Objective
To design, install and monitor a 200 kW hydropower scheme in an environmentally sensitive area in the UK. The scheme aims to demonstrate the technical and cost advantages of a package of innovative technologies for small hydro power (SHP) particularly adapted to the needs of less developed countries (LDC's). These technologies are self cleaning static intake screen, bursting disc for penstock protection, electronic load controller for parallel/ isolated operation and water lubricated slide bearing on the spear valve.
The second aim is to demonstrate innovative methods and technologies to minimise the environmental impact of an SHP scheme. It is hoped that this will facilitate development of similar sites throughout Europe, by reducing the potential for conflict between SHP developers and environmental regulators.
The proposed site is Ty Cerig, Rhydymain, Gwynedd, Wales, and lies within the Snowdonia National Park. The main land owner is Forest Entreprise, who are responsible, nationally, for managing UK forests.
The proposed scheme is a run of river mini hydro project, to be built on a greenfield site. the catchment is forested, with an area of about 3.17 km². the gross head is 160m, and the design flow is 168.5 l/s. A single-jet Pelton turbine will drive a 6-pole synchronous generator, to generate a maximum power of 200 kW. The turbine will be governed by an analogue, thyristor based electronic load controller (ELC), and grid synchronisation unit, with full protection. A water ballast will enable the turbine to operate in stand-alone as well as grid connected mode. All of the power generated, other than that used to power auxiliary equipment, will be sold to the local electricity utility, via a 300m transmission line.
The turbine manifold will incorporate a by-pass spur, fitted with a graphite bursting disk. In the event of large pressure surge, this disk will rupture, relieving the surge before it reaches the rest of the pipeline. The water will pass into the tailrace, bypassing the turbine. This will enable the use of a lower strength, and hence less expensive plastic pipeline, as it does not need to be designed to resist full surge pressures. The length of the pipeline will be about 1500m. There is an existing track close to the site of the intake, down which some of the pipeline could be routed. The intake will be fitted with 1.5m width of "Aquashear" static, self-cleaning intake screen.
Innovative technology :
- package of technologies particularly adapted for use in less developed countries : self-cleaning, static, coanda-effect intake screen, capable of handling high silt loads, and requiring no continuous maintenance, high reliability; combination of electronic load controller with grid connection and synchronous generator; use of "bursting disks" for pipeline surge protection.
- technologies and methods to minimise environmental impact : energy audit to choose materials and methods of construction that minimise embodied energy; use of water-lubricated turbine spear valve in place of grease, to prevent water pollution; small, sound-proof power house, built using local materials wherever possible.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences earth and related environmental sciences environmental sciences pollution
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels renewable energy hydroelectricity
You need to log in or register to use this function
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Data not available
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
SY208AX
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.