Operational Evaluation of a Small Hydropower Plant in the Context of Sustainable Development

Abstract

Proper design of hydrotechnical structures should meet the basic principles of sustainable development, i.e., the investment should be designed and made in technical terms, in accordance with the applicable standards and regulations, provide certain economic benefits and guarantee the absence of environmental hazards. The article examines the work of a Small Hydropower Plant (SHP) in Jaracz in technical and hydraulic terms. It also provides the analysis of the effect of changes in parameters such as water head, flow rate velocity, and shape of trash rack bars on expected SHP profits. The assessment of hydraulic performance consisted of investigating the impact of reduced flow rate and water head on power output and energy production. The analyses were carried out for the Francis turbine installed in the facility. Since the loss of channel capacity is shaped by plant debris accumulated on trash racks, the hydraulic performance assessment was extended to include the analysis of the species and weight composition of such accumulation on fine trash racks located in the inlet channel. Field research involved collecting organic material from the growing season (spring, summer) and post-growing season (autumn). Technical conditions were developed on the basis of the current technical condition of the inlet channel; there were also made simulations of its deteriorating state, as well as its impact on the received energy and economic benefits.