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Questions and Answers
What percentage of the total electricity generated in the European Union is represented by hydropower electricity?
What percentage of the total electricity generated in the European Union is represented by hydropower electricity?
13%
How many tons of CO2 emissions are reduced annually by hydropower electricity in the European Union?
How many tons of CO2 emissions are reduced annually by hydropower electricity in the European Union?
67 million
Conventional hydropower schemes are known for their minimal environmental impact.
Conventional hydropower schemes are known for their minimal environmental impact.
False (B)
Properly designed small hydro schemes can be easily integrated into local ecosystems.
Properly designed small hydro schemes can be easily integrated into local ecosystems.
What was the total capacity of hydro energy produced in the European Union in 2001?
What was the total capacity of hydro energy produced in the European Union in 2001?
What percentage of the installed capacity in 2001 was attributed to small hydro plants?
What percentage of the installed capacity in 2001 was attributed to small hydro plants?
What was the objective set by the European Commission for small hydro power generation by 2010?
What was the objective set by the European Commission for small hydro power generation by 2010?
Most small hydro plants are classified as 'run-of-river' schemes.
Most small hydro plants are classified as 'run-of-river' schemes.
Run-of-river schemes require extensive water storage capabilities.
Run-of-river schemes require extensive water storage capabilities.
The turbine in a run-of-river scheme operates even when the river flow falls below a predetermined value.
The turbine in a run-of-river scheme operates even when the river flow falls below a predetermined value.
Which of these countries set the border line for small hydroelectricity at 10 MW?
Which of these countries set the border line for small hydroelectricity at 10 MW?
What is the limit for small hydroelectricity in Italy?
What is the limit for small hydroelectricity in Italy?
What is the limit for small hydroelectricity in Great Britain?
What is the limit for small hydroelectricity in Great Britain?
What two forms of energy are harnessed by hydroelectric plants?
What two forms of energy are harnessed by hydroelectric plants?
What is the formula for calculating the power produced by a hydroelectric system?
What is the formula for calculating the power produced by a hydroelectric system?
What does Q represent in the power formula?
What does Q represent in the power formula?
What is the formula for calculating the electricity produced by a hydroelectric plant?
What is the formula for calculating the electricity produced by a hydroelectric plant?
What does P represent in the electricity formula?
What does P represent in the electricity formula?
Which of these classifications is NOT based on the nominal power installed in the plant?
Which of these classifications is NOT based on the nominal power installed in the plant?
What is the nominal power range for micro-plants?
What is the nominal power range for micro-plants?
Which of these classifications for hydroelectric plants is NOT based on the available head?
Which of these classifications for hydroelectric plants is NOT based on the available head?
What is the head range for low head plants?
What is the head range for low head plants?
What is the head range for medium head plants?
What is the head range for medium head plants?
What is the head range for very high head plants?
What is the head range for very high head plants?
Which of these classifications is NOT based on the flow rate used?
Which of these classifications is NOT based on the flow rate used?
What is the flow rate range for low flowrate plants?
What is the flow rate range for low flowrate plants?
What is the flow rate range for medium flowrate plants?
What is the flow rate range for medium flowrate plants?
What is the flow rate range for very large flowrate plants?
What is the flow rate range for very large flowrate plants?
Which of these is NOT one of the three main categories of hydroelectric plants based on water storage duration?
Which of these is NOT one of the three main categories of hydroelectric plants based on water storage duration?
What is the storage duration range for seasonal reservoirs?
What is the storage duration range for seasonal reservoirs?
What is the storage duration range for weekly or daily modulation basins?
What is the storage duration range for weekly or daily modulation basins?
Run-of-the-river systems are characterized by the absence of water storage or storage lasting less than two hours.
Run-of-the-river systems are characterized by the absence of water storage or storage lasting less than two hours.
What is the average annual yield in Italy from natural contributions?
What is the average annual yield in Italy from natural contributions?
What is the average annual yield from pumping inlets in Italy?
What is the average annual yield from pumping inlets in Italy?
What is the average annual yield from other pumping sources in Italy?
What is the average annual yield from other pumping sources in Italy?
Which of these is NOT a component of a high head scheme?
Which of these is NOT a component of a high head scheme?
Penstocks are typically considered an economical design option for diverting water to the turbine.
Penstocks are typically considered an economical design option for diverting water to the turbine.
Low head schemes can be constructed in river valleys.
Low head schemes can be constructed in river valleys.
Low head schemes can utilize either a short penstock or an integrated intake with a small dam.
Low head schemes can utilize either a short penstock or an integrated intake with a small dam.
