the pendulum hydropower plant best satisfies the requirements for converting a low river speed into high revolutions of a current generator.

Evolution of water technology from a structural perspective

Rivers are cradles of human civilisations and continual innovations in water technologies are the key to sustainable human development. Yet, limited research has explored the interactive dynamics among different technologies, hindering our ability to effectively manage technological transition. This paper presents a framework that conceptualizes water technology as a complex adaptive system containing three interrelated sub-systems: water demand, water supply, and water management. The interactions among these sub-systems were measured using three network-based metrics: intensity, brokerage, and efficiency. Patents registered in the World Intellectual Property Organization from 1863 to 2020 were used as the data source. It was found that 40,304 patents from 44 countries were registered, with 40% of them belonging to the water management sub-system, followed by water supply (35%), and water demand (25%). Technological development in the three sub-systems presented linear growth over the past 160 years, focusing on water treatment, hydroelectric power, hydraulic engineering and water monitoring. The water-demand sub-system was identified as the structural “bottleneck” with the highest brokerage value, which was considered crucial for knowledge transfer between the other two sub-systems. Overall, the water technology system is characterized by slow development, skewed spatial coverage, categorical homogeneity, and structural imbalances, limiting our ability to address the escalating global water threats.

RUSSIAN-MONGOLIAN COOPERATION IN THE ELECTRIC POWER INDUSTRY: PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS

This article is devoted to the study of existing problems and prospects for the development of cooperation between the Russian Federation and Mongolia in the field of electric power. The author briefly describes the history of the development of Russian-Mongolian relations in this area and current legal framework, another point of interest is the study of existing energy problems in Mongolia. Particular attention is paid to the advantages that the Russian side has in its energy cooperation with Mongolia. The author then analyzes the areas of cooperation between Russia and Mongolia in the field of electric power, specifically: thermal energy (the most important traditional area), development of electrical grid infrastructure, hydropower, nuclear energy and, finally, alternative energy. For each area, the author provides information about the degree of its development in Mongolia and the opportunities available to the Russian side while interacting with Mongolian partners. The article provides a list of the most significant, including those already implemented, those under development, or those with a promising future. In addition, the author studies the existing problems that hinder the deepening of Russian-Mongolian cooperation in the electric power industry, such as opposition from other states (primarily the so-called «third neighbor» countries) and unresolved contradictions regarding Mongolian hydroelectric power station projects in the Selenga River basin. The author concludes that if the Russian side properly realizes the available advantages, there are good chances to resolve the controversial issues and achieve success in the development of Russian-Mongolian cooperation in the electric power industry, thereby contributing to economic growth and strengthening energy security of both countries.

Experimental Analysis of Cavitation Erosion: Parameter Sensitivity and Testing Protocols

The scientific goal of this study was to investigate the effects of various parameters on cavitation-induced erosion, with the aim to enhance the understanding and assessment of cavitation resistance in hydraulic systems. Cavitation erosion poses significant challenges to the durability and efficiency of hydraulic components, such as those found in hydropower plants and pumping stations. Prompted by the need to improve the reliability of cavitation testing and material assessment, this research conducted a comprehensive sensitivity analysis of a cavitation jet apparatus (CJA). This study employed an experimental platform that consisted of a vertical cylindrical test tank, a submerged nozzle, and an aluminum sample. By examining a range of orifice diameters, this research identified that smaller diameters led to increased erosion intensity, with the most pronounced effects observed at a diameter of 2 mm. Furthermore, various standoff distances (SoDs) were tested, which revealed that shorter distances resulted in greater erosion, with the highest impact noted at an SoD of 5 cm. This study also evaluated different nozzle geometries, where it was found that a 132° conical sharped edges nozzle, combined with an orifice diameter of 2 mm and an SoD of 5 cm, produced the most severe erosion. Conversely, chamfered edges nozzles and a commercial nozzle (MEG2510) with an SoD of 10 cm or greater showed reduced erosion. These results highlight that by standardizing the testing duration to 1200 s, the CJA could reliably assess the cavitation resistance of materials. This study established a clear relationship between increased pressure and higher impact forces, which led to more severe erosion. The findings underscore the effectiveness of the CJA in evaluating material resistance under various cavitation conditions, thus addressing a critical need for reliable cavitation testing tools.

