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| | [[Portal:Hydro|► Back to Hydro Portal]] | | [[Portal:Hydro|► Back to Hydro Portal]] |
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| | A mass of water moving down a height difference contains energy which can be harvested using some waterwheel or turbine. The moving water drives the waterwheel and this rotation either drives machinery directly (e.g. mill, pump, hammer, thresher, ...) or is coupled with a generator which produces electric power. | | A mass of water moving down a height difference contains energy which can be harvested using some waterwheel or turbine. The moving water drives the waterwheel and this rotation either drives machinery directly (e.g. mill, pump, hammer, thresher, ...) or is coupled with a generator which produces electric power. |
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| | = Principle of Hydro Power = | | = Principle of Hydro Power = |
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| − | Hydro power is probably the first form of automated power production which is not human / animal driven. Moving a grind stone for milling first, developed into the driving of an electrical generator. Next to steam it was for long the main power source for electricity.Its continual availability does not require any power storage (unlike [[Portal:Wind|wind]] / [[Portal:Solar|solar power]]). It is mainly mechanical hardware. This makes it relative easy to understand and repair-/maintainable. In smaller units its environmental impact becomes neglect-able (see: [[Hydro - Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)|environmental impact assessment]] and [[Micro Hydro Power (MHP) - Pros and Cons|pros and cons of micro hydropower]]). | + | Hydro power is probably the first form of automated power production which is not human / animal driven. Moving a grind stone for milling first, developed into the driving of an electrical generator. Next to steam it was for long the main power source for electricity.Its continual availability does not require any power storage (unlike [[Portal:Wind|wind]] / [[Portal:Solar|solar power]]). It is mainly mechanical hardware. This makes it relative easy to understand and repair-/maintainable. In smaller units its environmental impact becomes neglect-able (see: [[Hydro_-_Environmental_Impact_Assessment_(EIA)|environmental impact assessment]] and [[Micro_Hydro_Power_(MHP)_-_Pros_and_Cons|pros and cons of micro hydropower]]). |
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| | = Head & Flow = | | = Head & Flow = |
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| | <u>In order to create electricity from hydropower, two parameters are critical:</u><br/> | | <u>In order to create electricity from hydropower, two parameters are critical:</u><br/> |
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| | *'''Flow'''; or the minimum amount of water that is constantly available throughout the entire year | | *'''Flow'''; or the minimum amount of water that is constantly available throughout the entire year |
| | *'''Head'''; the difference in height<br/> | | *'''Head'''; the difference in height<br/> |
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| | <u><span>The first step to judge a sites hydropower potential is to measure/estimate head and flow.</span></u><br/> | | <u><span>The first step to judge a sites hydropower potential is to measure/estimate head and flow.</span></u><br/> |
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| | *<span>Head (the vertical distance between the intake and turbine)</span> | | *<span>Head (the vertical distance between the intake and turbine)</span> |
| | *Flow (how much water comes down the stream) | | *Flow (how much water comes down the stream) |
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| | <br/> | | <br/> |
| − | *For sophisticated methods how to inquire a sites feasibility, please check the [[Micro Hydro Power (MHP) Manuals|Manuals]] section.
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| − | *"[[:File:Laymans book - how to develop a small hydro site 128-266.pdf|Layman's book: How to develop a Small Hydro Site]]" may be a good start.
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| | + | *For sophisticated methods how to inquire a sites feasibility, please check the [[Micro_Hydro_Power_(MHP)_Manuals|Manuals]] section. |
| | + | *"[[:File:Laymans_book_-_how_to_develop_a_small_hydro_site_128-266.pdf|Layman's book: How to develop a Small Hydro Site]]" may be a good start. |
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| | == Methods of Head and Flow Measurement without Sophisticated Tools<br/> == | | == Methods of Head and Flow Measurement without Sophisticated Tools<br/> == |
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| − | *'''<u><span style="font-weight: bold">E</span>stimation of height</u>''' can be done easiest if there is a steep slope (waterfall) by rope. | + | *'''<u><span style="font-weight: bold">E</span>stimation of height</u>''' can be done easiest if there is a steep slope (waterfall) by rope. |
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| | <u>Principle of a step by step head measurement:</u><br/> | | <u>Principle of a step by step head measurement:</u><br/> |
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| − | [[File:Head measurement.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Head measurement|alt=Head measurement.jpg]] | + | [[File:Head measurement.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Head measurement.jpg]] |
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| | {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="0" align="center" style="width: 500px" | | {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="0" align="center" style="width: 500px" |
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| − | | [[File:Height measure by level.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Height measure by level|alt=Height measure by level.jpg]]<br/> | + | | [[File:Height measure by level.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Height measure by level.jpg]]<br/> |
| − | | [[File:Head by pressure gauge.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Head by pressure gauge|alt=Head by pressure gauge.jpg]]<br/> | + | | [[File:Head by pressure gauge.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Head by pressure gauge.jpg]]<br/> |
| − | | [[File:Height measure by hose.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Height measure by hose|alt=Height measure by hose.jpg]]<br/> | + | | [[File:Height measure by hose.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Height measure by hose.jpg]]<br/> |
| | |} | | |} |
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| | <br/> | | <br/> |
| − | *<u>'''Estimation of flow'''</u> is very difficult without measurement.
