Hydro power plants, an overview of the current types and technology

Abstract

Despite the long history of hydropower technology and rising number of system harvesting energy from alternative sources, the constant research within hydro power sector becoming increasingly important as the power from water was and still is the leading alternative source of green energy generation, capitalized not necessarily within micro-urban structures only. The advantages of hydro systems involve their relatively low acquisition cost against durability, the possibility of gaining energy independence, relatively high flexibility and adaptability for spatial conditions and energy demands of the end users. Nowadays micro hydro systems could capitalize head range starting at 100cm and the efficiency of hydro systems in general ranges between 65-75% in micro and small applications climbing up to 96% in macro designs. It is mostly due to flexibility in applications, adaptability in combinations with other renewable energy systems and the ability to generate clean, stable, thus reliable energy that makes technical development the most vibrant and noticeable in the micro sphere.

Micro hydro Power Plant Shanping (Site Reconstruction)

“…3.) known also as Shanping hydro powerhouse or room falls according to the installed capacity into the category of pico and after retrofitting into the micro hydropower plants [9]. It was designed by Taiwan Power Company, Gaoping power plant -Liugui unit formerly known as Tulong power plant.…”

Voltage and frequency regulation induction generator employing AC-AC converter

“…The categories of hydro power plants based on their capacity are large hydro power plants ( ≥ 100 MW), medium hydro power plants (10 MW-100 MW), small hydro power plants (1 MW-10 MW), micro hydro power plants (≤ 1 MW) and pico hydro power plants (≤ 10 kW) [2][3][4][5][6]. The classification of hydro power plants based on their capacity can vary depending on the country or region.…”

Analysis of innovative civil engineering techniques in hydropower projects

“…It delves into the nuances of how civil engineering has adapted to and embraced the challenges and opportunities presented by renewable energy needs. The subsequent sections will present a detailed analysis of key innovations, case studies from various European countries, and insights into how these advancements are shaping the future of hydropower, not just in Europe but globally (Tkáč Š, 2018) [4] .…”