Pushing boundaries in slurry microtunneling: Innovations in microtunnel boring machine design for hard rock conditions

AbstractFor microtunneling in hard rock, as it is encountered very often in alpine tunneling, the continuous further development of technologies plays a key role to overcome the limitations in drive length and to improve performance. During the last decades, the application range of slurry microtunneling has been considerably extended and more demanding projects have been designed for underground utilities installations worldwide, including many sewage tunnels and hydropower plants. The prevailing ground conditions still play a key role and determine the limits for alignment design and the possible use of trenchless construction methods. In hard rock conditions with high rock strength and/or abrasivity, the applicability of slurry microtunneling has been especially limited in the non‐accessible diameter range in the past. With the new AVN 800 HR for hard rock microtunneling, Herrenknecht has developed a machine concept, enabling drives of up to 200 m, with precise steering of the MTBM. Longer drives, even through hard rock, make microtunneling a more economic, flexible, and more environmentally friendly construction method. New opportunities for clients and consultants in the planning of tunnel routes in alpine environments for different infrastructure installations can be considered, making trenchless installations even more cost‐effective, while improving public acceptance.

A Review of Green Aerogel- and Xerogel-Based Electrodes for Supercapacitors.

The decline in fossil fuels on the earth has become a primary global concern which has urged mankind to explore other viable alternatives. The exorbitant use of fuels by an ever-increasing global population demands a huge production of energy from renewable sources. Renewable energy sources like the sun, wind, and tides have been established as promising substitutes for fossil fuels. However, the availability of these renewable energy sources is dependent on weather and climatic conditions. Thus, this goal can only be achieved if the rate of energy production from renewable sources is enhanced under favorable weather conditions and can be stored using high energy storing devices for future utilization. The energy from renewable sources is principally stored in hydropower plants, superconducting magnetic energy storage systems, and batteries.

Analysis and Suppression of Oscillations in Doubly Fed Variable Speed Pumped Storage Hydropower Plants Considering the Water Conveyance System

The doubly fed variable speed pumped storage (DFVSPS) system is a hydraulically, mechanically, and electrically coupled system, and the characteristics of the components from the water conveyance system to the transmission line need to be fully considered in the oscillation analysis. Hence, the model of the water conveyance system is included to investigate the oscillation characteristics of the DFVSPS connecting to the grid via a series-compensated line. A small-signal state-space model of the DFVSPS system in the generation mode is first established. The oscillation characteristics of the DFVSPS are studied, and the dominant state variables for each oscillation mode are identified. The impact of system parameters on oscillations is further studied, and simulations are carried out to validate the accuracy of the model. The results indicate the oscillation mode of the DFVSPS comprises the electrical sub-synchronous oscillation (SSO) mode and the hydraulically, mechanically coupled low-frequency mechanical oscillation modes. When the series compensation level is high, the SSO becomes divergent, and the system is more likely to be unstable. Optimizing the rotor-side control parameters and the governor control parameters, sub-synchronous and low-frequency oscillations could be effectively suppressed, respectively. This study provides reference suggestions for the development and use of the future DFVSPS system.