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| | + | *<u>'''Estimation of flow'''</u> is very difficult without measurement. |
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| | <u>A quick and easy way to measure is the '''floating method''':</u><br/> | | <u>A quick and easy way to measure is the '''floating method''':</u><br/> |
| − | #<u>First</u>, measure the waters speed at an steady flowing part of the river. Therefore drop some item and stop the time it needs for a certain distance to float. <u></u> | + | |
| − | #<u>Second</u>, do a sketch of the rivers cross section by measuring its depth every 20-50 cm so you come up with a grid showing the rivers profile from side to side. With this data its cross sections area can be calculated easily. | + | #<u>First</u>, measure the waters speed at an steady flowing part of the river. Therefore drop some item and stop the time it needs for a certain distance to float. |
| | + | #<u>Second</u>, do a sketch of the rivers cross section by measuring its depth every 20-50 cm so you come up with a grid showing the rivers profile from side to side. With this data its cross sections area can be calculated easily. |
| | #<u>Finally</u> the flow volume results from (water) speed x (section) area. | | #<u>Finally</u> the flow volume results from (water) speed x (section) area. |
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| | <br/> | | <br/> |
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| − | [[File:Flow measurement.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Flow measurement|alt=Flow measurement.jpg]] | + | [[File:Flow measurement.jpg|thumb|center|600px|Flow measurement.jpg]] |
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| | <br/> | | <br/> |
| − | <ul>
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| − | <li><u>To estimate a sites '''potential cost''' its necessary to know additionally:</u><br/><ul style="margin-left: 40px;"> | + | *<u>To estimate a sites '''potential cost''' its necessary to know additionally:</u><br/><ul style="margin-left: 40px;"> |
| | <li>Pipeline (penstock) length</li> | | <li>Pipeline (penstock) length</li> |
| | <li>Electrical transmission line length (from turbine to consumer). As smaller the sites power output as higher the power lines cost share</li> | | <li>Electrical transmission line length (from turbine to consumer). As smaller the sites power output as higher the power lines cost share</li> |
| | <li>Number of potential customers</li> | | <li>Number of potential customers</li> |
| | </ul> | | </ul> |
| − | </li>
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| | </ul> | | </ul> |
| − | [[Hydro Power Basics#toc|►Go to Top]]
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| | + | [[Hydro_Power_Basics#toc|►Go to Top]] |
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| | == Units and Power Estimations<br/> == | | == Units and Power Estimations<br/> == |
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| | Power: watts [W] or Kilowatts [kW] 1 kW = 1000W<br/>Flow: 1 m³/s = 1000 l/s<br/>Gross heat: height difference the water "falls down"<br/>Net head: a little smaller than gross head. Gross head deducted by energy loss due to friction in penstock | | Power: watts [W] or Kilowatts [kW] 1 kW = 1000W<br/>Flow: 1 m³/s = 1000 l/s<br/>Gross heat: height difference the water "falls down"<br/>Net head: a little smaller than gross head. Gross head deducted by energy loss due to friction in penstock |
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| | <u>'''Potential power ('''electric)'''''' is calculated as follows:</u><br/>Power [W] = Net head [m] x Flow [ l/s] x 9.81 [m/s²] (est. gravity constant) x 0.5 (turbine/generator efficiency)<br/>Potential power is <u>estimated</u> as follows:<br/>Power output [W] = height [m] * flow [l/s] * 5 | | <u>'''Potential power ('''electric)'''''' is calculated as follows:</u><br/>Power [W] = Net head [m] x Flow [ l/s] x 9.81 [m/s²] (est. gravity constant) x 0.5 (turbine/generator efficiency)<br/>Potential power is <u>estimated</u> as follows:<br/>Power output [W] = height [m] * flow [l/s] * 5 |
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| | <u>'''More accurate estimations''' take into consideration:</u> | | <u>'''More accurate estimations''' take into consideration:</u> |
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| | *exact net head (intake to powerhouse) | | *exact net head (intake to powerhouse) |
| | *exact flow (constant during the year?) | | *exact flow (constant during the year?) |
| | *combined efficiency of turbine and generator (depends on quality, est. 60% = 0.6) | | *combined efficiency of turbine and generator (depends on quality, est. 60% = 0.6) |
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| | + | '''Example:'''<br/>A 6 m high waterfall has 300 liter/sec => potential power est. : 6 m * 300 l/s * 5 = 9000 W = 9 kW |
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| − | '''Example:'''<br/>A 6 m high waterfall has 300 liter/sec => potential power est. : 6 m * 300 l/s * 5 = 9000 W = 9 kW
| + | [[Hydro_Power_Basics#toc|►Go to Top]] |
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| − | [[Hydro Power Basics#toc|►Go to Top]] | + | |
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| | = Classification of Hydro Power<br/> = | | = Classification of Hydro Power<br/> = |
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| | <u>Small hydro can be further subdivided into mini, micro and pico:</u> | | <u>Small hydro can be further subdivided into mini, micro and pico:</u> |
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| − | {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" class="FCK__ShowTableBorders" style="width: 100%" | + | {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" style="width: 100%" class="FCK__ShowTableBorders" |
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| | There is no binding definition how mini hydro power output is to be classified. Rules for communication avoiding misunderstandings: Generally the terms can be used "downwards compatible". Pico- is also Mini- but not visa versa. Specific terms (Pico, Family) should be used only if they are required to indicate specifics. The spectrum needs higher diversification as smaller it becomes as there are certain differences in technique, usage, applicability and the grade of of ability to replicate them.<br/> | | There is no binding definition how mini hydro power output is to be classified. Rules for communication avoiding misunderstandings: Generally the terms can be used "downwards compatible". Pico- is also Mini- but not visa versa. Specific terms (Pico, Family) should be used only if they are required to indicate specifics. The spectrum needs higher diversification as smaller it becomes as there are certain differences in technique, usage, applicability and the grade of of ability to replicate them.<br/> |
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| | <u>'''Comments:'''</u><br/> | | <u>'''Comments:'''</u><br/> |
| | + | |
| | *all installations require "special" knowhow | | *all installations require "special" knowhow |
| | *there are "over the counter" pico turbines available for "self installation" | | *there are "over the counter" pico turbines available for "self installation" |
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| | *Historically the term hydropower developed from naming very small units towards nowadays huge dams. Then there where new terms created to separate different clusters. All of them are hydropower. What is considered "mini or "micro" may be defined once and forever ... or not. If there are different opinions on this topic you're welcome to open a discussion group on this. | | *Historically the term hydropower developed from naming very small units towards nowadays huge dams. Then there where new terms created to separate different clusters. All of them are hydropower. What is considered "mini or "micro" may be defined once and forever ... or not. If there are different opinions on this topic you're welcome to open a discussion group on this. |
