Deconstructing hydro: the BC electricity sector in this decade

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jaccard, M.

2001-01-01

This paper provided speculation regarding the world-wide trend to deregulate electric utilities with particular focus on power deregulation in British Columbia. The four main issues facing electricity reform in British Columbia are to determine if publicly-owned assets should be privatised, how to achieve competitive electricity commodity prices in a de-regulated generation market, to determine the extent to which customers will be allowed direct access to sellers of electricity, and to determine which changes in industry structure are needed to ensure that control over the common carrier does not hinder fair competition. BC Hydro recently issued a plan for the next decade entitled the Integrated Electricity Plan which suggests that almost all growth in supply on the Hydro system will be limited to a few large projects totalling 900 megawatts, to be owned and operated by either BC Hydro or by the Columbia Power Corporation, another Crown entity. This plan is in complete contrast to the evolution of the electricity industry nearly everywhere else in the world where demand growth is being met almost entirely by small- and medium-scale non-utility resources issuing from competitive markets with minimal public funding. This article looks at why BC Hydro will probably be transformed significantly, even dismantled, in the coming decade. The article begins with a section explaining the cause and effects of major changes in the world-wide electricity industry. This is followed by a section reviewing what BC Hydro did in the 1990s while reform was taking place. The article also describes what BC Hydro intends to do in the next decade and explores reasons why this outcome is unlikely. The final section of the article provides an alternative vision of BC Hydro's future over the next decade. 1 tab., 3 figs

Parameterisation effect on the behaviour of a head-dependent hydro chain using a nonlinear model

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Catalao, J.P.S.; Mariano, S.J.P.S.; Mendes, V.M.F.; Ferreira, L.A.F.M.

2006-01-01

This paper is on the problem of short-term hydro scheduling (STHS), particularly concerning a head-dependent hydro chain. We use a method based on nonlinear programming (NLP), namely quadratic programming, to consider hydroelectric power generation a function of water discharge and of the head. The method has been applied successfully to solve a test case based on a realistic cascaded hydro system with a negligible computational time requirement and is also applied to show that the role played by reservoirs in the hydro chain do not depend only on their relative position. As a new contribution to earlier studies, which presented reservoir operation rules mainly for medium and long-term planning procedures, we show that the physical data defining hydro chain parameters used in the nonlinear model have an effect on the STHS, implying different optimal storage trajectories for the reservoirs accordingly not only with their position in the hydro chain but also with the new parameterisation defining the data for the hydro system. Moreover, considering head dependency in the hydroelectric power generation, usually neglected for hydro plants with a large storage capacity, provides a better short-term management of the conversion of the potential energy available in the reservoirs into electric energy, which represents a major advantage for the hydroelectric utilities in a competitive electricity market. (author)

A long-term optimization method for reservoir management in a market oriented hydro-dominated power systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sultovic, E.; Sarajcev, I.; Majstrovic, M.

2001-01-01

This paper presents an optimization-based method for the long-term scheduling of hydrothermal power system. The proposed method maximizes the profit of hydroelectric production in power system based on monthly energy requirement of the system and unit commitment calculations. The method allows precise hydro chain modeling with numerous restrictions as well as computation for multiple-reservoir river systems with multiple-purpose operation. The method has been implemented in a computer program and tested on power system, which is very similar to Croatian Power System in the year 2000. Several testing results are given. Presented method can be applicable for long-term planning in a competitive electricity market due to possibility of unit commitment calculations with different electrical energy price during scheduling horizon. (authors)

Miksova hydro-electric power plant is awaiting the fortieths

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Regula, E.

2004-01-01

In this paper the history of cascade of the Miksova hydro-electric power plants (HEPP, in the Slovak Republic) is described. This cascade of power plants consists of the following hydro-electric power plant: Hricov HEPP, Miksova HEPP, Povazska Bystrica HEPP and Nosice HEPP. In the Miksova HEPP are installed three turbo-sets with Kaplan turbine from the CKD Blansko and with synchronous hydro-alternator. Synchronous hydroelectric alternators have maximal output by 31.2 MW. Their installed output is together 93.6 MW and projected production of electric energy is 207 GWh annually. To the end 2003 Miksova HEPP during 40 years has produced together 7,161,342 MWh of electric energy

75 FR 45607 - Application To Export Electric Energy; Manitoba Hydro

Science.gov (United States)

2010-08-03

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY [OE Docket No. EA-281-B] Application To Export Electric Energy; Manitoba Hydro AGENCY: Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, DOE. ACTION: Notice of application. SUMMARY: Manitoba Hydro (Manitoba) has applied to renew its authority to transmit electric energy from the...

Higher profits, lower bills : a new electricity strategy for Hydro-Quebec

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2010-01-01

Quebec is the fourth largest producer of hydro-electricity in the world, and has among the lowest electricity rates in North America. In 2008, 89 percent of the electricity produced by Hydro-Quebec was sold in the province, and the remainder was exported. In 2009, the electric utility released its strategic plan for 2009 to 2013. Hydro-Quebec's net profits are forecast to decline by 24 percent by 2013 and electricity rates are forecast to rise by 8.5 percent. Since Hydro-Quebec has already developed all of the province's low-cost hydroelectric resources, it can no longer increase profits and lower rates by building new hydropower production stations. In order to continue to prosper, the utility will invest in energy efficiency and better coordination of its power system with Ontario's. Increased electricity exports from Hydro-Quebec will help both Ontario and the United States reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil power generation. 25 refs., 2 tabs., 3 figs.

Role of Pumped Storage Hydro Resources in Electricity Markets and System Operation: Preprint

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ela, E.; Kirby, B.; Botterud, A.; Milostan, C.; Krad, I.; Koritarov, V.

2013-05-01

The most common form of utility- sized energy storage system is the pumped storage hydro system. Originally, these types of storage systems were economically viable simply because they displace more expensive generating units. However, over time, as those expensive units became more efficient and costs declined, pumped hydro storage units no longer have the operational edge. As a result, in the current electricity market environment, pumped storage hydro plants are struggling. To offset this phenomenon, certain market modifications should be addressed. This paper will introduce some of the challenges faced by pumped storage hydro plants in today's markets and purpose some solutions to those problems.

Energy efficiency at Hydro-Quebec: Why forget the substitution of electricity by natural gas?

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bernard, J.-T.

1994-01-01

Hydro-Quebec has launched an energy program which will cost $1.9 billion and which intends to save 9.3 TWh of electricity consumption by the year 2000, equivalent to 5.6% of the forecasted electricity consumption. The program only considers electricity and ignores other energy sources. An analysis is conducted to determine whether the subsidies that Hydro-Quebec is prepared to spend in each sector of the program would be sufficient to make up the difference between the cost of electricity and that of natural gas for the end-user. A positive response to this question will allow identification of a less costly way that Hydro-Quebec could realize its energy efficiency objectives. The analysis takes into account the marginal cost of electricity production, the average cost of energy efficiency measures, electricity prices, and the prices of natural gas and of gas-burning equipment. The results of a detailed analysis of four typical cases in the residential and commercial sectors indicate that market segments exist in which an energy efficiency program that includes substitution of other forms of energy for electricity would be preferable to a simple reduction in electricity consumption. However, the rationale for the Hydro-Quebec program is that electricity prices are based on historical average costs; as a result, electricity prices are lower than marginal costs. This problem should be addressed before considering expensive energy efficiency programs where the least-cost alternative is not even considered. 5 refs., 1 fig., 2 tabs

Multiple objective optimization of hydro-thermal systems using Ritz's method

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Arnáu L. Bayón

1999-01-01

Full Text Available This paper examines the applicability of the Ritz method to multi-objective optimization of hydro-thermal systems. The algorithm proposed is aimed to minimize an objective functional that incorporates the cost of energy losses, the conventional fuel cost and the production of atmospheric emissions such as NO x and SO 2 caused by the operation of fossil-fueled thermal generation. The formulation includes a general layout of hydro-plants that may form multi-chains of reservoir network. Time-delays are included and the electric network is considered by using the active power balance equation. The volume of water discharge for each hydro-plant is a given constant amount from the optimization interval. The generic minimization algorithm, which is not difficult to construct on the basis of the Ritz method, has certain advantages in comparison with the conventional methods.

Output improvement of Sg. Piah run-off river hydro-electric station with a new computed river flow-based control system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jidin, Razali; Othman, Bahari

2013-01-01

The lower Sg. Piah hydro-electric station is a river run-off hydro scheme with generators capable of generating 55MW of electricity. It is located 30km away from Sg. Siput, a small town in the state of Perak, Malaysia. The station has two turbines (Pelton) to harness energy from water that flow through a 7km tunnel from a small intake dam. The trait of a run-off river hydro station is small-reservoir that cannot store water for a long duration; therefore potential energy carried by the spillage will be wasted if the dam level is not appropriately regulated. To improve the station annual energy output, a new controller based on the computed river flow has been installed. The controller regulates the dam level with an algorithm based on the river flow derived indirectly from the intake-dam water level and other plant parameters. The controller has been able to maintain the dam at optimum water level and regulate the turbines to maximize the total generation output.

Output improvement of Sg. Piah run-off river hydro-electric station with a new computed river flow-based control system

Science.gov (United States)

Jidin, Razali; Othman, Bahari

2013-06-01

The lower Sg. Piah hydro-electric station is a river run-off hydro scheme with generators capable of generating 55MW of electricity. It is located 30km away from Sg. Siput, a small town in the state of Perak, Malaysia. The station has two turbines (Pelton) to harness energy from water that flow through a 7km tunnel from a small intake dam. The trait of a run-off river hydro station is small-reservoir that cannot store water for a long duration; therefore potential energy carried by the spillage will be wasted if the dam level is not appropriately regulated. To improve the station annual energy output, a new controller based on the computed river flow has been installed. The controller regulates the dam level with an algorithm based on the river flow derived indirectly from the intake-dam water level and other plant parameters. The controller has been able to maintain the dam at optimum water level and regulate the turbines to maximize the total generation output.

Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board 52. annual report : Building as one

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2003-01-01

A provincial Crown corporation, Manitoba Hydro serves approximately 502,000 customers throughout Manitoba with electric energy, and provides natural gas service to 251,000 customers in several communities in southern Manitoba. In addition, Manitoba Hydro exports electricity to electric utilities and marketers in the mid-western United States, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. In 2002, Winnipeg Hydro was purchased from the City of Winnipeg. Records were broken for historical peak demand for electricity (24 February 2003) and natural gas (22 January 2003). A study of wind power generation was launched, with seven sites being monitored. A Power Smart program focusing on geothermal heat pump systems also offered assistance to Manitoba homeowners. Successful conversion of the Selkirk Generating Station from coal to natural gas was achieved. In Brandon, a 260 mega watt (MW) natural gas combustion turbine plant was opened. Over $29 million in loans were issued to customers under the Home Comfort and Energy Savings Program. Electricity rates for residential customers remained unchanged, as did those for large industrial customers. Approval was received by the National Energy Board to export 500 MW of electricity to Northern States Power. A new international interconnection was brought into service in November 2002 between Glenboro, Manitoba and Harvey, North Dakota. The ISO 14001 international certification for environmental management systems was awarded to Manitoba Hydro. tabs., figs

The political economy of Canadian hydro-electricity : between old provincial hydros and neoliberal regional energy regimes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Netherton, A.

2007-01-01

In economic terms, hydro-electricity is considered as a quasi-staple, as it prone to the classic staples problem of excess capacity. However, neither water nor hydroelectricity in Canada is produced primarily for export markets. Hydroelectric systems are often thought of as politicized monopolies. This paper discussed changes that have occurred in hydroelectric organizations over time, as they have been governed by a formative mixed regime; postwar provincial hydro systems; a megaprojects regime; and an emerging sustainability regionalization regime. The origins of electricity generation and transmission in Canada were discussed, as well as the ecological footprint of large mega-projects on rivers. The development of provincial hydro monopolies during the mid- to late- twentieth century was also outlined, as well as the sustainability and regionalization regime that developed after 1990. During the mature staples period of the mid-century, rents in hydro-electric organizations were distributed through cheap rates to subsidize and facilitate the development of mass production and mass consumption. However, post-staples consumption has now replaced mass consumption, and demand side management is replacing earlier cheap power policies. Nonetheless, the lack of systematic integration of networks has led to inefficiencies. Provincial grids are now being integrated into interconnected North American regional networks regulated by the United States. It was concluded that the Canadian electricity regime is increasingly influenced by the the supranational role that the United States is playing in structuring markets. 83 refs

Hydro power flexibility for power systems with variable renewable energy sources: an IEA Task 25 collaboration: Hydro power flexibility for power systems

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Huertas-Hernando, Daniel [Department of Energy Systems, SINTEF, Trondheim Norway; Farahmand, Hossein [Department of Electric Power Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim Norway; Holttinen, Hannele [Department of Energy Systems, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Espoo Finland; Kiviluoma, Juha [Department of Energy Systems, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Espoo Finland; Rinne, Erkka [Department of Energy Systems, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Espoo Finland; Söder, Lennart [Department of Electrical Engineering, KTH University, Stockholm Sweden; Milligan, Michael [Transmission and Grid Integration Group, National Renewable Energy Laboratory' s National Wind Technology Center, Golden CO USA; Ibanez, Eduardo [Transmission and Grid Integration Group, National Renewable Energy Laboratory' s National Wind Technology Center, Golden CO USA; Martínez, Sergio Martín [Department of Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Automation and Communications, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete Spain; Gomez-Lazaro, Emilio [Department of Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Automation and Communications, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete Spain; Estanqueiro, Ana [National Laboratory of Energy and Geology - LNEG, Lisbon Portugal; Rodrigues, Luis [National Laboratory of Energy and Geology - LNEG, Lisbon Portugal; Carr, Luis [Research Association for Energy Economics (FfE GmbH), Munich Germany; van Roon, Serafin [Research Association for Energy Economics (FfE GmbH), Munich Germany; Orths, Antje Gesa [Energinet.dk, Fredericia Denmark; Eriksen, Peter Børre [Energinet.dk, Fredericia Denmark; Forcione, Alain [Hydro Quebec, Montréal Canada; Menemenlis, Nickie [Hydro Quebec, Montréal Canada

2016-06-20

Hydro power is one of the most flexible sources of electricity production. Power systems with considerable amounts of flexible hydro power potentially offer easier integration of variable generation, e.g., wind and solar. However, there exist operational constraints to ensure mid-/long-term security of supply while keeping river flows and reservoirs levels within permitted limits. In order to properly assess the effective available hydro power flexibility and its value for storage, a detailed assessment of hydro power is essential. Due to the inherent uncertainty of the weather-dependent hydrological cycle, regulation constraints on the hydro system, and uncertainty of internal load as well as variable generation (wind and solar), this assessment is complex. Hence, it requires proper modeling of all the underlying interactions between hydro power and the power system, with a large share of other variable renewables. A summary of existing experience of wind integration in hydro-dominated power systems clearly points to strict simulation methodologies. Recommendations include requirements for techno-economic models to correctly assess strategies for hydro power and pumped storage dispatch. These models are based not only on seasonal water inflow variations but also on variable generation, and all these are in time horizons from very short term up to multiple years, depending on the studied system. Another important recommendation is to include a geographically detailed description of hydro power systems, rivers' flows, and reservoirs as well as grid topology and congestion.

The Feasibility of Small Hydro-Electric Generation in a Large Urban Area

OpenAIRE

Benson Y. Zhang; Adam Taylor

2012-01-01

The possibilities of generating electric power from relatively small hydro-electric sources in a large urban area is investigated. Two different aspects of hydro-electric sources have been studied: storm/waste water pipes in large multi-tenanted residential buildings and urban storm water discharge area (CSI area). The potential to generate from these sources has been investigated using a micro-turbine. The potential electric power which could be extracted from the sources was estimated using...

Hydro Power Reservoir Aggregation via Genetic Algorithms

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Markus Löschenbrand

2017-12-01

Full Text Available Electrical power systems with a high share of hydro power in their generation portfolio tend to display distinct behavior. Low generation cost and the possibility of peak shaving create a high amount of flexibility. However, stochastic influences such as precipitation and external market effects create uncertainty and thus establish a wide range of potential outcomes. Therefore, optimal generation scheduling is a key factor to successful operation of hydro power dominated systems. This paper aims to bridge the gap between scheduling on large-scale (e.g., national and small scale (e.g., a single river basin levels, by applying a multi-objective master/sub-problem framework supported by genetic algorithms. A real-life case study from southern Norway is used to assess the validity of the method and give a proof of concept. The introduced method can be applied to efficiently integrate complex stochastic sub-models into Virtual Power Plants and thus reduce the computational complexity of large-scale models whilst minimizing the loss of information.

76 FR 36533 - Bangor Hydro Electric Company; Notice of Request for Waiver

Science.gov (United States)

2011-06-22

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. TS11-5-000] Bangor Hydro Electric Company; Notice of Request for Waiver Take notice that on June 13, 2011, pursuant to section 358.1(d) of the Commission's regulations, 18 CFR 358.1(d) (2011), Bangor Hydro Electric Company (Bangor...

Report on the renewal of the hydro-electric concessions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2006-11-01

The administrative procedures of the renewable of the hydro-electric concessions in France is a real problem, leading to too long time of the case files examination. This mission aimed to identify the technical and financial criteria on which the decision maker will base his choice to give the concessions renewal. This report exposes the evaluation and the recommendations of the mission. The first part establishes an evaluation of the situation of the hydro-electric concessions and the today renewal procedures. The second part presents a analysis of this situation and the recommendations. The last part brings the conclusions. (A.L.B.)

Times are changing, Hydro-Quebec multiplies its assets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lefevre, M.

1997-01-01

Hydro-Quebec''s advance into the North American and world multi-energy market began with the purchase of an interest in the natural gas holding company Noverco, a commercial partnership with Gaz de France, and marketing agreements with Enron and Trigen in the United States. Hydro-Quebec, the world''s sixth largest electric utility, aims to become a multi-energy enterprise selling not only electricity, but also natural gas, oil and certain renewable forms of energy. Currently, Hydro-Quebec is licensed to make border sales of electricity at regulated prices. Through the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Hydro-Quebec will be able also to sell electricity through wholesale spot contracts with electricity marketers such as Trigen and Enron

Analysis of Axial Turbine Pico-Hydro Electrical Power Plant in North Sulawesi Indonesia

Science.gov (United States)

Sangari, F. J.; Rompas, P. T. D.

2018-02-01

This study presents analysis of pico-hydro electrical power plant in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. The objective of this study is to get a design of axial turbine pico-hydro electrical power plant. The method used the study of literature, survey the construction site of the power plant and the characteristics of the location being a place of study, analysis of hydropower ability and analyzing costs of power plant. The result showed that the design of axial turbine pico-hydro installation is connected to a generator to produce electrical energy maximum can be used for household needs in villages. This analyze will be propose to local government of Minahasa, North Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Atmospheric electrical field measurements near a fresh water reservoir and the formation of the lake breeze

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Francisco Lopes

2016-06-01

Full Text Available In order to access the effect of the lakes in the atmospheric electrical field, measurements have been carried out near a large man-made lake in southern Portugal, the Alqueva reservoir, during the ALqueva hydro-meteorological EXperiment 2014. The purpose of these conjoint experiments was to study the impact of the Alqueva reservoir on the atmosphere, in particular on the local atmospheric electric environment by comparing measurements taken in the proximity of the lake. Two stations 10 km apart were used, as they were located up- and down-wind of the lake (Amieira and Parque Solar, respectively, in reference to the dominant northwestern wind direction. The up-wind station shows lower atmospheric electric potential gradient (PG values than the ones observed in the down-wind station between 12 and 20 UTC. The difference in the atmospheric electric PG between the up-wind and the down-wind station is ~30 V/m during the day. This differential occurs mainly during the development of a lake breeze, between 10 and 18 UTC, as a consequence of the surface temperature gradient between the surrounding land and the lake water. In the analysis presented, a correlation is found between the atmospheric electric PG differences and both wind speed and temperature gradients over the lake, thus supporting the influence of the lake breeze over the observed PG variation in the two stations. Two hypotheses are provided to explain this observation: (1 The air that flows from the lake into the land station is likely to increase the local electric conductivity through the removal of ground dust and the transport of cleaner air from higher altitudes with significant light ion concentrations. With such an increase in conductivity, it is expected to see a reduction of the atmospheric electric PG; (2 the resulting air flow over the land station carries negative ions formed by wave splashing in the lake's water surface, as a result of the so-called balloelectric effect

Planning and running of the hydro aggregates in the electric power system in the R. Macedonia

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ilijovski, Igor

2015-01-01

The subject of the research in this master thesis is analysis of the main characteristics and control of the large Hydropower plants (HPPs) in the electric power system in R. Macedonia, which are subject to planning in the running tables. ELEM and MEPSO are using SCADA system for monitoring and control of the hydropower plants. The planning is a complex process where many aspects should be covered. With correct and optimal control of the hydro aggregates, depending on the hydrology, climate, elevation of the reservoirs and many other conditions, a better efficiency of the water resources usage may be obtained, which results in positive financial outcomes. (author)

76 FR 67174 - Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp., Riverbank Hydro No. 9 LLC, Solia 3 Hydroelectric LLC, Lock...

