Objective
The refurbishment of an existing mini hydropower plant for remotely controlled operation with the local grid.
Energy produced - 3550 kWh per annum
Cost of energy produced - 5,35 ptas/kWh
Payback - 6,9 years
The project has been successfully completed, creating a operational example of what can be done by the restoration and rehabilitation of old or abandoned hydro power station sites. The result is a neat installation in a picturesque location, producing electrical energy with little disturbance to the surrounding countryside or environment.
The existing, disused hydro facility was dismantled in its entirely leaving only the civil works infrastructure. These were in a poor state of repair and required to be upgraded.
The plant entered service in December 1988 and over the following three year period generated 11,090 kWh. At the expected generation rate of 3550 kWh per annum, the plant has clearly operated and entirely satisfactorily.
A number of changes were made to the design of the penstock to reduce energy losses through turbulence and sudden changes in flow direction. In addition, some upgrading of low tension cables was carried out. These changes have resulted in an increased power output and an improved overall performance, at full load, of 85.6%.
The hydro station is automatically coupled to the local electricity grid to which it exports its entire production. The interconnection is at 20 kV at a point inside the power house itself. All medium-tension switchgear is installed in metal enclosures fabricated off-site. The plant is controlled remotely with all necessary electrical and mechanical safety devices ensuring safe shut-down in the event of any serious problem arising. Control personnel, based 15 km distant, are advised of any such intervention by automatic telephone link.
The mini hydro power at Monachil is being refurbished with new hydraulic and electrical equipment, to become the first restored site in Andalucia. Much of the civil works are intact. The plant will be unattended and remotely controlled, producing electrical energy for sale to the distributing company "Sevillana de Electricidad, S.A".
The site will operate with minimal water storage, conveying water to the power house in a new penstock supported on new metallic bearings on existing support blocks. Debris will be removed from the intake by an automatically controlled trash rack cleaner.
TURBINE
Type Twin jet Pelton
Nett head (m) 163.78
Flow (m3/sec) 0.535
Rating (kW) 760
Speed (rev/min) 600
GENERATOR
Type Synchronous
Voltage (V) 380
Phases 3
Frequency (Hz) 50
Rating (kVA) 1000
Speed (rev/min) 600
Topic(s)
Data not availableCall for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
DEM - Demonstration contractsCoordinator
08009 Barcelona
Spain