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| − | <u></u>
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| | <u>Comments on the Debate “small” versus “large” Hydro Power:</u><br/> | | <u>Comments on the Debate “small” versus “large” Hydro Power:</u><br/> |
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| | <br/> | | <br/> |
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| − | '''Large hydropower developments''' involve large dams and huge water storage reservoirs. They are typically grid connected supplying large grids. Preference for large hydro is on the decline due to the high investment costs, long payback periods and huge environmental impacts (losses of arable land, forced migration, diseases and damage to biodiversity). Many [[Micro Hydro Power (MHP) - Pros and Cons|social and environmental impacts]] are related to the impoundment and existence of a reservoir, and therefore are greater for 'large hydro' plants with reservoir. | + | '''Large hydropower developments''' involve large dams and huge water storage reservoirs. They are typically grid connected supplying large grids. Preference for large hydro is on the decline due to the high investment costs, long payback periods and huge environmental impacts (losses of arable land, forced migration, diseases and damage to biodiversity). Many [[Micro_Hydro_Power_(MHP)_-_Pros_and_Cons|social and environmental impacts]] are related to the impoundment and existence of a reservoir, and therefore are greater for 'large hydro' plants with reservoir. |
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| | <br/> | | <br/> |
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| − | '''Small hydropower stations '''are typically run-of-the-river. They combine the advantages of hydropower with those of decentralised power generation, without the disadvantages of large scale installations. [[Socio-economic and Environmental Impacts of MHP|Advantages]] include: low distribution costs, no/low environmental costs as with large hydro, low maintenance and local implementation and management. Power generated with small hydro station can be used for agro-processing, local lighting, water pumps and small businesses<ref name="Energy Technology">GTZ (2007): Eastern Africa Resource Base: GTZ Online Regional Energy Resource Base: Regional and Country Specific Energy Resource Database: I - Energy Technology</ref>. | + | '''Small hydropower stations '''are typically run-of-the-river. They combine the advantages of hydropower with those of decentralised power generation, without the disadvantages of large scale installations. [[Socio-economic_and_Environmental_Impacts_of_MHP|Advantages]] include: low distribution costs, no/low environmental costs as with large hydro, low maintenance and local implementation and management. Power generated with small hydro station can be used for agro-processing, local lighting, water pumps and small businesses<ref name="Energy Technology">GTZ (2007): Eastern Africa Resource Base: GTZ Online Regional Energy Resource Base: Regional and Country Specific Energy Resource Database: I - Energy Technology</ref>. |
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| | However, larger facilities will tend to have lower costs on a USD/kW basis due to economies of scale, even if that tendency will only hold on average. Moreover, one large-scale hydropower project of 2,000 MW located in a remote area of one river basin might have fewer negative impacts than the cumulative impacts of four hundred 5 MW hydropower projects in many river basins (see also [[Socio-economic_and_Environmental_Impacts_of_MHP#Negative_Environmental_Impacts|Negative Environmental Impacts]] | | However, larger facilities will tend to have lower costs on a USD/kW basis due to economies of scale, even if that tendency will only hold on average. Moreover, one large-scale hydropower project of 2,000 MW located in a remote area of one river basin might have fewer negative impacts than the cumulative impacts of four hundred 5 MW hydropower projects in many river basins (see also [[Socio-economic_and_Environmental_Impacts_of_MHP#Negative_Environmental_Impacts|Negative Environmental Impacts]] |
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| | |} | | |} |
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| − | [[Hydro Power Basics#toc|►Go to Top]] | + | [[Hydro_Power_Basics#toc|►Go to Top]] |
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| | <br/> | | <br/> |
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| | <u>Hydropower plants can be classified in three categories according to operation and type of flow:</u><ref name="http://srren.ipcc-wg3.de/report - Prepared by Working Group III of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [O. Edenhofer, R. Pichs-Madruga, Y. Sokona, K. Seyboth, P. Matschoss, S. Kadner, T. Zwickel, P. Eickemeier, G. Hansen, S. Schlömer, C. von Stechow (eds)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA, 1075 pp.">http://srren.ipcc-wg3.de/report - Prepared by Working Group III of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [O. Edenhofer, R. Pichs-Madruga, Y. Sokona, K. Seyboth, P. Matschoss, S. Kadner, T. Zwickel, P. Eickemeier, G. Hansen, S. Schlömer, C. von Stechow (eds)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA, 1075 pp.</ref> | | <u>Hydropower plants can be classified in three categories according to operation and type of flow:</u><ref name="http://srren.ipcc-wg3.de/report - Prepared by Working Group III of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [O. Edenhofer, R. Pichs-Madruga, Y. Sokona, K. Seyboth, P. Matschoss, S. Kadner, T. Zwickel, P. Eickemeier, G. Hansen, S. Schlömer, C. von Stechow (eds)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA, 1075 pp.">http://srren.ipcc-wg3.de/report - Prepared by Working Group III of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [O. Edenhofer, R. Pichs-Madruga, Y. Sokona, K. Seyboth, P. Matschoss, S. Kadner, T. Zwickel, P. Eickemeier, G. Hansen, S. Schlömer, C. von Stechow (eds)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA, 1075 pp.</ref> |
| − | #'''Run-of-river (RoR),<br/>''' | + | |
| | + | #'''Run-of-river (RoR),'''<br/> |
| | #'''Storage (reservoir)''' | | #'''Storage (reservoir)''' |
| | #'''Pumped storage hydro power plants (HPPs)'''<br/> | | #'''Pumped storage hydro power plants (HPPs)'''<br/> |
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| | In addition, there is a fourth category called in-stream technology, which is a young and less-developed technology.<br/> | | In addition, there is a fourth category called in-stream technology, which is a young and less-developed technology.<br/> |
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| | Storage HPPs require high dams and big storage areas to be flooded. Such is usually the case in big infrastructure projects including the known environmental impacts. Small and micro hydropower usually avoids those but utilizes water that runs of a river.<br/> | | Storage HPPs require high dams and big storage areas to be flooded. Such is usually the case in big infrastructure projects including the known environmental impacts. Small and micro hydropower usually avoids those but utilizes water that runs of a river.<br/> |
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| | {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" align="left" style="width: 100%" | | {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" align="left" style="width: 100%" |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | | style="width: 223px" | [[File:Run-of-River Hydropower Plant.JPG|thumb|left|209px|Run-of-River Hydropower Plant|alt=Run-of-River Hydropower Plant]]<br/> | + | | style="width: 223px" | [[File:Run-of-River Hydropower Plant.JPG|thumb|left|209px|Run-of-River Hydropower Plant]]<br/> |
| | | style="width: 543px" | | | | style="width: 543px" | |
| | *RoR plant mainly produce energy from the available flow of the river, taking advantage of the natural elevation drop of a river<br/> | | *RoR plant mainly produce energy from the available flow of the river, taking advantage of the natural elevation drop of a river<br/> |