Which of these is NOT a component of a low head scheme with an integrated intake?
Which of these is NOT a component of a low head scheme with an integrated intake?
Small hydropower schemes are often able to afford the cost of large reservoirs for their operation.
Small hydropower schemes are often able to afford the cost of large reservoirs for their operation.
Which of these is NOT a common alternative use for a reservoir that may allow for hydroelectric generation?
Which of these is NOT a common alternative use for a reservoir that may allow for hydroelectric generation?
Connecting headwater and tailwater in a waterway is a significant challenge in small hydropower schemes.
Connecting headwater and tailwater in a waterway is a significant challenge in small hydropower schemes.
A siphon intake can be installed in a small hydropower scheme when the dam is not too high.
A siphon intake can be installed in a small hydropower scheme when the dam is not too high.
Integral siphon intakes are a common solution for schemes with heads above 10 m.
Integral siphon intakes are a common solution for schemes with heads above 10 m.
The turbine in a small hydropower scheme can be located either on top of the dam or downstream.
The turbine in a small hydropower scheme can be located either on top of the dam or downstream.
Small hydropower units often require significant modifications to existing dams during installation.
Small hydropower units often require significant modifications to existing dams during installation.
The concept of 'minimum constant flow' was introduced in the Italian Law 183/1989 to ensure a balance between human needs and the environment.
The concept of 'minimum constant flow' was introduced in the Italian Law 183/1989 to ensure a balance between human needs and the environment.
The 'Minimum Vital Flow' (MVF) concept, introduced later, focused primarily on maintaining the physical characteristics of river ecosystems.
The 'Minimum Vital Flow' (MVF) concept, introduced later, focused primarily on maintaining the physical characteristics of river ecosystems.
Hydrological formulas used by River Basin Authorities in Italy are based on complex models incorporating a wide range of environmental factors.
Hydrological formulas used by River Basin Authorities in Italy are based on complex models incorporating a wide range of environmental factors.
The MVF formula for the Po River Basin Authority incorporates factors related to the hydrological regime, morphology, naturalness, quality of water, and human impact.
The MVF formula for the Po River Basin Authority incorporates factors related to the hydrological regime, morphology, naturalness, quality of water, and human impact.
Which of these factors is NOT included in the MVF formula?
Which of these factors is NOT included in the MVF formula?
The Italian law 'Legge Galli' aims to protect river ecosystems by ensuring a minimum vital flow.
The Italian law 'Legge Galli' aims to protect river ecosystems by ensuring a minimum vital flow.
Flow duration curves depict the relationship between flow rate and the frequency of occurrence.
Flow duration curves depict the relationship between flow rate and the frequency of occurrence.
The 'cut-off' flow rate refers to the minimum flow rate at which the hydroelectric plant can efficiently operate.
The 'cut-off' flow rate refers to the minimum flow rate at which the hydroelectric plant can efficiently operate.
The 'unusable area' in a flow duration curve represents the portion of time when the flow rate is above the cut-off rate.
The 'unusable area' in a flow duration curve represents the portion of time when the flow rate is above the cut-off rate.
The area beneath the flow duration curve represents the total amount of water passing a point in a given period.
The area beneath the flow duration curve represents the total amount of water passing a point in a given period.
The operating ranges of different turbine types are fixed and do not vary between manufacturers.
The operating ranges of different turbine types are fixed and do not vary between manufacturers.
Which type of turbine is generally suitable for high head applications?
Which type of turbine is generally suitable for high head applications?
Flashcards
Hydroelectric Energy
Hydroelectric Energy
The use of water's potential and kinetic energy to generate electricity. It involves converting water's energy into mechanical energy using a turbine, which then drives a generator to produce electricity.
Run-of-the-River Hydroelectric Plant
Run-of-the-River Hydroelectric Plant
A type of hydroelectric plant that relies on the natural flow of a river without significant water storage.
Reservoir Hydroelectric Plant
Reservoir Hydroelectric Plant
A hydroelectric plant with a reservoir that allows for water storage and regulation.