Exploring the effect of Guarantees of Origin on the decarbonization of corporate electricity procurement: A case study of Germany and Norway

AbstractIncreasing social, economic, and political pressure causes many companies to pledge to decarbonize. A common measure involves the use of Energy Attribute Certificates (EAC), such as the European Guarantees of Origin (GO), to reduce emissions from electricity procurement (Scope 2). However, previous studies find no effect on additional renewable energy capacity. Focusing on Norway and Germany as dominant contributors to net GO exports and imports, this study examines the GO trade alongside corporate carbon accounting data to answer the research question: Does the decarbonization of corporate electricity procurement using Guarantees of Origin contribute to the expansion of renewable electricity generation capacity in Norway and Germany? The analysis of CDP and Association of Issuing Bodies data reveals Norway's consumption mix is more carbon intensive than Germany's because Norway exports GO and imports fossil electricity attributes. German companies report predominantly market‐based approach, mainly using green tariffs and GO for zero emission claims, while Norwegian companies favor the location‐based approach. The largest share of GO issued in Norway comes from hydropower plants aged 41 to 70 years. The results highlight the urgency to revise corporate carbon accounting standards. GO lack additionality due to double counting of renewable attributes. Potential solutions include additionality criteria, GO trade restrictions based on physical capacities, and age limits for eligible power plants. This study's novelty is linking CDP data with GO trade, to assess the integrity of corporate decarbonization strategies. It contributes valuable insights to ongoing discourse on the role of EAC.

Length–weight relationship and condition factor of thirteen fish species in the Tigris river before the construction of Ilisu and Cizre dams, Türkiye

The Ilısu Hydroelectric Power Plant (HEPP), situated on the Tigris river in Türkiye, began filling and forming a reservoir in 2021. In addition, there are plans for the construction of the upcoming Cizre HEPP. This situation has the potential to significantly impact the bio–ecology of fish species in the area. The research aimed to determine the length–weight relationships (LWR) and condition factors of thirteen fish species in the Tigris River: Arabibarbus grypus, Acanthobrama marmid, Alburnus sellal, Carassius gibelio, Cyprinion kais, Cyprinion macrostomus, Chondrostoma regium, Paracapoeta trutta, Capoeta umbla, Garra rufa, Squalius lepidus, Luciobarbus esocinus and Luciobarbus mystaceus, where Ilisu and Cizre dams reservoir will be formed. Length–weight relationships (LWRs) were determined using the formula W = aLb, where W represents weight and L represents length. Three types of lengths were considered: total length, fork length, and standard length. The exponent values (b) varied across the species, ranging from 2.7875 for Acanthobrama marmid to 3.2214 for Carassius gibelio. The relationships between length and weight were found to be highly significant, as indicated by the R2 values, which were all greater than 0.80, except for Alburnus sellal and Garra rufa, which had lower values below 0.80. The condition factors were calculated using Fulton’s condition factor (K) and relative condition factor (Kn). In all species, except for Arabibarbus grypus and Chondrostoma regium, the condition factors were greater than 1 (K>1). However, for Capoeta umbla and Garra rufa, the relative condition factor (Kn) was less than 1 (Kn<1).

The Illusion of a Green Transition in Slovenia by 2050

This study analyzes the possibilities of phasing out fossil and nuclear energy sources for Slovenia by 2050. Alternative carbon-free sources include renewable energy sources (RES) i.e. electricity, synthetic fuels and hydrogen from water electrolysis. The model is based on the use of currently mature low-carbon technologies and is adapted to Slovenia’s natural conditions. Photovoltaic panels (PV) and hydropower plants are used for the majority of renewable electricity generation. To bridge the winter period with minimal PV production, storage with a pumped storage power plant is planned. One of the assumptions of the national climate strategy has been incorporated into the model, which envisages zero growth in final energy consumption by 2050. The result of the paper is an assessment of what some of the basic characteristics of the Slovenian energy system would look like after the phase-out of fossil and nuclear energy sources. The estimated storage capacity required is 5.1 MWh/capita. Abandoning fossil fuels with the currently mature RES technologies is not realistically feasible for technical and economic reasons.

