Technology Status - NET Nowak Energie & Technologie AG

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Nevertheless, hydropower projects are often strongly opposed by local
environmental groups and fishery associations. In some countries, these
protests have led to national movements against new hydropower projects.
In response, the SHP industry has invested significantly in the development
of fish protection devices. Two main types of solutions are being used. First,
fish moving downstream are prevented from entering the turbine. Second,
structures commonly known as “fish ladders” provide passage for fish
moving upstream over diversion structures associated with the intake.
Prospects for Small Hydropower
● Cost Reduction Opportunities
The potential for cost reduction is different for each category of SHP plant.
Only limited increases in efficiency and related cost reductions are expected
due to improved turbine-generator design. However, technology
development and market deployment can still result in cost reductions,
depending on the type of plant and components.
R&D continues to improve efficiency and applicability through the use of
composite materials to protect sensitive areas from erosion. Cost reduction
potential exists in the areas of civil engineering and O&M, for example, from
improved materials and construction methods, and simplified and
computerised O&M equipment.
Economies of scale are limited because many components cannot be massproduced,
and the plant and its components must be adapted to the specific
site. Some components can and should, however, be standardised.
Following is a brief outline of the cost reduction potential for the most
relevant plant components:
Generator: The electrical generator represents less than 5% of the total cost
of a power plant and the efficiency of generators for new plants is already
close to 100%. Yet standardisation of generator equipment for small
hydropower could further reduce installation and maintenance costs.
Turbine: Most water turbines are not mass-produced but individually designed
and manufactured in order to optimise the energy that can be extracted from
the falling water. This process requires highly competent and skilled personnel.
During the 20 th century, turbine efficiency of 95-96% was achieved, and thus,
only marginal improvements in efficiency may be anticipated in the future.
Generally, smaller turbines are less efficient than larger ones. Mid-size turbines
SMALL HYDROPOWER X2