Science.gov (United States)

2011-10-31

...; 14166-000; 14180-000; 14193-000] Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp., Riverbank Hydro No. 9 LLC, Solia 3... May 2, 2011, Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp. (Arkansas Electric), Riverbank Hydro No. 9 LLC.... Krouse, Hydro Green Energy, 5090 Richmond Avenue 390, Houston, TX 77056. (877) 556-6566 x 709. FFP 2's...

76 FR 44323 - National Grid Transmission Services Corporation; Bangor Hydro Electric Company; Notice of...

Science.gov (United States)

2011-07-25

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. EL11-49-000] National Grid Transmission Services Corporation; Bangor Hydro Electric Company; Notice of Petition for Declaratory Order Take..., 18 CFR 385.207, National Grid Transmission Services Corporation and Bangor Hydro Electric Company...

Interconnected hydro-thermal systems - Models, methods, and applications

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hindsberger, Magnus

2003-01-01

to be performed where the uncertainty of the inflow to the hydro reservoirs is handled endogenously. In this model snow reservoirs have been added in addition to the hydro reservoirs. Using this new approach allows sampling based decomposition algorithms to be used, which have proved to be efficient in solving...

Impact of the future water value on wind-reversible hydro offering strategies in electricity markets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sánchez de la Nieta, A.A.; Contreras, J.; Catalão, J.P.S.

2015-01-01

Highlights: • A stochastic mixed integer linear model is proposed to maximize the profit and the future water value. • Conditional Value at Risk (CVaR) is used for risk-hedging. • The offer strategies analyzed are single and separate, with and without a physical connection. • The effect of considering the future water value of the reservoirs is studied for several time horizons. - Abstract: A coordinated offering strategy between a wind farm and a reversible hydro plant can reduce wind power imbalances, improving the system efficiency whilst decreasing the total imbalances. A stochastic mixed integer linear model is proposed to maximize the profit and the future water value FWV of the system using Conditional Value at Risk (CVaR) for risk-hedging. The offer strategies analyzed are: (i) single wind-reversible hydro offer with a physical connection between wind and hydro units to store spare wind energy, and (ii) separate wind and reversible hydro offers without a physical connection between them. The effect of considering the FWV of the reservoirs is studied for several time horizons: one week (168 h) and one month (720 h) using an illustrative case study. Conclusions are duly drawn from the case study to show the impact of FWV in the results.

Production inefficiency of electricity markets with hydro generation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Philpott, Andy; Guan, Ziming; Khazaei, Javad; Zakeri, Golbon

2010-01-01

Electricity market designs that decentralize decision making for participants can lead to inefficiencies in the presence of nonconvexity or missing markets. This has been shown in the case of unit-commitment problems that can make a decentralized market equilibrium less efficient than a centrally planned solution. Less attention has been focused on systems with large amounts of hydro-electric generation. We describe the results of an empirical study of the New Zealand wholesale electricity market that attempts to quantify production efficiency losses by comparing market outcomes with a counterfactual central plan. (author)

Scheduling of head-sensitive cascaded hydro systems : a comparison based on numerical simulation results

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Catalao, J.P.S.; Mariano, S.J.P.S. [Beira Interior Univ., Covilha (Portugal). Dept. of Electromechanical Engineering; Mendes, V.M.F. [Superior Engineering Inst. of Lisbon, Lisbon (Portugal). Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Automation; Ferreira, L.A.F.M. [Technical Univ. of Lisbon, Superior Technical Inst., Lisbon (Portugal). Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computers

2008-07-01

The electric power sector in Portugal and Spain has shifted from a traditional monopoly to a deregulated, competitive energy market. As such, hydroelectric facilities face the optimal challenge of how to make a profit by managing water resources without compromising future potential profit. As such, hydro scheduling is a key activity for hydroelectric power utilities because of its significant economic impact. It involves the optimal management of water inflows and storage in reservoirs. This paper considered the problem of short-term hydro scheduling, concerning head-sensitive cascaded reservoirs, and the algorithmic aspects of its solution. The authors proposed and compared optimization methods based on dynamic programming, and linear and nonlinear network programming. The comparison revealed a negligible extra computational effort in a realistic cascaded hydro system where the head depended on the stored water volume. 17 refs., 3 tabs., 7 figs.

Scheduling of head-sensitive cascaded hydro systems : a comparison based on numerical simulation results

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Catalao, J.P.S.; Mariano, S.J.P.S.; Mendes, V.M.F.; Ferreira, L.A.F.M.

2008-01-01

The electric power sector in Portugal and Spain has shifted from a traditional monopoly to a deregulated, competitive energy market. As such, hydroelectric facilities face the optimal challenge of how to make a profit by managing water resources without compromising future potential profit. As such, hydro scheduling is a key activity for hydroelectric power utilities because of its significant economic impact. It involves the optimal management of water inflows and storage in reservoirs. This paper considered the problem of short-term hydro scheduling, concerning head-sensitive cascaded reservoirs, and the algorithmic aspects of its solution. The authors proposed and compared optimization methods based on dynamic programming, and linear and nonlinear network programming. The comparison revealed a negligible extra computational effort in a realistic cascaded hydro system where the head depended on the stored water volume. 17 refs., 3 tabs., 7 figs

Mission: Partnerships - A Socially Responsible Approach for New Hydro-electric Developments

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wojczynski, Ed; Cole, Victoria; Pachal, Shawna; Goulet, Richard

2010-09-15

Worldwide there is a desire for clean, secure and renewable energy developed in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. In the Canadian province of Manitoba, where water is an abundant resource, efforts are being undertaken by Manitoba Hydro to achieve this goal through the development of new hydro-electric generating stations in partnership with Aboriginal (indigenous) communities. This paper focuses on the lessons learned by Manitoba Hydro in developing and implementing partnership agreements with northern Aboriginal communities on two new generation projects - the Wuskwatim Generation Project and the Keeyask Generation Project.

Optimal wind-hydro solution for the Marmara region of Turkey to meet electricity demand

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dursun, Bahtiyar; Alboyaci, Bora; Gokcol, Cihan

2011-01-01

Wind power technology is now a reliable electricity production system. It presents an economically attractive solution for the continuously increasing energy demand of the Marmara region located in Turkey. However, the stochastic behavior of wind speed in the Marmara region can lead to significant disharmony between wind energy production and electricity demand. Therefore, to overcome wind's variable nature, a more reliable solution would be to integrate hydropower with wind energy. In this study, a methodology to estimate an optimal wind-hydro solution is developed and it is subsequently applied to six typical different site cases in the Marmara region in order to define the most beneficial configuration of the wind-hydro system. All numerical calculations are based on the long-term wind speed measurements, electrical load demand and operational characteristics of the system components. -- Research highlights: → This study is the first application of a wind-hydro pumped storage system in Turkey. → The methodology developed in this study is applied to the six sites in the Marmara region of Turkey. A wind - hydro pumped storage system is proposed to meet the electric energy demand of the Marmara region.

The future role of hydro-electricity in Sub-Saharan Africa

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lazenby, J.B.C.

1989-01-01

Hydroelectric power currently supplies 56-93% of the electricity requirements of the different geographic areas of Sub-Saharan Africa and accounted for 73% of total requirements in 1980. The continent is richly endowed with hydro resources in all areas, with central Africa possessing the most abundant reserves. Existing installed hydro capacity is 13,500 MW and of the total technical resource of 290,000 MW, some 110,000 MW are estimated to constitute the potential that warrants investigation. The demand for electricity in the region is presently low and growing at 5-10%/y. It is projected to double from 47,000 GWh in 1980 to 110,000-170,000 GWh by the year 2000, and is likely to double again by 2020. Hydro reserves warranting investigation exceed the demand projected for the year 2000 by a ratio of over 3:1 and only 13 countries out of 36 have a ratio less than one. A large proportion of these reserves are estimated to be economic to develop relative to other means of power generation. The development of hydro resources should maintain the proportion of the demand met by hydro in the range of 60-75% well into the 21st century. The existing installed capacity is likely to be increased at the rate of 3,000-5,000 MW per decade to achieve this. Constraints on such increase include the large amounts of capital needed, environmental issues, the need to displace populations affected by flooding, and fluctuations in the oil price which make long-term planning uncertain. 5 refs., 1 fig., 11 tabs

Stochastic dynamic programming optimization of BC Hydro's system under market and hydrologic uncertainties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Druce, D.

