Small And Micro Hydropower Plants

This practical manual is a major new addition to the resources available for micro-hydro power project and programme managers worldwide and represents excellent value for such a detailed technical reference handbook.

Micro-Hydro Design Manual has grown from Intermediate Technology's field experiences with micro-hydro installations and covers operation and maintenance, commissioning, electrical power, induction generators, electronic controllers, management, and energy surveys.There is an increasing need in many countries for power supplies to rural areas, partly to support industries, and partly to provide illumination at night. Government authorities are faced with the very high costs of extending electricity grids. Often micro-hydro provides an economic alternative to the grid. This is because independentmicro-hydro schemes save on the cost of grid transmission lines, and because grid extension schemes often have very expensive equipment and staff costs. In contrast, micro-hydro schemes can be designed and built by local staff andsmaller organizations following less strict regulations and using 'off-the-shelf' components or locally made machinery.

Small and Micro Hydropower Plants is a guidebook for the reliable and sustainable solutions for design of small scale hydroelectric systems. It presents the most recent knowledge of all aspects of small hydropower engineering, thus forming a comprehensive collection of modern and innovative technology and practices. Different types of weir and water intakes are discussed, as well as hydrology aspects like discharge estimation and measurement. The book explores the latest advances in turbine, gear boxes, belt drives, generators, and remote control, critically assessing and comparing these technologies' viability for commercial application. It offers an analysis of operation tools, remote supervision and maintenance. Finally, the book also considers social aspects, like community negotiation, as well as environmental aspects, like ecological flow, fish bypassing, and climate change impacts. Engineering researchers, advanced graduate students and practitioners working in small and micro hydropower have in this book an ideal reference for designing and improving these systems through reliable and sustainable solutions. Prior knowledge of hydropower systems design is assumed. Presents the latest advances small and micro hydropower, including the most recent available technology, engineering concepts, control systems, impact assessment methodologies, economics and policy aspects Examines step by step real-life design and global implementation cases Discusses factors for sustainability of hydropower plants, such as the impact of Climate Change and community mediation

further chapters cover specific aspects of turbine types for hydro, not previously covered thoroughly by published material new title for successful Planning & Installing series

Highly illustrated and practical, Microhydro is the first complete book on the topic in many years. Covering both AC and DC systems, it first introduces the important principles on which microhydro is based, including the advantages and disadvantages of using small amounts of water to generate power. Along with a glossary of microhydro terms, further reading and resources - including websites and commerical suppliers - Microhydro includes all the information a homeowner needs to start generating clean, off-grid, and independent power.

Energy production and utilization are directly associated with climate change. Harnessing energy from renewables can provide a viable path towards achieving sustainability and reducing carbon footprints, which can help mitigate the harmful effects of climate change. India is endowed with substantial hydropower potential. Under this light, Renewable Energy from Small & Micro Hydro Projects: practical aspects & case studies introduces the process of developing hydropower projects, especially in Indian context. The role of hydroelectric power, as part of water management, in combating climate change also forms the subject matter of this book. Selection of suitable sites, hydro turbines, electrical systems, transportation, and salient features of dam and reservoir operation are discussed. Cost estimation, feasibility studies, promotional policies of the government, and other organizations involved in hydropower also form the subject matter of the title. The publication also covers the basics of fluid mechanics along with an overview of the hydropower development in India and the world. The book is supplemented with statistical data relevant to development and operation of hydropower projects which makes the text an authentic read. It will be a useful guide and reference to students, designers, planners, consultants, and field engineers engaged in hydro energy sector.

This is a guide to the use of induction motors for electricity generation in remote locations. It is written as a practical handbook for engineers and technicians involved in designing and installing small water-power schemes for isolated houses and communities. This revised edition brings in new concepts developed and tested to expand the power range of application of motors as generators, to make this technology safer and more reliable, while keeping costs low and making it accessible to developing countries. It also contains a new chapter on mains-connecting micro-hydro generators. This edition also draws on the practical experience of manufacturers and installers of induction generator units working in village locations in a large number of countries, among them Sri Lanka, Nepal, Peru, Kenya and others.

This is a collection of conference papers on small hydro renewable energy, covering such topics as: resource assessment and planning; design and construction; and plant and equipment.

Where flow is limited but high heads of water are available the Pelton wheel is one of the most useful turbines. It can be fabricated in small engineering shops with basic facilities. Jeremy Thake explains how to design, make and use them.

An essential addition to the Earthscan Planning & Installing series, Planning and Installing Micro-Hydro Systems provides vital diagrams, pictures and tables detailing the planning and installing of a micro-hydro system, including information on the maintenance and economics once an installation is running. The book covers subjects such as measuring head and flow, ecological impacts, scheme layouts, practical advice, calculations and turbine choice. Archimedes screws are also covered in detail, as well as the main conventional choices relevant to small sites. Micro-hydro refers to hydropower systems with a power rating of 100kW or less. A 100kW system will produce 100 standard units of electricity in one hour. These systems have been popular in some sparsely populated or mountainous countries for a number of years, but now new technology, less stringent regulation of grid connected generators and standardised turbine designs are encouraging more widespread interest in micro-hydro in the developed world. The renewable energy sector is growing at a remarkable rate, and whilst much attention has so far focused on solar and wind technologies, Europe and elsewhere have great potential for generating power from small scale hydroelectric installations. This book is aimed at site owners, designers and consultants who are looking to develop schemes in the micro-hydro scale – 5 to 100kW – although the concepts are applicable to smaller and larger schemes.