Basin Hydroelectric Plant
Basin Hydroelectric Plant
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Head
Head
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Flow Rate (Q)
Flow Rate (Q)
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Global System Efficiency (η)
Global System Efficiency (η)
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Power (P)
Power (P)
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Electricity Production (E)
Electricity Production (E)
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Micro-plant
Micro-plant
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Mini-plant
Mini-plant
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Small-plant
Small-plant
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Large-plant
Large-plant
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Low Head Hydroelectric Plant
Low Head Hydroelectric Plant
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Medium Head Hydroelectric Plant
Medium Head Hydroelectric Plant
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High Head Hydroelectric Plant
High Head Hydroelectric Plant
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Very High Head Hydroelectric Plant
Very High Head Hydroelectric Plant
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Low Flow Rate Hydroelectric Plant
Low Flow Rate Hydroelectric Plant
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Medium Flow Rate Hydroelectric Plant
Medium Flow Rate Hydroelectric Plant
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Large Flow Rate Hydroelectric Plant
Large Flow Rate Hydroelectric Plant
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Very Large Flow Rate Hydroelectric Plant
Very Large Flow Rate Hydroelectric Plant
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Minimum Vital Flow (MVF)
Minimum Vital Flow (MVF)
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Weir
Weir
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Penstock
Penstock
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Tailrace
Tailrace
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Semi-Kaplan Turbine
Semi-Kaplan Turbine
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Cut-off Flow Rate
Cut-off Flow Rate
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Power Output (Pid)
Power Output (Pid)
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Nominal Power (Pid)nom
Nominal Power (Pid)nom
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Relative Power Output
Relative Power Output
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Annual Energy Production
Annual Energy Production
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Study Notes
Hydraulic Energy
- Hydropower in the EU accounts for 13% of total electricity generation, reducing CO2 emissions by over 67 million tons annually.
- Small hydro schemes integrate easily into local ecosystems, unlike conventional hydro that floods large areas.
- In 2001, the EU produced approximately 365 TWh of hydro energy with an installed capacity of 118 GW.
- Small hydro plants contributed 8.4% of installed capacity (9.9 GW) and generated 39 TWh (about 11%).
- The EU Commission aimed for 14,000 MW of small hydro capacity by 2010.
- Most small hydro plants are "run-of-river" schemes, meaning they rely on natural river flow without significant water storage.
Small Hydroelectric Systems
- Confusion exists regarding the definition of a "small" hydroelectric plant.
- No universally agreed EU definition exists for small plants, potentially hindering their development.
- Various EU countries have different power limits for qualifying as a small plant (e.g., Italy - 3 MW, France - 8 MW, Great Britain - 5 MW).
- Power output is calculated using the formula: P = ηγQH, where:
- Q = volumetric flow rate (m³/s)
- H = head (m)
- γ = specific weight of the liquid (N/m³)
- η = global system efficiency (unitless).
Classification of Hydroelectric Plants
- Plants are categorized by nominal power (Pn):
- Micro-plants: Pn < 100 kW
- Mini-plants: 100 < Pn < 1000 kW
- Small-plants: 1000 < Pn < 10,000 kW
- Large-plants: Pn > 10,000 kW
- Plants are further classified by hydraulic scheme:
- Run-of-the-river systems
- Plants with storage and regulation basin
- Plants are further classified by available head:
- Low head (H < 50 m)
- Medium head (H = 50 - 250 m)
- High head (H = 250 - 1000 m)
- Very high head (H > 1000 m)
- Plants are further classified by flow rate:
- Low flow rate (Q < 10 m³/s)
- Medium flow rate (Q = 10 - 100 m³/s)
- Large flow rate (Q = 100 - 1000 m³/s)
- Very large flow rate (Q > 1000 m³/s)
Hydroelectric Storage
- Hydroelectric plants are classified into three categories based on storage duration:
- Reservoir systems: >400 hours of storage
- Basin systems: 2 - 400 hours of storage
- Run-of-the-river systems: less than 2 hours
Hydropower in Italy
- In 2009, Italy had approximately 152 reservoir systems
- Including 177 basin and 1927 run-of-the-river plants.
- Average annual yield from natural contributions was 47,003 GWh/yr
- Additional production was from pumping inlets.
Possible Hydraulic Schemes
- Various schemes exist for diverting and conveying water to generate electricity including medium and high-head schemes.
- Low-head options use river valleys with either diversions to a power intake or with dam-integrated intakes.
Minimum Vital Flow (DMV)
- Operators of hydroelectric power plants are required to release minimum water flows (DMV) to protect river ecosystems.
- The flow rate must be sufficient to maintain vital river conditions beyond hydropower diversions and downstream water quality and the biodiversity.
National and Regional Laws
- National Laws govern minimum vital flows for river preservation under the principles of water quality, naturalness and water management for the Italian regions.
- Regional Laws specify further requirements.
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Description
Explore the role of hydraulic energy in the EU's electricity generation, focusing on the significance of small hydro systems. Learn about their environmental benefits, contribution to CO2 reduction, and the challenges regarding definitions and classifications in different EU countries.