2004-01-01

BC Hydro's installed generation capacity as of March 31, 2003 was 11,103 MW, of which 90 per cent was hydro power, 9 per cent was gas-fired and 1 per cent was non-integrated. The hydroelectric plants belong to one of three groups, the Peace River, Columbia River or small hydro which includes small to moderate sized-plants. Small hydro is controlled by hydrologic regime and storage limitations rather than by system requirements. The installed capacity for the 4 plants on the Columbia River totals 4,722 MW. The installed capacity at the 2 plants on the Peace River totals 3,424 MW. Both watersheds are subject to interior climate conditions with significant inflows from snowmelt and rainfall runoff. This presentation addressed the issue of mid-term hydro scheduling and its impact on markets. For the past 15 years, BC Hydro has used the marginal cost model for electricity trade and for operations planning. The model considers system loads and resources, and maximizes the expected net revenue over a planning horizon of 6 years. A marginal value of water stored in the Williston Reservoir has been established using the marginal cost model. The affect of weather, natural gas prices and water supply on hydro generation was also discussed. It was noted that information on spot market electricity prices has significantly improved since the electric power industry was deregulated in 1996. tabs., figs

Electrodeposition to construct free-standing chitosan/layered double hydroxides hydro-membrane for electrically triggered protein release.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhao, Pengkun; Zhao, Yanan; Xiao, Ling; Deng, Hongbing; Du, Yumin; Chen, Yun; Shi, Xiaowen

2017-10-01

In this study, we report the electrodeposition of a chitosan/layered double hydroxides (LDHs) hydro-membrane for protein release triggered by an electrical signal. The electrodeposition was performed in a chitosan and insulin loaded LDHs suspension in the absence of salt. A free-standing chitosan/LDHs hydro-membrane was generated on the electrode with improved mechanical properties, which is dramatically different from the weak hydrogel deposited in the presence of salt. The amount of LDHs in the hydro-membrane affects the optical transmittance and multilayered structure of the hybrid membrane. Compared to the weak chitosan/LDHs hydrogel, the hydro-membrane has a higher insulin loading capacity and the release of insulin is relatively slow. By biasing electrical potentials to the hydro-membrane, the release behavior of insulin can be adjusted accordingly. In addition, the chitosan/LDHs hydro-membrane showed no toxicity to cells. Our results provide a facile method to construct a chitosan/LDHs hybrid multilayered hydro-membrane and suggest the great potential of the hydro-membrane in controlled protein release. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multiple objective optimization of hydro-thermal systems using Ritz's method

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

L. Bayón Arnáu

2000-01-01

Full Text Available This paper examines the applicability of the Ritz method to multi-objective optimization of hydro-thermal systems. The algorithm proposed is aimed to minimize an objective functional that incorporates the cost of energy losses, the conventional fuel cost and the production of atmospheric emissions such as NOx and SO2 caused by the operation of fossil-fueled thermal generation. The formulation includes a general layout of hydro-plants that may form multi-chains of reservoir network.

A Hydro-Economic Model for Water Level Fluctuations: Combining Limnology with Economics for Sustainable Development of Hydropower

Science.gov (United States)

Hirsch, Philipp Emanuel; Schillinger, Sebastian; Weigt, Hannes; Burkhardt-Holm, Patricia

2014-01-01

Water level fluctuations in lakes lead to shoreline displacement. The seasonality of flooding or beaching of the littoral area affects nutrient cycling, redox gradients in sediments, and life cycles of aquatic organisms. Despite the ecological importance of water level fluctuations, we still lack a method that assesses water levels in the context of hydropower operations. Water levels in reservoirs are influenced by the operator of a hydropower plant, who discharges water through the turbines or stores water in the reservoir, in a fashion that maximizes profit. This rationale governs the seasonal operation scheme and hence determines the water levels within the boundaries of the reservoir's water balance. For progress towards a sustainable development of hydropower, the benefits of this form of electricity generation have to be weighed against the possible detrimental effects of the anthropogenic water level fluctuations. We developed a hydro-economic model that combines an economic optimization function with hydrological estimators of the water balance of a reservoir. Applying this model allowed us to accurately predict water level fluctuations in a reservoir. The hydro-economic model also allowed for scenario calculation of how water levels change with climate change scenarios and with a change in operating scheme of the reservoir (increase in turbine capacity). Further model development will enable the consideration of a variety of additional parameters, such as water withdrawal for irrigation, drinking water supply, or altered energy policies. This advances our ability to sustainably manage water resources that must meet both economic and environmental demands. PMID:25526619

A hydro-economic model for water level fluctuations: combining limnology with economics for sustainable development of hydropower.

Science.gov (United States)

Hirsch, Philipp Emanuel; Schillinger, Sebastian; Weigt, Hannes; Burkhardt-Holm, Patricia

2014-01-01

Water level fluctuations in lakes lead to shoreline displacement. The seasonality of flooding or beaching of the littoral area affects nutrient cycling, redox gradients in sediments, and life cycles of aquatic organisms. Despite the ecological importance of water level fluctuations, we still lack a method that assesses water levels in the context of hydropower operations. Water levels in reservoirs are influenced by the operator of a hydropower plant, who discharges water through the turbines or stores water in the reservoir, in a fashion that maximizes profit. This rationale governs the seasonal operation scheme and hence determines the water levels within the boundaries of the reservoir's water balance. For progress towards a sustainable development of hydropower, the benefits of this form of electricity generation have to be weighed against the possible detrimental effects of the anthropogenic water level fluctuations. We developed a hydro-economic model that combines an economic optimization function with hydrological estimators of the water balance of a reservoir. Applying this model allowed us to accurately predict water level fluctuations in a reservoir. The hydro-economic model also allowed for scenario calculation of how water levels change with climate change scenarios and with a change in operating scheme of the reservoir (increase in turbine capacity). Further model development will enable the consideration of a variety of additional parameters, such as water withdrawal for irrigation, drinking water supply, or altered energy policies. This advances our ability to sustainably manage water resources that must meet both economic and environmental demands.

A hydro-economic model for water level fluctuations: combining limnology with economics for sustainable development of hydropower.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Philipp Emanuel Hirsch

Full Text Available Water level fluctuations in lakes lead to shoreline displacement. The seasonality of flooding or beaching of the littoral area affects nutrient cycling, redox gradients in sediments, and life cycles of aquatic organisms. Despite the ecological importance of water level fluctuations, we still lack a method that assesses water levels in the context of hydropower operations. Water levels in reservoirs are influenced by the operator of a hydropower plant, who discharges water through the turbines or stores water in the reservoir, in a fashion that maximizes profit. This rationale governs the seasonal operation scheme and hence determines the water levels within the boundaries of the reservoir's water balance. For progress towards a sustainable development of hydropower, the benefits of this form of electricity generation have to be weighed against the possible detrimental effects of the anthropogenic water level fluctuations. We developed a hydro-economic model that combines an economic optimization function with hydrological estimators of the water balance of a reservoir. Applying this model allowed us to accurately predict water level fluctuations in a reservoir. The hydro-economic model also allowed for scenario calculation of how water levels change with climate change scenarios and with a change in operating scheme of the reservoir (increase in turbine capacity. Further model development will enable the consideration of a variety of additional parameters, such as water withdrawal for irrigation, drinking water supply, or altered energy policies. This advances our ability to sustainably manage water resources that must meet both economic and environmental demands.

Assessing the role of large hydro in Canada's electricity future

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee Pochih

1992-01-01

Electric power in Canada was first generated by steam in the 1880s. The use of hydroelectricity spread rapidly due to abundant water resources and the nationalization of power companies by the provinces; by 1920, 97% of Canadian electricity production came from hydroelectric plants. Thermal generation became competitive by the 1960s, when most of the best hydro sites had been developed, and nuclear generation also started gaining a share of the market. By 1991, hydroelectricity's share of Canadian power production had declined to around 60%. Hydroelectric power has long been used as an instrument of Canadian industrial policy. Given the amount and importance of utility capital expenditures, it was recognized that hydropower development could serve such policy objectives as job creation, industrial development, and macroeconomic stabilization. Creation of provincially owned utilities led to construction of large hydroelectric projects, notably in Quebec, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Newfoundland. The 20 largest hydroelectric power plants in Canada have a total installed capacity of 35,704 MW, representing ca 59% of Canada's total 1991 hydro capacity. The construction of such large projects is not expected to proceed as quickly as in the past because of environmental concerns. However, a number of factors favor continuation of development of hydro resources: a remaining potential estimated at ca 44,000 MW; simplification of electricity export regulations; more stringent air pollution standards that favor non-polluting energy sources; and a moratorium on nuclear power plants in Ontario. 4 tabs

Hydro-Quebec strategic plan 2006-2010

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2006-01-01

Hydro-Quebec produces, transmits and distributes electricity through the use of renewable energy sources, particularly hydroelectricity. It also conducts research in energy related fields. This document listed the strategic plan for Hydro-Quebec's 4 main divisions: Hydro-Quebec Production, Hydro-Quebec TransEnergie, Hydro-Quebec Distribution and Hydro-Quebec Energy Society of Bay James. The 2006 to 2010 strategic plan continues to focus on 3 main priorities: energy efficiency; complementary development of hydroelectricity and wind power; and, technological innovation. Hydro-Quebec's objectives also include strengthening the security of Quebec's energy supply and making use of energy as a lever for economic development. The plan for Hydro-Quebec Production calls for accelerating the development of major hydroelectric projects and promoting other renewable forms of energy such as wind power and ensuring the efficiency and reliability of the generating fleet. The utility's objective is to reach 4.7 TWh in energy savings by 2010 and to work toward a target of 8 TWh by 2015. The plan also involves a portfolio of hydroelectric projects totaling 5,400 MW. The plan includes complementary development and integration of 4,000 MW of windpower by 2015. The plan for Hydro-Quebec TransEnergie calls for system reliability and becoming a world benchmark for quality and reliability in wind power integration and deployment of new technologies to enhance performance. The plan for Hydro-Quebec Distribution calls for more efficient use of electricity, increase customer satisfaction and meet electricity needs through the use of renewable energy sources. The utility has made a commitment for 2006 to 2010 to a net income of $2.5 billion per year for a total of $12.5 billion, and a capital investment of 19.4 billion. This paper outlined the contribution of each division to net income and listed the economic benefits for the 2006 to 2010 period. In 2006, the Quebec Energy Board authorized

Stochastic dynamic programming optimization of BC Hydro's system under market and hydrologic uncertainties

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Druce, D. [British Columbia Hydro, Vancouver, BC (Canada)

2004-07-01

BC Hydro's installed generation capacity as of March 31, 2003 was 11,103 MW, of which 90 per cent was hydro power, 9 per cent was gas-fired and 1 per cent was non-integrated. The hydroelectric plants belong to one of three groups, the Peace River, Columbia River or small hydro which includes small to moderate sized-plants. Small hydro is controlled by hydrologic regime and storage limitations rather than by system requirements. The installed capacity for the 4 plants on the Columbia River totals 4,722 MW. The installed capacity at the 2 plants on the Peace River totals 3,424 MW. Both watersheds are subject to interior climate conditions with significant inflows from snowmelt and rainfall runoff. This presentation addressed the issue of mid-term hydro scheduling and its impact on markets. For the past 15 years, BC Hydro has used the marginal cost model for electricity trade and for operations planning. The model considers system loads and resources, and maximizes the expected net revenue over a planning horizon of 6 years. A marginal value of water stored in the Williston Reservoir has been established using the marginal cost model. The affect of weather, natural gas prices and water supply on hydro generation was also discussed. It was noted that information on spot market electricity prices has significantly improved since the electric power industry was deregulated in 1996. tabs., figs.

