Considering a Hydro Project? – SJ1 Renewables Ltd

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Considering a Hydro Project?

Desktop Assessment

We begin by examining the head and flow at the site using a variety of open source materials and discussing our findings with you. The head, or drop in water level across your site, is estimated using maps. The average flow can be estimated by mapping the river catchment area and applying the average rainfall. Flow is also found by searching for Environment Agency data from river gauging stations near to your potential site. It is not possible to take all of the water so the next step is to find the likely restrictions which leaves us with the flow we can take. All this information is used to produce a report which shows how a turbine would perform, the budget installation costs, and the payback period.

Feasibility Study

The feasibility study is a comprehensive assessment of a site’s potential. Using information collected during a site survey a full system can be specified, or several options presented depending on the nature of the site. The feasibility study presents a system designed in outline, detailing all the information required to make the licence and permit applications and connecting to the grid, before moving on to the detailed design and construction phase of a hydro scheme.

Detailed Site Survey

During a site visit the exact locations for the water intake, penstock pipe and turbine house are established. The head is accurately measured and flow measurement methods are put in place so we can begin to improve our understanding of the exact flow at the site.

All the information required to produce a feasibility study is recorded during the site visit. The feasibility study is the next step in the process. The site is surveyed to establish:

The intake, penstock route to turbine house and tail race locations
Accurate measurement of the head and flow
Ground conditions across the site
Access to the construction location
Site usage
Permit and consent requirements
Grid connection point

Machine types

The feasibility study identifies the type and size of hydro power machine to install based on the head and flow conditions. The overall system cost is also a factor in the final turbine and manufacturer choice. Having the experience and knowledge of the products, and not being tied to any supplier or manufacturer, SJ1 Renewables are able to provide impartial advice in choosing the best hydropower turbine to fit your sites need.

System Infrastructure

The system infrastructure is specified next. This includes the type of intake structure proposed to take the flow at the abstraction point, fish pass specification, the pipe size and material for the penstock pipe which delivers the water to the turbine at pressure. These elements have characteristics which affect the efficiency of the overall system, so once they are identified the losses can be accounted for.

Permits and Consents

Controls are in place to govern what we do to water courses in the UK. Licences and permits are required to ensure any disruption to a watercourse do not adversely affect the ecology or the environment. This applies to the construction phase as well as the running of the system. Changes within a river can have knock on effects both upstream and downstream of proposed works. We carry out all the necessary consultations with the relevant authorities on your behalf.

System performance

Within a renewable energy feasibility study, we provide a comprehensive annual power production figure. To obtain this we produce a flow duration curve which provides a measure of water availability throughout the year. We then convert this to power output (within the limits of the abstraction license) and apply any system losses. Our expertise in these calculations means that from day one you will know-how much power your project will be generating once it is installed.

Project Cost and Payback Analysis

Whole system costs are estimated based on our extensive experience in system installation. The system cost for both initial capital investment and ongoing maintenance are evaluated against the anticipated revenue stream. We provide a comprehensive payback model based on our findings, ensuring that you have a realistic view of the cost and revenue of the project.

Hydro System Design

Hydro systems are bespoke designed for each site as no two sites are the same. From intake structures, pipe work, down to turbine house and tail race, water power to mechanical power to electrical power, systems are tailor made for each water course. The construction areas are often within a running river and more often than not, they are in remote locations. All this combined makes for challenging design for construction, so experience and engineering know-how are essential to ensure system installations are robust and cost effective.

Each aspect has to be carefully considered and experience over the range of engineering disciplines is essential to ensure systems perform well, for life. At SJ1 Renewables, we take care of all aspects:

Ground condition verification
Site Layout drawings
Water diversion for construction
Reinforced concrete works
Intake screen design, manufacture and assembly
Fish pass design and construction
Pipe infrastructure including supporting structures
Foundation Chassis and plinth at turbine house
Turbine house construction drawings
Turbine layout, drive train, control and generator
Electrical connection schematics
Electrical single line drawings

Installation

The installation work is the final stage of what is often a relatively lengthy process. It is the exciting moment when we finally break ground, where months of hard work become a reality with the arrival of parts, plant machines and peoplepower. We collaborate with respected and competent local contractors together with our experienced engineers to provide you with the best of local resource and our know-how. Projects of this size are covered under health and safety legislation of Construction Design and Management (CDM). Our project management skills and health and safety experience means work is controlled, carried out safely, and quality is maintained. The phase of the project consists of:

Water diversion works
Excavations, form work, steel reinforcement, concrete pour and finishing
Cable laying and trenching
Pipe assembly and laying
Turbine house construction
Hydro turbine mechanical construction
Drive train assembly and setting
Generator and Controller mounting and wiring in
Electrical installation
Turbine controller configuration and commissioning
Electrical test certification
Maintenance and servicing

Maintenance and Servicing

We can be with you every step of the way. This includes comprehensive after care services to ensure you get the most out of your hydro system. Contact us today to take the next steps to reducing your carbon footprint and your bills.

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Let’s change the way we think about and use power; one embedded generator at a time!