Tourism-generated energy use characteristics and sustainability transitions

Mountain tourism destinations are characterized as significantly impacted by their remoteness, seasonal climatic variations, and fragile ecosystems. These factors greatly influence the development, distribution, and consumption of energy sources in the tourism sector. With the increasing popularity of mountain parks and protected areas as tourism destinations, it is critical to understand the interplay between tourism development (e.g. expansion of tourism facilities), patterns of energy sources (diversity and consumption levels) in the tourism sector, and overall sustainability of resources use at the destination level. Current literature reveals a dearth of research on energy issues in mountain protected areas, which is somewhat surprising as energy and resource consumption issues are becoming more important from a climate change perspective. This paper examines contemporary energy use patterns in the Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) National Park of Nepal. A mixed methods is applied to analyze development trends and transitions in energy use. Data were collected based on questionnaire surveys of tourism facilities, complemented by semi-structured interviews. The findings indicate that energy sources used in the facilities have gone through a significant change, from a firewood-dependent tourism center to increasing use of alternative sources including liquified petroleum gas (LPG) and hydroelectricity. About one-third of the facilities did not use firewood. The heterogeneous geographic distribution of the facilities affects the spatial use of energy sources. Furthermore, we argue that the coordination efforts between the national park administration and local communities, the growth of tourism, the construction of hydropower plants, and the advancement of transportation are the leading causes of the changes in energy use patterns. Knowledge of the energy use characteristics and drivers influencing the energy transitions can inform future policies that promote a low-carbon economy in mountain destinations.

An improved hydraulic method for calculating ecological flow considering the changes of rainfall and temperature within a year

Ecological flow (Hereinafter referred to as EF) is vital for sustaining the health of aquatic ecosystems, whereas fluctuations in rainfall and temperature markedly influence the water needs of riverine aquatic organisms. However, traditional hydrological methods for calculating EF provide a single, fixed EF value throughout the year or for specific periods (such as the flood season or non-flood season), neglecting the dynamic effects of these environmental variables on flow requirements. Building on regression analyses of rainfall and temperature, this study proposes an improved hydraulic method (Hereinafter referred to as IHM) that integrates both rainfall and temperature effects. Utilizing the three cascade hydropower plants on the mainstream of the Liuxi River in Guangdong Province, China, as case studies, the proposed method expands upon traditional hydraulic methods by establishing a relationship between river hydraulic parameters and flow, and employing the ecological suitability thresholds of indicator species as constraints to calculate the EF solution sets for the three hydropower plants. By fitting functions to the basin’s rainfall and temperature data, linear interpolation was applied to distribute the EF solution sets across 12 months within a year. The IHM is subsequently compared and validated with the evaluation standards of the traditional method. The results demonstrate that the monthly EFs by the IHM for the three cascaded hydropower plants address the constraints of fixed EFs by traditional hydraulic methods, offering more accurate and context-specific EFs for each month. The monthly EFs by the IHM also typically conform to the Tennant method’s 10 % standard (fair status) and, during certain months, reach the 40 % standard (good status), thereby effectively preserving the stability of the river’s aquatic environment. The IHM provides a robust technical foundation and theoretical framework for the accurate determination of EFs in riverine hydropower plants.

Internal flow characteristics in the draft tube of a Francis turbine under different working conditions

The Francis turbine stability is impacted significantly by the flow characteristics in its draft tube. In the case of a Francis turbine in a hydropower plant, numerical simulations were undertaken at the maximum and rated heads, respectively, under three output scenarios of 20%, 100%, and 120%. The flow characteristics in the turbine draft tube and the evolution mechanism of flow pattern were assessed, as well as the impact of opening on vortex rope. The results demonstrate that with the increasing of the guide vane opening, a progressive transformation is noted for the random large vortex rope located in the conical section at the draft tube inlet into uniformly distributed one. The opening influences the velocity and pressure greatly, and as the opening enlarges, enhancement of the flow pattern is noted in the draft tube. Meanwhile, as the head increases, the influence scope of the vortex rope becomes larger. This research can reveal the operating conditions not suitable for the Francis turbine, thereby offering guidance for ensuring the stability of power station operation.