Ecological aspects of the hydro power industry and possible means to improve ecological conditions of water reservoirs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chaika, A.

1997-01-01

In this report the analyse a hydro power generating structure as a multitask water management scheme and its environmental impact of water users was viewed. It is possible to improve sanitary, biological and hydraulic condition of reservoirs and limit water overgrowing by implementing the following set of measures: 1) limitation of poorly purified and non-organic discharges in these reservoirs by implementing purification structures; 2) construction of accumulation reservoirs for sewage water planted with plants-biological accumulators with consequent periodic removal of these plants; use of purificated water for irrigation; 3) limitation of biogens coming with agricultural drainage water; 4) annual removal of water plants in shallow places of reservoirs; 5) removal of silt (cleaning of the bottom) where technically possible; 6) aeration of reservoirs or their parts, especially shallow areas, including recreation areas; 7) controlled development of flora and fauna of reservoirs and neighbouring territories; it has been discovered that plant-eating fish has useful impact as biological purificatiors; 8) processing of seston (weighted plankton and remains of organisms) and water plants to get different producers (forage additions for animals, albumin-vitamin additions, chlorophyll and carotene paste, pharmaceutical materials and forage yeast). Development of silt removal technology is a very sharp problem especially for particular areas of Kiev reservoir contaminated with radioactive waste

Electricity production by hydro power plants: possibilities of forecasting

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Barkans, J.; Zicmane, I.

2004-01-01

Hydro energy accounts for 17% of global electricity production and is the most important source of renewable energies actively used today, being at the same time the least influential ecologically. Its only disadvantages is that this kind of energy is difficult to forecast, which hinders not only the planning of tariffs, year budgets and investments, but also contractual negotiations in particular month. The paper shows that the forecasting of hydro energy production can be linked to certain natural processes, namely, to the cyclic behaviour observed for water flows of the world's rivers. The authors propose a method according to which the forecasting procedure is performed using the data of observations as signals applied to special digital filters transforming the water flow process into integral and differential forms, which after appropriate treatment are expected again in usual water flow units. For this purpose the water flow integral function is to be divided, by means of spectral analysis, into 'low-frequency' (with a semi-period of 44 years) and 'high-frequency' (4-6 year semi-periods) components, which are of different origin. Each of them should be forecasted separately, with the following summation of the results. In the research it is shown that the cyclic fluctuations of world rivers' water flows are directly associated with variations in the Solar activity. (authors)

Modeling Reservoir-River Networks in Support of Optimizing Seasonal-Scale Reservoir Operations

Science.gov (United States)

Villa, D. L.; Lowry, T. S.; Bier, A.; Barco, J.; Sun, A.

2011-12-01

HydroSCOPE (Hydropower Seasonal Concurrent Optimization of Power and the Environment) is a seasonal time-scale tool for scenario analysis and optimization of reservoir-river networks. Developed in MATLAB, HydroSCOPE is an object-oriented model that simulates basin-scale dynamics with an objective of optimizing reservoir operations to maximize revenue from power generation, reliability in the water supply, environmental performance, and flood control. HydroSCOPE is part of a larger toolset that is being developed through a Department of Energy multi-laboratory project. This project's goal is to provide conventional hydropower decision makers with better information to execute their day-ahead and seasonal operations and planning activities by integrating water balance and operational dynamics across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. This presentation details the modeling approach and functionality of HydroSCOPE. HydroSCOPE consists of a river-reservoir network model and an optimization routine. The river-reservoir network model simulates the heat and water balance of river-reservoir networks for time-scales up to one year. The optimization routine software, DAKOTA (Design Analysis Kit for Optimization and Terascale Applications - dakota.sandia.gov), is seamlessly linked to the network model and is used to optimize daily volumetric releases from the reservoirs to best meet a set of user-defined constraints, such as maximizing revenue while minimizing environmental violations. The network model uses 1-D approximations for both the reservoirs and river reaches and is able to account for surface and sediment heat exchange as well as ice dynamics for both models. The reservoir model also accounts for inflow, density, and withdrawal zone mixing, and diffusive heat exchange. Routing for the river reaches is accomplished using a modified Muskingum-Cunge approach that automatically calculates the internal timestep and sub-reach lengths to match the conditions of

Mini hydro electric power stations Lukar 1,2,3,4: Public enterprise (JP) Komunalec

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Stojanova, Blagica

2004-01-01

The role of the Public enterprises in improving entire living conditions of the citizens, not only by its services towards the citizenship such as: water supplying and public hygiene but the opportunity to produce the electric power by the Mini hydro electric-power stations built on the main city water supply pipes. The paper presents experiences of building the mini hydro electric power stations Lukar 1,2,3,4. The successful completion of this project should be a motivation for building more electric power stations because there are great water potential in the Republic of Macedonia i.e. there have been recorded more than a hundred places suitable for construction of power electric stations. This will contribute not only for clean ecological energy but will have a direct influence on the total economic development of the Republic of Macedonia. (Author)

A Spatial Decision Support System to incorporate hydro-economic modeling results in the management of water resources under decentralized institutional arrangements in a semiarid reservoir region in Brazil

Science.gov (United States)

Alcoforado de Moraes, Márcia; Silva, Gerald; Siegmund-Schultze, Marianna

2017-04-01

The integration of economic and hydrological components in models, aimed to support evaluating alternatives of water allocation policies, is promising, though, challenging. Worldwide, these models have been used primarily in academia, and so far seldom by water managers for practical purposes. Ideally, the models should be available through a Decision Support System. The São Francisco River Basin in Northeast of Brazil has around 48% of its area in a semi-arid region. Irrigation and public water supply are the primary water use sectors, along with hydropower utilization. The water for electricity generation is stored in two large reservoirs, built 30 to 50 years ago under the premise of regulating flows for hydropower and controlling floods. Since 20 years, however, the law stipulates the multiple uses paradigm in a participatory and decentralized way. So far, only few rules laid down. Studies revealed that most of the respective institutions still needed to update their routines to the new paradigm. A hydro-economic model was developed and applied in order to determine the economically optimal water allocation of main users in that semiarid reservoir region. In order to make this model available to the decision makers, a minimum required is some form of manipulating data entry and output as well as some graphical interfaces. We propose and present the first features of a Spatial Decision Support System (SDSS) with dedicated hydro-economic modules in a web-based Geographic Information System (GIS) environment for integrated water resource management. The open model platform should include geoprocessing tasks and water user related data management. The hydro-economic geoprocessing will link to generic optimization modeling systems, such as EXCEL Solver, GAMS and MATLAB. The institutions are deliberating or deciding over water allocation at different scales could use the generated information on potential economic benefits as a transparent basis for discussion. In

Environmental management in the Hydro-Electric Commission

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Scanlon, A.

1995-01-01

The Tasmanian Hydro Electric Commission (HEC) is a large and diverse organization, providing electricity generation, transmission, distribution and retail services throughout Tasmania. It is a significant manager of Tasmania's land and water resources and, as a consequence, has important environmental responsibilities. This paper outlines the background to conflict with the environmental movement over power generation development projects in south western Tasmania and the development of an environmental policy. As part of the environmental policy, the HEC has prepared environmental reviews, audits and risk assessment and is currently developing and implementing a comprehensive environmental management system. The HEC sees the introduction of the environmental management system as demonstrating a commitment to continuing environmental improvement and in establishing itself as a Tasmanian and national leader in the area of environmental management. 1 tab., 2 figs., 4 refs

A 100% renewable electricity generation system for New Zealand utilising hydro, wind, geothermal and biomass resources

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mason, I.G.; Page, S.C.; Williamson, A.G.

2010-01-01

The New Zealand electricity generation system is dominated by hydro generation at approximately 60% of installed capacity between 2005 and 2007, augmented with approximately 32% fossil-fuelled generation, plus minor contributions from geothermal, wind and biomass resources. In order to explore the potential for a 100% renewable electricity generation system with substantially increased levels of wind penetration, fossil-fuelled electricity production was removed from an historic 3-year data set, and replaced by modelled electricity production from wind, geothermal and additional peaking options. Generation mixes comprising 53-60% hydro, 22-25% wind, 12-14% geothermal, 1% biomass and 0-12% additional peaking generation were found to be feasible on an energy and power basis, whilst maintaining net hydro storage. Wind capacity credits ranged from 47% to 105% depending upon the incorporation of demand management, and the manner of operation of the hydro system. Wind spillage was minimised, however, a degree of residual spillage was considered to be an inevitable part of incorporating non-dispatchable generation into a stand-alone grid system. Load shifting was shown to have considerable advantages over installation of new peaking plant. Application of the approach applied in this research to countries with different energy resource mixes is discussed, and options for further research are outlined.

Hydro under shock

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Maffezzini, I.; Pineault, E.; Poirier, M.

1997-01-01

A discussion of the potential privatisation of Hydro-Quebec, and of the motivation to do so, was presented. The creation of Hydro-Quebec resulted from the nationalization in 1963 of all major electricity producers in the province of Quebec. Since its inception, Hydro-Quebec has gone through many episodes of restructuring but none more far reaching in extent, or in consequences, than the present one. The current deregulation of the electrical industry in Quebec, and the potential commercialization of Hydro-Quebec is considered to be a natural and inevitable result of the current global trend towards competition in the power industry and the demand for greater consumer choice. 1 tab

Combined hydro-wind generation bids in a pool-based electricity market

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Angarita, Jorge L.; Usaola, Julio; Martinez-Crespo, Jorge

2009-01-01

Present regulatory trends are promoting the direct participation of wind energy in electricity markets. The final result of these markets sets the production scheduling for the operation time, including a power commitment from the wind generators. However, wind resources are uncertain, and the final power delivered usually differs from the initial power committed. This imbalance produces an overcost in the system, which must be paid by those who produce it, e.g., wind generators among others. As a result, wind farm revenue decreases, but it could increase by allowing wind farms to submit their bids to the markets together with a hydro generating unit, which may easily modify its production according to the expected imbalance. This paper presents a stochastic optimization technique that maximizes the joint profit of hydro and wind generators in a pool-based electricity market, taking into account the uncertainty of wind power prediction. (author)

Hydro and After: The Canadian Experience with the Organization, Nationalization and Deregulation of Electrical Utilities

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nelles, Henry Vivian

2003-01-01

This paper surveys the process of nationalization and some recent steps towards denationalization in a distinctive Canadian institutional setting, the provincial hydro-electric power utilities. The richest, most industrialized central province, Ontario, established a dynamic publicly owned electric generation and distribution system before World War I. Most other provinces developed variations of the regulatory model to govern private monopolies until the post World War II period when widespread nationalization at the provincial level created a near universal pattern of state owned electric companies. Recently, the process of dismantling state monopolies in this sector has begun in two provinces, one where public ownership was weakest, and the other where the concept of 'provincial hydro' was born

MEA [Municipal Electric Association] declares opposition to 1991 Ontario Hydro rate increase

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anon.