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| | {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" style="width: 100%" | | {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" style="width: 100%" |
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| − | | [[File:Hydropower Plant with Reservoir.JPG|thumb|left|215px|Hydropower Plant with reservoir|alt=Hydropower Plant with reservoir]] | + | | [[File:Hydropower Plant with Reservoir.JPG|thumb|left|215px|Hydropower Plant with reservoir]] |
| | | | | | |
| | *Hydropower projects with a reservoir (storage hydropower) store water behind a dam for times when river flow is low<br/> | | *Hydropower projects with a reservoir (storage hydropower) store water behind a dam for times when river flow is low<br/> |
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| | {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0" style="width: 100%" | | {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0" style="width: 100%" |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | | [[File:Pump Storage Project.JPG|thumb|left|212px|Pump Storage Project.JPG|alt=Pump Storage Project.JPG]] | + | | [[File:Pump Storage Project.JPG|thumb|left|212px|Pump Storage Project.JPG]] |
| | | | | | |
| | *Pumped storage plants are not energy sources, instead they are storage devices | | *Pumped storage plants are not energy sources, instead they are storage devices |
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| | {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0" style="width: 100%" | | {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0" style="width: 100%" |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | | style="width: 206px" | [[File:In-stream Hydropower Scheme.PNG|thumb|left|212px|In-stream hydropower scheme.PNG|alt=n-storgare hydropower scheme]] | + | | style="width: 206px" | [[File:In-stream Hydropower Scheme.PNG|thumb|left|212px|n-storgare hydropower scheme]] |
| | | style="width: 547px" | | | | style="width: 547px" | |
| | *To optimize existing facilities like weirs, barrages, canals or falls, small turbines or hydrokinetic turbines can be installed | | *To optimize existing facilities like weirs, barrages, canals or falls, small turbines or hydrokinetic turbines can be installed |
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| | ► Text and Figures of this chapter are mainly taken from the Chapter 5 of the [http://srren.ipcc-wg3.de/report IPCC Special Report on Renewable Energy Sources and Climate Change Mitigation (2011)]. | | ► Text and Figures of this chapter are mainly taken from the Chapter 5 of the [http://srren.ipcc-wg3.de/report IPCC Special Report on Renewable Energy Sources and Climate Change Mitigation (2011)]. |
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| − | [[Hydro Power Basics#toc|►Go to Top]] | + | [[Hydro_Power_Basics#toc|►Go to Top]] |
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| | <br/> | | <br/> |
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| | + | <br/> |
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| | = Facts on Hydro Power = | | = Facts on Hydro Power = |
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| | <br/> | | <br/> |
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| − | {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" align="center" style="height: 534px; width: 100%" | + | {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" align="center" style="height: 534px; width: 100%" |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! scope="row" style="width: 147px; text-align: left; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Country<ref name="http://www.hydropower-dams.com/world-atlas-industry-guide.php?c_id=159">http://www.hydropower-dams.com/world-atlas-industry-guide.php?c_id=159</ref> | + | ! style="width: 147px; text-align: left; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" scope="row" | Country<ref name="http://www.hydropower-dams.com/world-atlas-industry-guide.php?c_id=159">http://www.hydropower-dams.com/world-atlas-industry-guide.php?c_id=159</ref> |
| | ! style="width: 147px; text-align: left; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Installed Hydropower Capacity in MW | | ! style="width: 147px; text-align: left; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Installed Hydropower Capacity in MW |
| − | ! style="width: 147px; text-align: left; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | % of total electricity generation | + | ! style="width: 147px; text-align: left; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | % of total electricity generation |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! scope="row" style="width: 147px; text-align: left" | Burundi | + | ! style="width: 147px; text-align: left" scope="row" | Burundi |
| | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 50.5 | | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 50.5 |
| | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 100 | | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 100 |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! scope="row" style="width: 147px; text-align: left" | Bhutan | + | ! style="width: 147px; text-align: left" scope="row" | Bhutan |
| | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 1488 | | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 1488 |
| | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 100 | | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 100 |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! scope="row" style="width: 147px; text-align: left" | Congo, Dem. Rep. | + | ! style="width: 147px; text-align: left" scope="row" | Congo, Dem. Rep. |
| | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 2442 | | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 2442 |
| | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 100 | | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 100 |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! scope="row" style="width: 147px; text-align: left" | Lesotho | + | ! style="width: 147px; text-align: left" scope="row" | Lesotho |
| | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 76 | | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 76 |
| | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 100 | | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 100 |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! scope="row" style="width: 147px; text-align: left" | Namibia | + | ! style="width: 147px; text-align: left" scope="row" | Namibia |
| | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 249 | | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 249 |
| | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 100 | | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 100 |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! scope="row" style="width: 147px; text-align: left" | Paraguay | + | ! style="width: 147px; text-align: left" scope="row" | Paraguay |
| | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 68000 | | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 68000 |
| | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 100 | | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 100 |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! scope="row" style="width: 147px; text-align: left" | Mozambique | + | ! style="width: 147px; text-align: left" scope="row" | Mozambique |
| | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 2179 | | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 2179 |
| | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 100 | | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 100 |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! scope="row" style="width: 147px; text-align: left" | Zambia | + | ! style="width: 147px; text-align: left" scope="row" | Zambia |
| | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 1812 | | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 1812 |
| | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | >99 | | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | >99 |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! scope="row" style="width: 147px; text-align: left" | Norway | + | ! style="width: 147px; text-align: left" scope="row" | Norway |
| | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 29636 | | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 29636 |
| | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 99 | | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 99 |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! scope="row" style="width: 147px; text-align: left" | Albania | + | ! style="width: 147px; text-align: left" scope="row" | Albania |
| | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 1450 | | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 1450 |
| | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 98 | | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 98 |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! scope="row" style="width: 147px; text-align: left" | Lao PDR | + | ! style="width: 147px; text-align: left" scope="row" | Lao PDR |
| | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 2000 | | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 2000 |
| | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 98 | | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 98 |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! scope="row" style="width: 147px; text-align: left" | Tajikistan | + | ! style="width: 147px; text-align: left" scope="row" | Tajikistan |
| | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 5200 | | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 5200 |
| | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 96 | | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 96 |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! scope="row" style="width: 147px; text-align: left" | Ethiopia | + | ! style="width: 147px; text-align: left" scope="row" | Ethiopia |
| | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 784 | | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 784 |
| | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | >95 | | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | >95 |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! scope="row" style="width: 147px; text-align: left" | Malawi | + | ! style="width: 147px; text-align: left" scope="row" | Malawi |
| | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 290 | | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 290 |
| | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 95 | | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 95 |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! scope="row" style="width: 147px; text-align: left" | Cameroon | + | ! style="width: 147px; text-align: left" scope="row" | Cameroon |
| | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 720 | | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 720 |
| | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 94 | | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 94 |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! scope="row" style="width: 147px; text-align: left" | Nepal | + | ! style="width: 147px; text-align: left" scope="row" | Nepal |
| | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 660 | | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 660 |
| | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 92 | | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 92 |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! scope="row" style="width: 147px; text-align: left" | Kyrgyz Republic | + | ! style="width: 147px; text-align: left" scope="row" | Kyrgyz Republic |
| | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 2910 | | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 2910 |
| | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 91 | | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 91 |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! scope="row" style="width: 147px; text-align: left" | Congo, Rep. | + | ! style="width: 147px; text-align: left" scope="row" | Congo, Rep. |
| | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 119 | | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 119 |
| | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | >90 | | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | >90 |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! scope="row" style="width: 147px; text-align: left" | Georgia | + | ! style="width: 147px; text-align: left" scope="row" | Georgia |
| | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 2850 | | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 2850 |
| | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 86 | | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 86 |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! scope="row" style="width: 147px; text-align: left" | Brazil | + | ! style="width: 147px; text-align: left" scope="row" | Brazil |
| | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 84000 | | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 84000 |
| | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 84 | | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 84 |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! scope="row" style="width: 147px; text-align: left" | Swaziland | + | ! style="width: 147px; text-align: left" scope="row" | Swaziland |
| | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 42 | | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 42 |
| | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 82 | | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 82 |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | ! scope="row" style="width: 147px; text-align: left" | Central afric. Rep. | + | ! style="width: 147px; text-align: left" scope="row" | Central afric. Rep. |
| | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 24.6 | | | style="width: 237px; text-align: center" | 24.6 |
| | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 80 | | | style="width: 230px; text-align: center" | 80 |
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| | | | |
| | <br/> | | <br/> |
| − | *For Existing Sites see also [[Hydropower Sites - GPS Coordinates|GPS coordinates - Hydropower sites]]
| |
| | | | |
| − | [[Hydro Power Basics#toc|►Go to Top]] | + | *For Existing Sites see also [[Hydropower_Sites_-_GPS_Coordinates|GPS coordinates - Hydropower sites]] |
| | | | |
| | + | [[Hydro_Power_Basics#toc|►Go to Top]] |
| | | | |
| | + | <br/> |
| | | | |
| | == Hydropower Potential == | | == Hydropower Potential == |
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| | | | |
| | <u>If reading such numbers please keep in mind:</u> | | <u>If reading such numbers please keep in mind:</u> |
| | + | |
| | *There is a structural difference between small and big hydropower;<br/>the first is mainly decentralised - the later is usually utilized by big structures, which have usually massive environmental impacts | | *There is a structural difference between small and big hydropower;<br/>the first is mainly decentralised - the later is usually utilized by big structures, which have usually massive environmental impacts |
| | *Hydropower potential is bound to specific sites, which may be far from potential energy usage | | *Hydropower potential is bound to specific sites, which may be far from potential energy usage |
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| | Mountainous regions often have bad infrastructure and are least to be connected to a electric grid. If there is water available it may be a suitable source for decentralised hydro power electrification. Such setups may even get support from governmental or major electricity supplier. The costs to connect remote areas are high, whereby the revenue, due to little amount of electricity utilised, is low. | | Mountainous regions often have bad infrastructure and are least to be connected to a electric grid. If there is water available it may be a suitable source for decentralised hydro power electrification. Such setups may even get support from governmental or major electricity supplier. The costs to connect remote areas are high, whereby the revenue, due to little amount of electricity utilised, is low. |
