Analysis of Emerging Technologies in the Hydropower Sector (Review Article)
Published on by Emanuele Quaranta, Water wheels expert, micro hydropower, CFD simulations, hydropower, hydraulics, water in Academic
The most recent review paper with international experts on emerging technologies in the hydropower field.
Authors:
Ioannis Kougias, George Aggidis, François Avellan, Sabri Denizd, Urban Lundin, Alberto Moro, Sebastian Muntean, Daniele Novara, Juan Ignacio Pérez-Díaz, Emanuele Quaranta, Philippe Schild, Nicolaos Theodossiou
Abstract:
The paper reviews recent research and development activities in the field of hydropower technology. It covers emerging and advanced technologies to mitigate flow instabilities (active and passive approach) as well as emerging magneto-rheological control techniques. Recent research findings on flow instabilities are also presented, especially concerning fluid-structure interaction and transient operating conditions. As a great number of the existing large-scale hydroelectric facilities were constructed decades ago using technologies that are now considered obsolete, technologies to achieve the digitalisation of hydropower are also analysed. Advances in the electro-mechanical components and generator design are presented; their potential role to adapt hydropower to the current operating conditions is also highlighted.
The text explores current efforts to advance hydropower operation, mainly in terms of European projects. It provides a detailed overview of the recent efforts to increase the operational range of hydraulic turbines in order to reach exceptional levels of flexibility, a topic of several recent research projects. Variable speed hydropower generation and its application in pumped storage power plants are presented in detail. Moreover, revolutionary concepts for hydroelectric energy storage are also presented with the analysis focusing on underwater hydro storage and hydropower's hybridisation with fast energy storage systems. Efforts to minimise hydropower's environmental footprint are also presented via the utilisation of small-scale and fish-friendly installations.
Representative Figure:
Hydraulic test rig to evaluate the performance of Pumps as Turbines at Trinity College Dublin under the Dwr Uisce project: a) view of the assembled turbine, inline torque meter and induction generator; b) overall view with a flow meter, control valve and pressure reading gauges. Source: authors' compilation, Science Direct
Published in : Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, Volume 113, October 2019
DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2019.109257
Source: Science Direct
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Attached link
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032119304575#!Media
Taxonomy
- Technology
- Energy