1991-01-01

In hearings before the Ontario Energy Board, the Municipal Electric Association (MEA) called for an average 1992 rate increase of 10.3%, lower than Ontario Hydro's revised figure of 10.4%, and a $129 million reduction in its operations, maintenance and administration budget. As it has been noted that Hydro pays considerably higher wages than the surrounding reference community, MEA recommended that the utility reduce and eventually eliminate the premium paid to employees, and also called for staff reductions and layoffs for 1991 and 1992. In the area of transmission reliability, MEA stated that Ontario Hydro's transmission maintenance is suffering at the expense of other priorities, and called for reorganizing its transmission plan to achieve target performance by 1996 rather than 1999. In 1991, only 65-70% of maintenance targets were being achieved. MEA also accused Hydro of deferring operational expenditures into deferment and capitalization, creating a false picture of the utility's financial condition. Also discussed at the hearing were the possible overestimating of the effects of Ontario Hydro's demand management programs, the possibility that a shift to time-of-use rates for industrial customers may increase demand, a downgrading of the province's and the utility's credit rating, and the unpleasant side effects of the non-utility generation program

Role of pump hydro in electric power systems

Science.gov (United States)

Bessa, R.; Moreira, C.; Silva, B.; Filipe, J.; Fulgêncio, N.

2017-04-01

This paper provides an overview of the expected role that variable speed hydro power plants can have in future electric power systems characterized by a massive integration of highly variable sources. Therefore, it is discussed the development of a methodology for optimising the operation of hydropower plants under increasing contribution from new renewable energy sources, addressing the participation of a hydropower plant with variable speed pumping in reserve markets. Complementarily, it is also discussed the active role variable speed generators can have in the provision of advanced frequency regulation services.

The business for power : hydro-electricity in southeastern British Columbia 1897-1997

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mouat, J.

1997-01-01

The evolution and development of the hydroelectric power industry in southeastern British Columbia was chronicled by recounting the first hundred years of the West Kootenay Power and Light Electrical Utility. The utility's first generator produced electricity in the summer of 1898 when hydro-electric companies were a new phenomenon. The factors behind the success of the company, the personalities of the promoters and entrepreneurs that launched the company, the complex interplay of unique events and the social and political context that illustrate a fascinating process in which electricity became an integral part of everyday life, are described. Refs., tabs., figs

A Percolation Study of Wettability Effect on the Electrical Properties of Reservoir Rocks

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Zhou, Dengen; Arbabi, Sepehr; Stenby, Erling Halfdan

1997-01-01

Measurements of the electrical resistivity of oil reservoirs are commonly used to estimate other properties of reservoirs, such as porosity and hydrocarbon reserves. However, the interpretation of the measurements is based on empirical correlations, because the underlying mechanisms that control...... the electrical properties of oil bearing rocks have not been well understood. In this paper, we employ percolation concepts to investigate the effect of wettability on the electrical conductivity of a reservoir formation. A three-dimensional simple cubic network is used to represent an ideal reservoir formation...

Hydro-Quebec proudly celebrates 50 years of service

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anon.

1994-01-01

The history of the electric utility Hydro-Quebec is reviewed from its creation in 1944 as the Hydroelectric Commission of Quebec. The utility inherited an installed capacity of 696 MW and it first went about standardizing electricity supply conditions and establishing equal rates in the Montreal area. It began major construction projects in the mid-1950s with the Bersimis and Carillon hydroelectric plants. By 1962, installed capacity reached 3,657 MW. In 1963, Hydro-Quebec bought 10 private electricity distribution companies, 45 cooperatives, and a series of private or municipal systems. In 1965, the utility commissioned the world's first 735-kV transmission line. In 1967, Hydro-Quebec opened its research institute, and another laboratory specializing in electrotechnologies was opened in 1987. The 1970s were noted for the James Bay hydroelectric projects, the development of which was eventually governed by the landmark James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement of 1975. Electricity exports greatly expanded in the 1970s and early 1980s as larger hydroelectric projects came on stream. Challenges of the 1990s include service quality, environmental issues, energy efficiency, and conservation. Hydro-Quebec's Energy Efficiency Project has a target of annual savings of 9.3 TWh by the year 2000. Energy efficiency and power system upgrading are priorities for serving future customer needs. Hydro-Quebec continues to promote hydroelectric power as the cheapest, most environmentally benign form of energy and future generating stations in progress include phase II of the LaGrande complex (to be completed 1996). 2 figs

BC hydro: Annual report, 1991-1992

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

1992-01-01

The third largest electric utility in Canada, B.C. Hydro services almost 1.3 million customers in an area containing over 92 per cent of British Columbia's population. B.C. Hydro's mission is to generate, transmit and distribute electricity. This annual report covers the business and financial performance of B.C. Hydro, and financial statistics.

Small hydro takes stock of a dozen years of activity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Leutwiler, H.

2000-01-01

This short article discusses a survey that takes stock of the investments made in small hydro schemes in Switzerland since 1985 and the structural changes in this area that have occurred. Typical figures are given for investments and the increase in energy production that have resulted. The various possibilities for the realisation of small hydro installations are discussed including pressure-reduction turbines, the use of turbines in drinking water and wastewater systems. The importance of the sale of the electricity thus generated as 'green' power is noted. The potential of this form of electricity generation in a liberalised electricity market and the obstacles placed in its way are discuss

Hydro makes the most of driftwood

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shinjo, Takahisa [Electric Power Development Company, Tokyo (Japan)

2001-05-01

The Electric Power Development Company (EPDC), which owns and operates 58 hydro power plants and controls 40 reservoirs, is reaping benefits from the driftwood collected from the reservoirs. Large amounts of driftwood, litter and illegally dumped wastes are removed from the company's reservoirs every year. The driftwood was previously incinerated but a new processing system is now used which is more cost-effective and has less impact on the environment. EPDC has installed carbonisation kilns and chipping systems at a number of its sites. The end-products (charcoal, wood vinegar and chips) are sold to offset the costs of driftwood processing. The properties of driftwood charcoal make it suitable for a number of applications (eg absorption, deodorisation, soil improvement and humidity control), while pulverised charcoal is sold as a fuel, as a deodorant for drinking water and for humidity control sheets. The wood vinegar has been used as a preservative, in insecticides and to promote plant growth. Refining the wood vinegar has allowed EPDC to develop cosmetics and face creams. Chips are sold to a plywood manufacturer or used as an organic fertiliser.

Impacts of hydro-electric reservoir on populations of caribou and grizzly bear in southern British Columbia

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Simpson, K.

1987-02-01

The impacts of a hydroelectric reservoir on populations of caribou and grizzly bear were studied north of Revelstoke, British Columbia. Information collected for 3 years prior to flooding was compared with data collected in 1984-85. The reservoir did not obstruct movement of caribou and animals did not attempt crossing during periods when ice conditions were hazardous. Evidence suggested that predator avoidance was the most important determinant of habitats used in spring. The cleared reservoir was an important habitat for caribou in the spring because of the abundant food and security from predators it offered. A potential decline in caribou recruitment was noted in 1985 coincident with reservoir flooding. Mitigative recommendations include clearing logged areas adjacent to formerly used reservoir habitats and maintaining movement corridors of mature timber between seasonal habitats. Inconclusive evidence suggested that the reservoir was a barrier to grizzly movement. Spring movements of grizzly were mainly related to finding good feeding sites. Avalanche paths in side drainages were the principal habitats used. Cleared areas did provide an abundance of food comparable to naturally disturbed habitats. The main impact of flooding was to shift habitat use of bears from relatively secure areas in the reservoir to high-risk habitats on the highway and power line rights-of-way. Mitigative recommendations include reducing the attractiveness of those rights-of-way and maintaining spring ranges in tributary valleys by careful development planning. 14 refs., 7 figs., 17 tabs

Impacts of hydro-electric reservoir on populations of caribou and grizzly bear in southern British Columbia

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Simpson, K.

1987-02-01

The impacts of a hydroelectric reservoir on populations of caribou and grizzly bear were studied north of Revelstoke, British Columbia. Information collected for 3 years prior to flooding was compared with data collected in 1984-85. The reservoir did not obstruct movement of caribou and animals did not attempt crossing during periods when ice conditions were hazardous. Evidence suggested that predator avoidance was the most important determinant of habitats used in spring. The cleared reservoir was an important habitat for caribou in the spring because of the abundant food and security from predators it offered. A potential decline in caribou recruitment was noted in 1985 coincident with reservoir flooding. Mitigative recommendations include clearing logged areas adjacent to formerly used reservoir habitats and maintaining movement corridors of mature timber between seasonal habitats. Inconclusive evidence suggested that the reservoir was a barrier to grizzly movement. Spring movements of grizzly were mainly related to finding good feeding sites. Avalanche paths in side drainages were the principal habitats used. Cleared areas did provide an abundance of food comparable to naturally disturbed habitats. The main impact of flooding was to shift habitat use of bears from relatively secure areas in the reservoir to high-risk habitats on the highway and power line rights-of-way. Mitigative recommendations include reducing the attractiveness of those rights-of-way and maintaining spring ranges in tributary valleys by careful development planning. 14 refs., 7 figs., 17 tabs.