| | | | |
| − | [[Hydro Power Basics#toc|►Go to Top]]<br/> | + | [[Hydro_Power_Basics#toc|►Go to Top]]<br/> |
| | | | |
| | <br/> | | <br/> |
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| | Battery storage is no must like at solar or wind power projects. This is a big advantage as it reduces costs and maintenance significantly. Charging stations can nevertheless extend a mhp's effectiveness by utilising power in times of low demand (late night). Like this, even consumers which are too far from the station to be connected by transmission cable can be served via rechargeable batteries. | | Battery storage is no must like at solar or wind power projects. This is a big advantage as it reduces costs and maintenance significantly. Charging stations can nevertheless extend a mhp's effectiveness by utilising power in times of low demand (late night). Like this, even consumers which are too far from the station to be connected by transmission cable can be served via rechargeable batteries. |
| | | | |
| − | [[Hydro Power Basics#toc|►Go to Top]] | + | [[Hydro_Power_Basics#toc|►Go to Top]] |
| | | | |
| | <br/> | | <br/> |
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| | <br/> | | <br/> |
| | | | |
| − | [[File:Depok.jpg|thumb|center|400px|Civil Construction]] | + | [[File:Depok.jpg|thumb|center|400px]] |
| | | | |
| | <br/> | | <br/> |
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| | {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" align="center" style="width: 500px" | | {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" align="center" style="width: 500px" |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | | [[File:Forbay trashrack pennstock.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Forbay, spillway, trashrack pennstock. (including breather pipe, trust & support blocks)|alt=Forbay trashrack pennstock.jpg]] | + | | [[File:Forbay trashrack pennstock.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Forbay trashrack pennstock.jpg]] |
| − | | [[File:Powerhouse 2.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Powerhouse: Electro-mechanical equipment - generator and crossflow turbine mounted on base frame|alt=Powerhouse 2.jpg]]<br/><br/> | + | | [[File:Powerhouse 2.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Powerhouse 2.jpg]]<br/><br/> |
| | |} | | |} |
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| | {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" align="center" style="width: 501px" | | {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" align="center" style="width: 501px" |
| | |- | | |- |
| − | | [[File:Management-Poster.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Organisation and Management]]<br/><br/> | + | | [[File:Management-Poster.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]<br/><br/> |
| − | | style="width: 237px" | [[File:Canal-participation-2.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Participation of community|alt=Canal-participation-2.jpg]] | + | | style="width: 237px" | [[File:Canal-participation-2.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Canal-participation-2.jpg]] |
| | |} | | |} |
| | | | |
| − | [[File:Introduction-hydro.jpg|thumb|center|250px|Information of chances and efforts a hydropower plant requires|alt=Introduction-hydro.jpg]] | + | [[File:Introduction-hydro.jpg|thumb|center|250px|Introduction-hydro.jpg]] |
| | | | |
| | <br/> | | <br/> |
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| | *<span style="line-height: 1.5em; font-size: 0.85em">For an overview or possible impacts on a mhp's success, check out the </span>'''[[:File:Mhp-tree-3.jpg|mhp-tree-diagram]]''' | | *<span style="line-height: 1.5em; font-size: 0.85em">For an overview or possible impacts on a mhp's success, check out the </span>'''[[:File:Mhp-tree-3.jpg|mhp-tree-diagram]]''' |
| | | | |
| − | [[Hydro Power Basics#toc|►Go to Top]] | + | [[Hydro_Power_Basics#toc|►Go to Top]] |
| | | | |
| | <br/> | | <br/> |
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| | == <span>Suitable Conditions for</span> Micro Hydro Power<br/> == | | == <span>Suitable Conditions for</span> Micro Hydro Power<br/> == |
| | | | |
| − | Again, "'''head and flow'''" matter. The best geographical areas for exploiting small-scale hydro power are those where there are steep rivers flowing all year round. The Andes, the Himalayas, islands with moist marine climates, such as the Caribbean Islands, the Philippines and Indonesia are widely suitable. Laos, Vietnam and wide parts of China use Micro Hydro Power in large numbers.<br/>A locations, head, flow and number of consumers allow to calculate the available power share per consumer<br/>Minimal Head may be 1-2 m. For considerable power then much water (> 1 m3) is required<br/>Minimal Flow may be 20 l/s. Power is according to head output (see [[Hydro Power Basics#Measuring Head .26 Flow|power estimation]]).<br/>Mini Hydropower operates constantly and requires little maintenance. It is ideal for powering remote regions. Although grid connection is very feasible due to its very low operational costs. | + | Again, "'''head and flow'''" matter. The best geographical areas for exploiting small-scale hydro power are those where there are steep rivers flowing all year round. The Andes, the Himalayas, islands with moist marine climates, such as the Caribbean Islands, the Philippines and Indonesia are widely suitable. Laos, Vietnam and wide parts of China use Micro Hydro Power in large numbers.<br/>A locations, head, flow and number of consumers allow to calculate the available power share per consumer<br/>Minimal Head may be 1-2 m. For considerable power then much water (> 1 m3) is required<br/>Minimal Flow may be 20 l/s. Power is according to head output (see [[Hydro_Power_Basics#Measuring_Head_.26_Flow|power estimation]]).<br/>Mini Hydropower operates constantly and requires little maintenance. It is ideal for powering remote regions. Although grid connection is very feasible due to its very low operational costs. |
| | | | |
| − | [[Hydro Power Basics#toc|►Go to Top]] | + | [[Hydro_Power_Basics#toc|►Go to Top]] |
| | | | |
| | <br/> | | <br/> |
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| | *land use | | *land use |
| | | | |
| − | [[:File:Brief site assessment.pdf|=> a two page condensed site assessment]] | + | [[:File:Brief_site_assessment.pdf|=> a two page condensed site assessment]] |
| | | | |
| | <br/> | | <br/> |
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| | <u>'''Flow measures '''in feasibility studies:</u><br/>Flow data should be gathered over a period of at least one year where possible, so as to ascertain the fluctuation in river flow over the various seasons.<br/>At least '''measures must be taken during dry season''' to assure that there is always enough water to power the turbine. Too little water results in power cut. If such is not clear to consumers from begin with it can seriously endanger the projects success. | | <u>'''Flow measures '''in feasibility studies:</u><br/>Flow data should be gathered over a period of at least one year where possible, so as to ascertain the fluctuation in river flow over the various seasons.<br/>At least '''measures must be taken during dry season''' to assure that there is always enough water to power the turbine. Too little water results in power cut. If such is not clear to consumers from begin with it can seriously endanger the projects success. |
| | | | |
| − | [[Hydro Power Basics#toc|►Go to Top]] | + | [[Hydro_Power_Basics#toc|►Go to Top]] |
| | | | |
| | <br/> | | <br/> |
