A Multi-Year Plan for Research, Development, and Prototype Testing of Standard Modular Hydropower Technology

Smith, Brennan T.; Welch, Tim; Witt, Adam M.; Stewart, Kevin; Lee, Kyutae; DeNeale, Scott; Bevelhimer, Mark S.; Burress, Timothy A.; Pracheil, Brenda M.; Pries, Jason; O’Connor, Patrick; Curd, Shelaine; Ekici, Kivanc; Papanicolaou, T.; Tsakiris, Achilleas G.; Kutz, Benjamin; Bishop, Norm; McKeown, Alisha; Rabon, Daniel; Zimmerman, G.P.; Rocio, Uria-Martinez,; McManamay, Ryan A.

doi:10.2172/1343501

Cited by 7 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 49 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Contractors may be hesitant to accept modular approaches without evidence of successful application. However, as modularization represents an increasing share of construction activity, more contractors are becoming aware of its benefits; and financiers are recognizing the reduced financial risk it may offer [38].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Dams with head increaser effect: Harnessing potential and kinetic power from rivers with large head and flow variation

Hunt

Byers

Prenner³

et al. 2018

Energy Conversion and Management

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

There is an enormous untapped potential for hydropower generation in rivers with large head and high flow variation, currently not feasible for conventional hydropower dams. Conventional dams make use of the potential energy, but waste kinetic energy from spillage during periods of high flows. This article studies the possibility of harnessing energy from potential and kinetic energy from hydropower dams with large head and flow variation, analyses its potential, and shows possible technologies. Focus is given to a Moveable HydroElectric Power Plant (HEPP) system in which the turbine module can be adjusted according to the flow and water level in the river. During floods the exceeding flows can pass above and below the Moveable HEPP results in a sub-pressure environment after the turbine module, thereby reducing the dam's downstream head, increasing the pressure difference between the turbine inlet and outlet and the flow through the turbine, which increases the electricity generation of the dam. Dams with head increaser arrangement have been implemented in several dams in the 1930-1950s and now are regaining attention in Middle Europe. The main intention for its implementation is harnessing hydropower generation at run-of-river plants, with low-head, with a 20% to 30% cost reduction, lower flooded area at the dam site, the resulting evaporation and the impact on the aquatic fauna. A case study was performed with the proposal of the Aripuanã Moveable HEPP in the Madeira River with a 26 meters height dam and a generation capacity of 1,400 MW. The increase in generation with the head increaser effect is as high as 21%. The estimated potential for this technology in the Amazon region is 20 GW. Other potential locations are discussed in the article. Dams with head increaser effect have been successfully implemented and have the potential to become a major alternative for base load renewable energy in the future.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Head increaser chutes can be arranged to serve the purpose of ice release mechanism in dams during the winter [34]. HID dams can be implemented in a modular approach, reducing construction costs and time [38], and reducing environmental and social impacts during construction.…”

Section: Benefitsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dams with head increaser effect: Harnessing potential and kinetic power from rivers with large head and flow variation

Hunt

Byers

Prenner³

et al. 2018

Energy Conversion and Management

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The standard modular hydropower (SMH) project contemplates a new approach to SHP development focused on the principles of early development adoption of standardization, modularity, and environmental compatibility. These principles-outlined in detail in prior works (Witt et al 2016;Smith et al 2016)-are hypothesized as enabling pathways towards a low-cost, low-impact hydropower growth strategy.…”

Section: Standard Modular Hydropower Backgroundmentioning

confidence: 99%

Standard Modular Hydropower: Case Study on Modular Facility Design

Witt

DeNeale

Papanicolaou

et al. 2018

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

“…At the heart of both the EDES and this simulation and modeling capability plan are concerns and priorities gleaned from stakeholder perspectives on small hydropower development. After formulating the SMH concept through the development of a Multi-Year Research Plan (Smith et al 2017) and the EDES (Witt et al 2017), ORNL has begun a stakeholder engagement process in which various hydropower technology developers, suppliers, and project developers have provided feedback on selected discussion questions related to SMH. Although the discussions have mostly focused on design-driven opportunities, challenges and concerns, important simulation and modeling needs were identified that reinforce the EDES objectives and constraints.…”

Section: Smh Simulation Use Casesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…• The SMH Multi-Year Research Plan (Smith et al 2017) provides the context, background, and vision for SMH RD&D activities. • The SMH Exemplary Design Envelope Specification (EDES; Witt et al 2017) provides a framework for technology-neutral conceptual SMH design that conforms to module-specific objectives, requirements, and constraints.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%