Ontario Hydro annual report 1985

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1986-04-01

Ontario Hydro is a corporation without share capital created by a special statute of the Province of Ontario in 1906. It now operates under the authority of the Power Corporation Act, R.S.O. 1980, Chapter 384, as amended, with broad powers to generate, supply and deliver electric power throughout the province. It is also authorized to produce and sell steam and hot water as primary products. The Corporation's prime objective is to supply the people of Ontario with electricity at the lowest feasible cost consistent with high safety and quality of service standards. Ontario Hydro's main activity is wholesaling electric power to municipal utilities in urban areas who, in turn, retail it to customers in their service areas. In 1985, approximately 3,166,000 customers were served by Ontario Hydro and the municipal utilities in the province. Ontario Hydro operates 81 hydraulic, fossil and nuclear generating stations and an extensive power grid across Ontario to meet the province's demands for electric energy. Interconnections with other systems place the Corporation in an extensive electrical grid that covers a large segment of the North American continent. Ontario Hydro is a financially self-sustaining corporation. The Province of Ontario guarantees bonds and notes issued to the public by the Corporation

Report on the renewal of the hydro-electric concessions; Rapport sur le renouvellement des concessions hydroelectriques

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2006-11-15

The administrative procedures of the renewable of the hydro-electric concessions in France is a real problem, leading to too long time of the case files examination. This mission aimed to identify the technical and financial criteria on which the decision maker will base his choice to give the concessions renewal. This report exposes the evaluation and the recommendations of the mission. The first part establishes an evaluation of the situation of the hydro-electric concessions and the today renewal procedures. The second part presents a analysis of this situation and the recommendations. The last part brings the conclusions. (A.L.B.)

Hydro-mechanically coupled finite-element analysis of the stability of a fractured-rock slope using the equivalent continuum approach: a case study of planned reservoir banks in Blaubeuren, Germany

Science.gov (United States)

Song, Jie; Dong, Mei; Koltuk, Serdar; Hu, Hui; Zhang, Luqing; Azzam, Rafig

2018-05-01

Construction works associated with the building of reservoirs in mountain areas can damage the stability of adjacent valley slopes. Seepage processes caused by the filling and drawdown operations of reservoirs also affect the stability of the reservoir banks over time. The presented study investigates the stability of a fractured-rock slope subjected to seepage forces in the lower basin of a planned pumped-storage hydropower (PSH) plant in Blaubeuren, Germany. The investigation uses a hydro-mechanically coupled finite-element analyses. For this purpose, an equivalent continuum model is developed by using a representative elementary volume (REV) approach. To determine the minimum required REV size, a large number of discrete fracture networks are generated using Monte Carlo simulations. These analyses give a REV size of 28 × 28 m, which is sufficient to represent the equivalent hydraulic and mechanical properties of the investigated fractured-rock mass. The hydro-mechanically coupled analyses performed using this REV size show that the reservoir operations in the examined PSH plant have negligible effect on the adjacent valley slope.

Hydro-mechanically coupled finite-element analysis of the stability of a fractured-rock slope using the equivalent continuum approach: a case study of planned reservoir banks in Blaubeuren, Germany

Science.gov (United States)

Song, Jie; Dong, Mei; Koltuk, Serdar; Hu, Hui; Zhang, Luqing; Azzam, Rafig

2017-12-01

Construction works associated with the building of reservoirs in mountain areas can damage the stability of adjacent valley slopes. Seepage processes caused by the filling and drawdown operations of reservoirs also affect the stability of the reservoir banks over time. The presented study investigates the stability of a fractured-rock slope subjected to seepage forces in the lower basin of a planned pumped-storage hydropower (PSH) plant in Blaubeuren, Germany. The investigation uses a hydro-mechanically coupled finite-element analyses. For this purpose, an equivalent continuum model is developed by using a representative elementary volume (REV) approach. To determine the minimum required REV size, a large number of discrete fracture networks are generated using Monte Carlo simulations. These analyses give a REV size of 28 × 28 m, which is sufficient to represent the equivalent hydraulic and mechanical properties of the investigated fractured-rock mass. The hydro-mechanically coupled analyses performed using this REV size show that the reservoir operations in the examined PSH plant have negligible effect on the adjacent valley slope.

Small steps for hydro

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wicke, Peter

1998-01-01

The government in Peru has decided to utilise its gas reserves and restrict hydro to relatively small schemes. A number of reasons for the decision are given. In 1997, the Shell-Mobile-Bechtel-COSAPI consortium was formed and agreements were signed regarding exploiting Gas de Camisea. The country's energy needs to 2010 are being assessed. It is likely that by 2001 the whole of south Peru will be receiving gas from Camisea. The Peru situation is discussed under the headings of (i) existing capacity, (ii) growing demands, (iii) a history of hydro in Peru, (iv) electrification and SHP and (v) outlook. The future for Peru's electric energy development is bright. While most of its new power capacity will come from natural gas, the small hydros also have a part to play. A stronger commitment of national and regional political authorities to consider supplies outside the big cities is said to be needed. (UK)

Preliminary study for a drinking-water hydro-power station in Raron, Switzerland; Vorstudie Trinkwasserkraftwerk 'Moos', Gemeinde Raron VS

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Loretan, F. [Schneider - Bregy und Partner AG, Raron, (Switzerland); Hiller, B. [Ryser Ingenieure AG, Berne (Switzerland)

2006-07-01

This final report for the Small Hydro Programme of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) presents the concept for the augmentation of an existing drinking-water-powered small hydro-electric project with an additional installation that is to use the overflow-water of a reservoir to drive a 75 kW Pelton turbine. The paper discusses the hydraulic situation and describes the installations proposed. Energy production and the costs involved are listed and commented on. Water in drinking-water quality from the Loetschberg railway tunnel is also to be used in the system.

Mini hydro power in Peninsular Malaysia - the past, present and future

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bhaskar Kannan

2006-01-01

The early development of mini hydro development in Peninsular Malaysia was carried out by the National Electricity Board (NEB) and the projects developed in the 50s and 60s were Ulu Langat (Selangor), Sempam, Kg. Raja , Kuala Terla, and Robinson Falls (all in Pahang). In the 70s the main effort of hydropower development was concentrated on developing major hydropower projects not only to cater to the country increasing demand for electricity but also to the country needs for flood control. This development was feverishly carried out on the Perak River and the prohects built were Temenggor (384 MW), Bersia (72 MW), Kenering (20 MW), Sg Piah (70 MW) and the Kenyir (400 MW) project in Sungai Terengganu. In late 1970s, the government was keen to electrify the rural areas of Peninsular Malaysia and mini hydro power development was thought of as an option to provide electricity to these areas. The Mini Hydro Department of National Electricity Board (MHD) was then formed to undertake the task of planning, developing and implementing mini hydro projects to meet this government aspiration. Table 1 shows the list of projects identified and implemented and its status

Value of pumped hydro storage in a hybrid energy generation and allocation system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kocaman, Ayse Selin; Modi, Vijay

2017-01-01

Highlights: •We propose a two-stage stochastic mixed-integer programming model for a hybrid energy system. •We investigate the solar and PHES integration considering the streamflow uncertainty. •We study the benefit of PHES system over conventional hydropower systems to support solar. •We examine the role of PHES systems in both isolated and connected systems. -- Abstract: Transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources is inevitable. In this direction, variation and intermittency of renewables can be integrated into the grid by means of hybrid systems that operate as a combination of alternative resources, energy storage and long distance transmission lines. In this study, we propose a two-stage stochastic mixed-integer programming model for sizing an integrated hybrid energy system, in which intermittent solar generation in demand points is supported by pumped hydro storage (PHES) systems and diesel is used as an expensive back-up source. PHES systems work as a combination of pumped storage and conventional hydropower stations since there is also natural streamflow coming to the upper reservoirs that shows significant seasonal and inter-annual variability and uncertainty. With several case studies from India, we examine the role of high hydropower potential in the Himalaya Mountains to support solar energy generation in the form of pumped hydro or conventional hydro system while meeting the demand at various scales. We show that pumped hydro storage can keep the diesel contribution to meet the demand less than 10%, whereas this number can go up to more than 50% for conventional systems where the streamflow potential is limited compared to the demand. We also examine the role of pumped hydro systems in both isolated and connected systems (through inter-regional transmission lines) and show that the benefit of pumped hydro is more significant in isolated systems and resource-sharing in connected systems can substitute for energy storage. In addition, with

Small hydro-electric potential: west Poverty Bay region

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

1981-07-01

This study has identified six schemes in the Bay of Plenty Electric Power Board area and two in the Poverty Bay Electric Power Board area, of which five and one, respectively, are below the economic limit of $2400/kW suggested by the Ministry of Works and Development as of December 1979. Of these, only three appear both economically and environmentally acceptable. The Takaputahi and Torere schemes are not likely to proceed if the Ministry of Works and Development continue with their plans to develop the Motu River. Furthermore, the Motu Falls scheme is unlikely to proceed for environmental reasons. The schemes identified are not very attractive on the national scale and could not be justified on local terms. However, a detailed feasibility study of the Takaputahi/Torere diversion should be undertaken prior to a decision being made to proceed with the Motu development, or if the proposals are dropped. The present low load and slow growth of the area is such that prior to a small hydro-electric scheme being built, there would need to be an established demand for power.

Secured electrical supply at least cost: Coal, gas, nuclear, hydro

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gavor, J. [ENA Ltd., Prague (Czechoslovakia); Stary, O.; Vasicek, J. [Czech Technical Univ., Prague (Czechoslovakia)

1995-12-01

Electric power sector in East Central European countries finds in a difficult period. In the situation of demand stagnation, enormous investments must be realized in a very short time. Today`s decisions in the development strategy will influence the long term future of the industry. The optimal structure of the sources is one of the most important problem to be solved. Paper describes the current structure of the sources in electric power sector in the Czech Republic. The importance of coal, oil and gas, nuclear and hydro in electric power generation is compared. Taking into account the different position in the load coverage, economy of individual sources is evaluated and basic results of discounted cash flow calculations are presented. Information on specific investment programs and projects are included and further trends are estimated.

Realisation of a small-scale hydro-power plant between two drinking water reservoirs in the municipality of Vira Gambarogno - Feasibility study; Realizzazione di una microcentrale idroelettrica sulla condotta di adduzione tra il serbatoio Monti di Fosano e il serbatoio Fosano. Programma piccole centrali idrauliche. Studio di fattibilita

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mutti, M.

2009-02-15

This report for the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) takes a look at a project for the realisation of a small hydro-power plant on the drinking water supply in the municipality of Vira Gambarogno, southern Switzerland. The old conduit connecting two drinking water reservoirs has to be replaced. The elevation difference of 260 m is favorable to the installation of a turbine near the lower reservoir. The report presents details on the hydrological data and the dimensioning of the installation. Several variants are considered, which also include the possible reconstruction of the lower reservoir and/or an increased water flow rate from the springs. The electricity production expected is discussed, as is the economic viability of the project.

Romanian achievement in hydro-power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cardu, M.; Bara, T.