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| | Electricity is a key factor for productive businesses. Experience shows, this isn't an automatism very commonly. Additional income is generated only if the revenue is made from outside the community. Typically added value is created by subsequent processing of commodities. Exemplary: coffee roasting, fruit drying, freezing fish, ... | | Electricity is a key factor for productive businesses. Experience shows, this isn't an automatism very commonly. Additional income is generated only if the revenue is made from outside the community. Typically added value is created by subsequent processing of commodities. Exemplary: coffee roasting, fruit drying, freezing fish, ... |
| | | | |
| − | ► find more information here: [[Micro Hydro Power (MHP) Plants#Use of Micro Hydro Power Plants|Micro Hydro Power (MHP) Plants - Use of MHP]] | + | ► find more information here: [[Micro_Hydro_Power_(MHP)_Plants#Use_of_Micro_Hydro_Power_Plants|Micro Hydro Power (MHP) Plants - Use of MHP]] |
| | | | |
| − | [[Hydro Power Basics#toc|►Go to Top]] | + | [[Hydro_Power_Basics#toc|►Go to Top]] |
| | | | |
| | <br/> | | <br/> |
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| | === Cost<br/> === | | === Cost<br/> === |
| | | | |
| − | The major cost of a MHP scheme is for its site preparation and equipment. It's nearly 100 % upfront investment and very low running cost (operation and maintenance). | + | The major cost of a MHP scheme is for its site preparation and equipment. It's nearly 100 % upfront investment and very low running cost (operation and maintenance). |
| | | | |
| | Cash usually is a scarce resource in rural areas of development countries. Part of a feasibility study has to be: how high tariffs have to be set to cover the costs. Its a must to, at least, break even operation & maintenance expenses. This money has to come from the users for electricity or el. services. A mhp can operate many decades if tariffs cover repair costs. In the long run a mhp's management is the crucial factor for its success. | | Cash usually is a scarce resource in rural areas of development countries. Part of a feasibility study has to be: how high tariffs have to be set to cover the costs. Its a must to, at least, break even operation & maintenance expenses. This money has to come from the users for electricity or el. services. A mhp can operate many decades if tariffs cover repair costs. In the long run a mhp's management is the crucial factor for its success. |
| | | | |
| − | ► Find more information here: [[Micro Hydro Power (MHP) Plants#Costs|Micro Hydro Power (MHP) Plants - Costs]] | + | ► Find more information here: [[Micro_Hydro_Power_(MHP)_Plants#Costs|Micro Hydro Power (MHP) Plants - Costs]] |
| | | | |
| − | [[Hydro Power Basics#toc|►Go to Top]] | + | [[Hydro_Power_Basics#toc|►Go to Top]] |
| | | | |
| | <br/> | | <br/> |
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| | Examples: Compare the cost for oil wig lighting with a single bulb. Compare "luxury" expenses with the comfort of el. lighting (cigarettes, drinking, ...). Explain the management function like how to run a business. Minimally the revenue has to cover the expenses. Check download section for an excel-tool which shows cost coverage. | | Examples: Compare the cost for oil wig lighting with a single bulb. Compare "luxury" expenses with the comfort of el. lighting (cigarettes, drinking, ...). Explain the management function like how to run a business. Minimally the revenue has to cover the expenses. Check download section for an excel-tool which shows cost coverage. |
| | | | |
| − | ► Links: [[Tariffs|Tariffs]], [[Metering and Billing Systems|Metering and Billing]] | + | ► Links: [[Tariffs|Tariffs]], [[Metering_and_Billing_Systems|Metering and Billing]] |
| | | | |
| − | [[Hydro Power Basics#toc|►Go to Top]] | + | [[Hydro_Power_Basics#toc|►Go to Top]] |
| | | | |
| | <br/> | | <br/> |
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| | | | |
| | <u>Within a community based scheme extra revenue can be used for:</u> | | <u>Within a community based scheme extra revenue can be used for:</u> |
| | + | |
| | *social tariffs (elder, poor, school, ...) | | *social tariffs (elder, poor, school, ...) |
| | *street lighting | | *street lighting |
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| | Availability of cash gives also other possibilities to gain additional revenues. E.g. to build storage capacities which can house a communities harvest; by gross deals during off season prices are high.<br/>Financial benefits to the communities served are usually reduced expenses for oil, batteries and petrol to power lamps, radios and machines. Check potentials for productive use during feasibility study. Existing and planned machinery (type and power?) | | Availability of cash gives also other possibilities to gain additional revenues. E.g. to build storage capacities which can house a communities harvest; by gross deals during off season prices are high.<br/>Financial benefits to the communities served are usually reduced expenses for oil, batteries and petrol to power lamps, radios and machines. Check potentials for productive use during feasibility study. Existing and planned machinery (type and power?) |
| | | | |
| − | [[Hydro Power Basics#toc|►Go to Top]] | + | [[Hydro_Power_Basics#toc|►Go to Top]] |
| | | | |
| | <br/> | | <br/> |
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| | Main non financial efforts at microhydro installations are: the right choice of sites, their specific planning and supervision of quality standards; all this is esp. laborious in remote areas. If a scheme is community based, such plays a key role. | | Main non financial efforts at microhydro installations are: the right choice of sites, their specific planning and supervision of quality standards; all this is esp. laborious in remote areas. If a scheme is community based, such plays a key role. |
| | | | |
| − | [[Hydro Power Basics#toc|►Go to Top]] | + | [[Hydro_Power_Basics#toc|►Go to Top]] |
| | | | |
| | <br/> | | <br/> |
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| | *using motors as generators -<span>it's widely available, reducing equipment costs, but also efficiency</span> | | *using motors as generators -<span>it's widely available, reducing equipment costs, but also efficiency</span> |
| | | | |
| − | [[Hydro Power Basics#toc|►Go to Top]] | + | [[Hydro_Power_Basics#toc|►Go to Top]] |
| | | | |
| | <br/> | | <br/> |
| | </div> | | </div> |
| − |
| |
| | = Further Information<br/> = | | = Further Information<br/> = |
| | | | |
| − | *[[:File:Hydropower enginneering.pdf|Hydropower Enginering]]<br/> | + | *[[:File:Hydropower_enginneering.pdf|Hydropower Enginering]]<br/> |
| | *[[Portal:Hydro|Hydro Portal on energypedia]]<br/> | | *[[Portal:Hydro|Hydro Portal on energypedia]]<br/> |
| | *[http://www.ich.no/ International Centre for Hydropower] | | *[http://www.ich.no/ International Centre for Hydropower] |
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| | *[http://microhydropower.net/ Micro Hydropower] | | *[http://microhydropower.net/ Micro Hydropower] |
| | *[http://practicalaction.org/hydro-power-answers Practical Action: Hydro Power Answers] | | *[http://practicalaction.org/hydro-power-answers Practical Action: Hydro Power Answers] |
| − | *For more links on MHP, click [[Micro Hydro Power (MHP) - Further Links|here]]. | + | *For more links on MHP, click [[Micro_Hydro_Power_(MHP)_-_Further_Links|here]]. |
| | | | |
| | <br/> | | <br/> |
| | | | |
| | + | <br/> |
| | | | |
| | = References<br/> = | | = References<br/> = |
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| | <references /> | | <references /> |
| | | | |
| − | [[Category:Productive_Use]]
| |
| − | [[Category:Hydro_(large)]]
| |
| | [[Category:Hydro]] | | [[Category:Hydro]] |
| | + | [[Category:Large_Hydro]] |
| | + | [[Category:Productive_Use]] |
A mass of water moving down a height difference contains energy which can be harvested using some waterwheel or turbine. The moving water drives the waterwheel and this rotation either drives machinery directly (e.g. mill, pump, hammer, thresher, ...) or is coupled with a generator which produces electric power.
