Hydropower

Hydropower provides a complete discussion of the most up-to-date considerations of this method of creating renewable energy. After introducing the method’s history, the author explores various considerations for engineers, planners and managers who need to determine the best placement and size of a plant. The book then presents various types of hydropower systems, such as Run-of-River Schemes and various types of Dam and Turbines, also considering the important economic, environmental and geological impacts of each. Those involved in the planning, design and management of hydropower systems, such as engineers, researchers, managers and policymakers will find this book a very valuable and insightful resource. Explores different types of dams and turbines set alongside easy-to-understand diagrams, such as Embankment Dams, Concrete Arch Dams, Reaction Turbines and Francis Turbines Considers various economic and environmental factors significant for this type of project, such as resettlement, biodiversity and greenhouse gases Discusses best practices for locating a hydropower site and how to make important decisions regarding placement and method

There are few more urgent topics in today’s world, so full of ecological uncertainty. Hydropower Economics uses various econometric measures to examine sustainable alternative energy sources. It kicks off by modeling hydropower, yes, but it does not end there. Forsund has extended his model to include thermal power and wind power, too – forms of alternative energy that are taking on an ever larger profile.

This book reports on a comprehensive study addressing the dynamic responses of hydropower plants under diverse conditions and disturbances, and analyzes their stability and oscillations. Multiple models based on eight existing hydropower plants in Sweden and China were developed and used for simulations and theoretical analysis with various degrees of complexity and for different purposes, and compared with on-site measurements for validations. The book offers important insights into the understanding of the hydraulic, mechanical and electrical coupling mechanisms, up to market conditions and incentives. It recommends control strategies for a more stable and efficient operation of hydropower plants.

The power sector has undergone a liberalization process both in industrialized and developing countries, involving market regimes, as well as ownership structure. These processes have called for new and innovative concepts, affecting both the operation of existing hydropower plants and transmission facilities, as well as the development and implementation of new projects. At the same time a sharper focus is being placed on environmental considerations. In this context it is important to emphasize the obvious benefits of hydropower as a clean, renewable and sustainable energy source. It is however also relevant to focus on the impact on the local environment during the planning and operation of hydropower plants. New knowledge and methods have been developed that make it possible to mitigate the local undesirable effects of such projects. Development and operation of modern power systems require sophisticated technology. Continuous research and development in this field is therefore crucial to maintaining hydropower as a competitive and environmentally well-accepted form of power generation.

Integrated operation of hydropower stations and reservoirs has become a trend of hydropower exploitation, as an effective technical measure, integrated operation can improve the utilization efficiency of water resources, reduce the risks of flood and drought disaster, increase the safety and stability power grid and make sure that hydropower stations and reservoirs operate in an appropriate and economical way. This bulletin gives an overview of the main functional and operational aspects relating to cascade hydropower stations and reservoirs, it was formed by reviewing of all the related aspects proposed and case studies provided by committee members. It collected and sorted out operation modes and practical experiences of hydropower stations and reservoirs in ICOLD member countries, summarized the feasibility measures, benefit evaluation methods and system platform construction of hydropower stations and reservoirs with comprehensive benefits, and shared case studies from 10 countries, including Brazil, China, France, Iran, Japan, Korea, Nigeria, Russia, Switzerland and USA. L'exploitation intégrée des centrales hydroélectriques et des réservoirs est devenue une mesure technique efficace de l'exploitation hydroélectrique. L'exploitation intégrée peut améliorer l'efficacité d'utilisation des ressources en eau, réduire les risques de catastrophe, d'inondation et de sécheresse, augmenter la sécurité et la stabilité du réseau électrique et faire fonctionner les centrales hydroélectriques et les réservoirs de manière appropriée et économique. Ce bulletin donne un aperçu des principaux aspects fonctionnels et opérationnels relatifs aux centrales hydroélectriques et réservoirs en cascade. Il passe en revue tous les aspects connexes proposés et des études de cas fournies par les membres du comité. Il rassemble les modes de fonctionnement et les expériences pratiques des centrales hydroélectriques et des réservoirs dans les pays membres de la CIGB. Il résume les mesures de faisabilité, les méthodes d'évaluation des avantages et la construction de plates-formes de systèmes de centrales hydroélectriques et de réservoirs avec des avantages complets. Il bénéficie des expériences et des études de cas de 10 pays, y compris Brésil, Chine, Corée, France, Iran, Japon, Nigéria, Russie, Suisse et USA.

Rural electrification enjoys high priority on Indonesia's development agenda. In remote villages located beyond the reach of national electricity grids, mini hydropower offers an environmentally friendly alternative to decentralized electricity generation. Technical assistance programs have successfully introduced mini hydro technology in developing countries but have often failed to attain sustainable plant operation. This book provides insight into the multifaceted conditions under which village communities are struggling to keep systems running. A new approach linking productive electricity use and mini hydro operation is developed which incorporates experiences of market-oriented approaches in small enterprise development. Village communities are no longer left alone after the commissioning of the plants but are continuously provided need-oriented services. The study is exceptional in that the approach is experimentally applied in an actual project involving a village-owned coffee roastery. It is shown that the new approach not only contributes to a sustainable electricity supply but also to village development.

Concerns about global warming and the availability of clean renewable sources of energy are increasing. However, as private companies take over state power utilities, the demand for profit has stifled those concerns. Currently the private sector is building over 40 megawatts of fossil-fuel thermal plants for each new megawatt of hydropower. This report examines the reasons for building fewer hydropower plants and looks at ways to eliminate some of the drawbacks. It studies ten privately financed hydro schemes, which represent all but the smaller projects likely to be considered for private financing in the future. The projects are located in five countries where the power sector is at different stages of maturity and deregulation. They include multi- and single-purpose projects intended for both domestic supply and export.

As this book demonstrates, it is essential to involve stakeholders in assessments of hydropower development. The author targets policy formation after the UNCED and UNSSD conventions. By drawing on some dozen project cases, the author shows how policy changes have gradually influenced project design and implementation. Readers gain new insights into the reality behind hydropower policy changes as they have evolved over the last decade.