Investment cost analysis in small hydropower plants in terms of efficiency and a case study in the Euphrates and Tigris basins

Flow rate is the basic parameter for calculating the energy capacity and investment costs of small hydropower plants. Because energy costs are directly related to energy capacity. While the energy capacity increases, the investment cost of the hydropower plant increases also. However, if the energy capacity is high, the energy production will be high and the investment cost will be amortized in a short time. In this study, small rivers in the Euphrates and Tigris Basins with previously determined hydropower capacities were selected, and the investment costs of small hydroelectric power plants to be designed on these rivers were analysed. For this analysis, 10 streams were selected from the Euphrates and Tigris Basins, and only Baskoy and Celebiyan streams have flow observation stations. The flow values of the remaining 8 streams were found by regression analysis using the basin and flow values of Baskoy and Celebiyan streams. Therefore, cost–benefit analyses were carried out separately for these flows in this study. In this study, because it includes the most effective hydrological parameters as well as many technical and economical parameters, the SMART Mini Hydro Tool Program was used.

A novel hybrid spherical fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making approach to select the best hydroelectric power plant source in India

Hydroelectric power plants (HPPs) play a crucial role in India’s energy portfolio by providing renewable energy and decreasing dependency on fossil fuels. HPPs assist in flood control, irrigation, and water management, thereby supporting agricultural and economic advancement. However, persistent challenges such as environmental consequences, habitat depletion, and resettlement complications impede project advancement. Striking a balance between these advantages and addressing social and environmental issues is essential for shaping India’s energy trajectory. In this manuscript to achieve these goals, the research paper incorporates the opinions of three decision-makers along with 20 criteria. Each criterion is associated with 5 alternatives and further categorized as beneficial and non-beneficial. To determine the optimal power plant, a novel hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) method is employed within a spherical fuzzy environment to handle the uncertainties occurred in the HPPs. This paper also introduces a novel formula for calculating the weights of decision-makers and a novel score function for converting spherical fuzzy numbers into crisp values. Initially to examine the interrelationship between these criteria the spherical fuzzy Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method is utilized. The weight of the criteria is determined using the spherical fuzzy Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) method, followed by determining the rank of the alternatives using the novel spherical fuzzy Multiple Criteria Ranking by Alternative Trace (MCRAT) method. Subsequently, the alternative with the highest score value is determined as the optimal choice for the hydroelectric power plant source in India. Furthermore, this research paper also discusses sensitivity analysis, comparative analysis, and the managerial implications of this study.

Water Turbine Guide Blades Effect of Quartz Sand on Abrasion Rate

Abstract Hydroelectric power plants with the aim of being used to generate electrical energy are mostly operated in areas with sedimentation content which can cause wear and tear on the components of the hydropower plant. This activity is emphasized to determine the effect of quartz sand on the rate of abrasion on the guide vanes of the Francis type water turbine. This activity was carried out using a water turbine guide blade abrasion test tool with a guide blade test object made of SUS 304 stainless steel material. The results are presented quantitatively and qualitatively, the greater the concentration and diameter of the quartz sand particles, the water pressure and the angle given at the same time, the greater the rate of abrasion that occurs in the francis type water turbine guide vane. The highest abrasion rate was 5.10 (g/cm2 x hour) in the angle variation test with a constant Q and a water: sand ratio of 70%: 30%.

Effect of weathering on the stability of rock slope at a water intake canal of Simplicio Hydroelectric Power Plant

Rock and joint alteration leads to modifications in their properties, resulting in a reduction of rock mass strength and consequently a decrease in the safety of engineering structures. The alteration process changes the material and alters its geomechanical behavior. This research presents the studies conducted to evaluate the mechanical behavior of rock joints in the gneiss massifs that make up the hydraulic circuit of the Simplicio Hydroelectric Plant due to their alteration. Compilation and analysis of data from previous research were carried out to parameterize the joints at different levels of alteration. Deterministic stability analyses showed that the alteration process of gneiss joints can significantly reduce the slope safety factor by up to half of its initial value. Furthermore, probabilistic analyses revealed an increase in failure probability of approximately 10% among the studied alteration classes. The results underscore the importance of assessing the level of joint alteration in engineering projects.