Hydro power is probably the first form of automated power production which is not human / animal driven. Moving a grind stone for milling first, developed into the driving of an electrical generator. Next to steam it was for long the main power source for electricity.Its continual availability does not require any power storage (unlike wind / solar power). It is mainly mechanical hardware. This makes it relative easy to understand and repair-/maintainable. In smaller units its environmental impact becomes neglect-able (see: environmental impact assessment and pros and cons of micro hydropower).
These specific conditions limit generalising and standartisation of "how to install hydropower plants". Choosing the right location and planning requires some specific knowledge. With knowledge of water flow and height difference the potential power can be estimated.
Wrong data occurs frequently. Confirmation of existing data is highly recommended!
By measuring total height step by step, it's crucial to do the bearing strictly horizontally. Ensure that by using a level or a water filled hose. Widely available are hoses and pressure gauges which allow the easiest method of height measurement. As longer the hose as less steps have to be taken to measure the total head.
Hydropower installations can be classified by size of power output, although the power output is only an approximate diversion between different classes. There is no international consensus for setting the size threshold between small and large hydropower.
The German Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety mentioned that a SHP is <1 MW, everything above is a large hydro electric plant and usually comes along with a large dam. The International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) defines a large dam as a dam with a height of 15 m or more from the foundation. If dams are between 5-15 m high and have a reservoir volume of more than 3 million m3, they are also classified as large dams. Using this definition, there are over 45 000 large dams around the world.
There is no binding definition how mini hydro power output is to be classified. Rules for communication avoiding misunderstandings: Generally the terms can be used "downwards compatible". Pico- is also Mini- but not visa versa. Specific terms (Pico, Family) should be used only if they are required to indicate specifics. The spectrum needs higher diversification as smaller it becomes as there are certain differences in technique, usage, applicability and the grade of of ability to replicate them.
Classification according to size has led to concepts such as ‘small hydro’ and ‘large hydro’, based on installed capacity measured in MW as the defining criterion. Defining hydropower by size is somewhat arbitrary, as there are no clear relationships between installed capacity and general properties of hydro power or its impacts. Hydro power comes in manifold project types (see Classification By Facility Type) and is a highly site-specific technology, where each project is a tailor-made outcome for a particular location within a given river basin to meet specific needs for energy and water management services.
However, larger facilities will tend to have lower costs on a USD/kW basis due to economies of scale, even if that tendency will only hold on average. Moreover, one large-scale hydropower project of 2,000 MW located in a remote area of one river basin might have fewer negative impacts than the cumulative impacts of four hundred 5 MW hydropower projects in many river basins (see also Negative Environmental Impacts
In addition, there is a fourth category called in-stream technology, which is a young and less-developed technology.
Storage HPPs require high dams and big storage areas to be flooded. Such is usually the case in big infrastructure projects including the known environmental impacts. Small and micro hydropower usually avoids those but utilizes water that runs of a river.
In 2010, in 161 countries hydropower is installed making up a worldwide installed hydro electric capacity of 926 GW which provide one-fifth of the world's electricity supply. Out of these 161 countries five countries make up more than the half of the world's hydropower production: China (~200 GW), Canada (74.4 GW), Brasil (84 GW), the USA (78.2 GW) and Russia (49.7 GW).
Often hydropower is the main or even only source for electricity production in developing countries.
Any other conventional energy source requires steady fuel. Such, like coal, gas or oil has to be purchased.
Hydropower offers a significant potential of renewable energy production. In 2009 electricity production from hydropower was about 16% of the global electricity production. The undeveloped capacity ranges from 30% in Europe up to 88% in Africa.
Small hydropower potential is given in hilly or mountainous regions, where rivers do not fall dry during the year.
Where gravity fed irrigation is practiced small and micro power plants find suiting conditions.
Mountainous regions often have bad infrastructure and are least to be connected to a electric grid. If there is water available it may be a suitable source for decentralised hydro power electrification. Such setups may even get support from governmental or major electricity supplier. The costs to connect remote areas are high, whereby the revenue, due to little amount of electricity utilised, is low.
Hydropower usually operates 24 h / day. Most mhp's are connected by a grid to their consumers. If a connection towards the national or main grid is available, electricity can be fed in there. Often micro or pico hydropower units are installed in remote areas. There they feed an isolated grid. In such grid the MHP is usually the only power source. The power produced has to be leveled equal with the power consumed (see controller).
Battery storage is no must like at solar or wind power projects. This is a big advantage as it reduces costs and maintenance significantly. Charging stations can nevertheless extend a mhp's effectiveness by utilising power in times of low demand (late night). Like this, even consumers which are too far from the station to be connected by transmission cable can be served via rechargeable batteries.
Small hydropower plants usually use (part-) river flow as driving force. Storage basins or even dams can buffer water. So demand peaks or (short) periods of water shortage can be bridged. As such infrastructures is costly and sophisticated, it's only used if there is a clear financial revenue; e.g. electricity supply for remote industries. Standard elements for mhp
