On the influence of net head and efficiency fluctuations over the performance of existing run-of-river hydropower plants

• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2023.02.081
• Publication Date: 2023-02-20T03:36:09Z
• Authors: Cristiana Bragalli; Domenico Micocci; Giovanni Naldi
• Keywords: Hydraulic head

The power output over a typical year is key feature to assess the performance of run-of-river hydropower plant. In carrying out this analysis, net head fluctuations due changes in processed flow rate are frequently neglected, while variations efficiency electro-mechanical generation group more often taken into account. To depict combined effect and fluctuations, concept Global Efficiency introduced. Great emphasis put on discharge conditions an approximate method forward for correlating residual energy section with rate. proposed approach applied existing Cavaticcio plant, set historical centre Bologna (Italy). Results show that at may affect value even than upstream losses. Moreover, although assuming constant could provide acceptable estimation annual production, yet Best Point terms significantly differ from what expected curve. This help decision makers actual suitability given site.