Hydropower

MIKE HYDRO Basin can perform advanced hydropower simulations for either existing systems or for evaluation of the feasibility of new develop­ments. A Hydropower plant extracts water from one or more reservoirs, pro­duces power according to effective head difference and power efficiencies, and returns water to one or more downstream locations.

It is hence required to initially define at least one Reservoir in the model to be able to connect and include a hydro power plant within the model setup (illus­trated in figure below).

Figure 10.1        Hydropower plant defined with a single reservoir connection and return flow definition to river location downstream of reservoir

Calculation of hydropower can include special options such as conveyance and head losses as well as tail water level and backwater effects from cas­cading reservoirs.

A hydropower plant is equivalent to a single hydropower turbine. If the user would like to simulate two or more turbines at a single reservoir, then one hydropower plant should be defined for each turbine.

Inserting a hydropower plant

Hydropower generation is simulated by inserting a hydropower plant and con­necting it to a reservoir. Return flow back to the river is simulated by connect­ing the hydropower station to one or more downstream locations.

To insert a Hydropower plant, select the ‘Add’ button under the Hydropower plants ribbon in Map view and click on the desired location of the Hydropower plant in the map.

Figure 10.2        Insert a Hydropower plant

Note that the location is for visual purposes only and has no impact on the model setup.

The Hydropower plant is connected to the reservoir and the return flow point by using the ‘Add Connection’ button under the Hydropower plants ribbon in Map view.

Note: The formula used to calculate the hydroelectric power produced is described in Appendix A (Equation (A.2.1) under A.2 Hydropower - Formula).

Specifying hydropower properties

In the Hydropower plants properties dialogue the following properties can be specified:

·         Power Demand Time Series

·         Head Approximation

·         Use Minimum Release from Reservoir Option

·         Power Efficiency Table

·         Tailwater

·         Turbine Flow Constraint Table

·         Head Loss Table