Northern Energy Developments Ltd

Canonbie, Dumfriesshire

Rodney Potts

Small Scale Hydro<1MW

Power Potential

The power potential in a volume of water (Q), is determined by the following equation:

P(kW) = Q x H x 9.8 x efficiency

Where Q is the rate of flow in m3/s

H is the height of fall or ‘head’ in m

Efficiency is the overall efficiency figure for

the electro-mechanical system

Turbines

Many types of turbine have been developed over the years. The water wheel is the simplest and oldest form.

They can be categorised into three main types:• High head – above 75m of fall

(eg Francis, Turgo or Pelton type)• Medium head – 20m to 75m of fall

(eg Francis or Crossflow)• Low head – 2m to 20m of fall

(eg Francis, Crossflow, Kaplan or Water Wheel)

Development –

• Stage 1 – initial feasibility & Scoping• Stage 2 – detailed studies• Stage 3 – secure consents & build

Factors Affecting Cost/Viability 1

• Purpose of Project

– Domestic

– Commercial

• Scale

• Consenting conditions

Factors Affecting Cost/Viability 2

• Physical characteristics • Environmental constraints *• Location of grid supply *

Factors Affecting Cost/Viability 3

Low Head vs High Head– Low head – larger equipment

environmental issues– High head – pipeline construction

often flashy catchments

Run of River and/or Storage