1998-01-01

This paper briefly deals with the achievements relating to Hydro-electric Power Plants within the process of development of the National Power System in Romania. Also presented is the Romanian industry contribution to hydro-electrical power plant equipment manufacturing. (author)

Hydro-energy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bacher, P.; Tardieu, B.

2005-01-01

The first part of this study concerns the different type of hydraulic works. The second part presents the big hydro-energy, its advantages and disadvantages, the industrial risks, the electric power transport network, the economy and the development perspectives. The third part presents the little hydro-energy, its advantages and disadvantages, the decentralized production and the development perspectives. (A.L.B.)

The contribution of small hydro power stations to the electricity generation in Greece: Technical and economic considerations

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kaldellis, J.K.

2007-01-01

Hydropower is the most widely used renewable energy source worldwide, contributing almost with 18.5% to the fulfillment of the planet electricity generation. However, most locations in Europe appropriate for the installation of large hydro power stations have already been exploited. Furthermore, there is a significant local communities' opposition towards new large power stations; hence, small hydro power stations remain one of the most attractive opportunities for further utilization of the available hydro potential. Greece and more precisely the country's mainland possesses a significant hydro-power potential which is up to now only partially exploited. In parallel, a large number of private investors have officially expressed their interest in creating small hydro power stations throughout the country, encouraged by the significant Greek State subsidy opportunities for renewable energy applications. However, up to now a relatively small number of projects have been realized, mainly due to decision-making problems, like the administrative bureaucracy, the absence of a rational national water resources management plan and the over-sizing of the proposed installations. Certainly, if the above problems are suitably treated, small hydro-power plants can be proved considerably profitable investments, contributing also remarkably to the national electricity balance and replacing heavy polluting lignite and imported oil. In the context of the above interesting issues, the present study reviews in detail the existing situation of small hydropower plants in Greece and investigates their future prospects as far as the energy, economic and environmental contribution are concerned

DAILY SCHEDULING OF SMALL HYDRO POWER PLANTS DISPATCH WITH MODIFIED PARTICLES SWARM OPTIMIZATION

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sinvaldo Rodrigues Moreno

2015-04-01

Full Text Available This paper presents a new approach for short-term hydro power scheduling of reservoirs using an algorithm-based Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO. PSO is a population-based algorithm designed to find good solutions to optimization problems, its characteristics have encouraged its adoption to tackle a variety of problems in different fields. In this paper the authors consider an optimization problem related to a daily scheduling of small hydro power dispatch. The goal is construct a feasible solution that maximize the cascade electricity production, following the environmental constraints and water balance. The paper proposes an improved Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO algorithm, which takes advantage of simplicity and facility of implementation. The algorithm was successfully applied to the optimization of the daily schedule strategies of small hydro power plants, considering maximum water utilization and all constraints related to simultaneous water uses. Extensive computational tests and comparisons with other heuristics methods showed the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Climate change: impacts on electricity markets in Western Europe.

Science.gov (United States)

Golombek, Rolf; Kittelsen, Sverre A C; Haddeland, Ingjerd

This paper studies some impacts of climate change on electricity markets, focusing on three climate effects. First, demand for electricity is affected because of changes in the temperature. Second, changes in precipitation and temperature have impact on supply of hydro electric production through a shift in the inflow of water. Third, plant efficiency for thermal generation will decrease because the temperature of water used to cool equipment increases. To find the magnitude of these partial effects, as well as the overall effects, on Western European energy markets, we use the multi-market equilibrium model LIBEMOD. We find that each of the three partial effects changes the average electricity producer price by less than 2%, while the net effect is an increase of only 1%. The partial effects on total electricity supply are small, and the net effect is a decrease of 4%. The greatest effects are found for Nordic countries with a large market share for reservoir hydro. In these countries, annual production of electricity increases by 8%, reflecting more inflow of water, while net exports doubles. In addition, because of lower inflow in summer and higher in winter, the reservoir filling needed to transfer water from summer to winter is drastically reduced in the Nordic countries.

Competition and deregulation in electricity : the national and continental dimension

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Garant, D.

2000-01-01

Some of the recent developments with Hydro-Quebec in terms of moving towards a deregulated competitive market were presented. In June 2000, the Quebec National Assembly passed legislation allowing for power generation and wholesale supply of electricity within Quebec will to be a deregulated business based on the gradual introduction of a competitive, contested market at the wholesale level. This legislation mitigates Hydro-Quebec's market power by legislating a long term fixed price supply contract between Hydro-Quebec's generation and distribution groups, operating as a functionally separate division within corporate Hydro-Quebec. Hydro-Quebec's market power in generation is 36,000 MW, the bulk of which will be committed to the Quebec distribution market at a fixed price of about 2.8 cents per kWh. Hydro-Quebec will maintain the rights to develop large scale hydro in Quebec if the development meets conditions of economic viability, environmental soundness and is locally acceptable. Hydro-Quebec is also expanding into new areas of generation such as wind power. The electric utility also believes it can play a role in Atlantic Canada by trading and moving off-peak and on-peak energy by using the storage capacity of their large hydro reservoirs

Energy supply technologies. Hydro, ocean, wave and tidal

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fenhann, J.; Larsen, Hans [Risoe National Lab. - DTU (Denmark)

2007-11-15

This chapter presents an overview of current hydro, ocean, wave and tidal initiatives. Large hydro remains one of the lowest-cost generating technologies, although environmental constraints, resettlement impacts and the limited availability of sites have restricted further growth in many countries. Large hydro supplied 16 % of global electricity in 2004, down from 19 % a decade ago. Large hydro capacity totalled about 720 GW worldwide in 2004 and has grown historically at slightly more than 2 % annually. China installed nearly 8 GW of large hydro in 2004, taking the country to number one in terms of installed capacity (74 GW). With the completion of the Three Gorges Dam, China will add some 18.2 GW of hydro capacity in 2009. The socio-economic benefits of hydro include improved flood control and water supply. The socio-economic benefits of hydro include improved flood control and water supply. The socio-economic cost of hydro includes displacements and submergence. Further hydro can improve peak-capacity management. Ocean currents, some of which runs close to European coasts, carry a lot of kinetic energy. Part of this energy can be captured by sub-marine windmills and converted into electricity. These are more compact than the wind turbines used on land, simply because water is much denser than air. The main European countries with useful current power potential are France and the UK. Ocean tides are driven by the gravitational pull of the moon. With one high tide every 12 hours, a tidal power plant can operate for only four or five hours per cycle, so power from a single plant is intermittent. A suitably-designed tidal plant can, however, operate as a pimped storage system, using electricity during periods of low demand to store energy that can be recovered later. The only large, modern example of a tidal power plant is the 240 MW La Rance plant, built in France in the 1960s, which represents 91 % of the world tidal power capacity. Wave energy can be seen as

Satellite Based Probabilistic Snow Cover Extent Mapping (SCE) at Hydro-Québec

Science.gov (United States)

Teasdale, Mylène; De Sève, Danielle; Angers, Jean-François; Perreault, Luc

2016-04-01

Over 40% of Canada's water resources are in Quebec and Hydro-Quebec has developed potential to become one of the largest producers of hydroelectricity in the world, with a total installed capacity of 36,643 MW. The Hydro-Québec fleet park includes 27 large reservoirs with a combined storage capacity of 176 TWh, and 668 dams and 98 controls. Thus, over 98% of all electricity used to supply the domestic market comes from water resources and the excess output is sold on the wholesale markets. In this perspective the efficient management of water resources is needed and it is based primarily on a good river flow estimation including appropriate hydrological data. Snow on ground is one of the significant variables representing 30% to 40% of its annual energy reserve. More specifically, information on snow cover extent (SCE) and snow water equivalent (SWE) is crucial for hydrological forecasting, particularly in northern regions since the snowmelt provides the water that fills the reservoirs and is subsequently used for hydropower generation. For several years Hydro Quebec's research institute ( IREQ) developed several algorithms to map SCE and SWE. So far all the methods were deterministic. However, given the need to maximize the efficient use of all resources while ensuring reliability, the electrical systems must now be managed taking into account all risks. Since snow cover estimation is based on limited spatial information, it is important to quantify and handle its uncertainty in the hydrological forecasting system. This paper presents the first results of a probabilistic algorithm for mapping SCE by combining Bayesian mixture of probability distributions and multiple logistic regression models applied to passive microwave data. This approach allows assigning for each grid point, probabilities to the set of the mutually exclusive discrete outcomes: "snow" and "no snow". Its performance was evaluated using the Brier score since it is particularly appropriate to

Vaye-Planaz drinking-water hydro-power installation; Petite centrale hydro-electrique de Vaye-Planaz sur le reseau d'eau potable de la commune de Grone. Etude de faisabilite. Rapport final

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2007-02-15

This final report for the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) presents the concept for a hydro-power installation that uses an existing drinking-water supply system. The report takes a look at the present situation which features ground-water sources, a transport pipeline and two reservoirs. The concept for the use of the available water pressure due to height-difference to drive a turbine and so generate electricity is described. Variants considered are reviewed. Investment and operating costs are examined as are the electricity production and the cost of the power generated. Finally, investments and other financial aspects are looked at and the further course of action is discussed.

Restoring Natural Streamflow Variability by Modifying Multi-purpose Reservoir Operation

Science.gov (United States)

Shiau, J.

2010-12-01

Multi-purpose reservoirs typically provide benefits of water supply, hydroelectric power, and flood mitigation. Hydroelectric power generations generally do not consume water. However, temporal distribution of downstream flows is highly changed due to hydro-peaking effects. Associated with offstream diversion of water supplies for municipal, industrial, and agricultural requirements, natural streamflow characteristics of magnitude, duration, frequency, timing, and rate of change is significantly altered by multi-purpose reservoir operation. Natural flow regime has long been recognized a master factor for ecosystem health and biodiversity. Restoration of altered flow regime caused by multi-purpose reservoir operation is the main objective of this study. This study presents an optimization framework that modifying reservoir operation to seeking balance between human and environmental needs. The methodology presented in this study is applied to the Feitsui Reservoir, located in northern Taiwan, with main purpose of providing stable water-supply and auxiliary purpose of electricity generation and flood-peak attenuation. Reservoir releases are dominated by two decision variables, i.e., duration of water releases for each day and percentage of daily required releases within the duration. The current releasing policy of the Feitsui Reservoir releases water for water-supply and hydropower purposes during 8:00 am to 16:00 pm each day and no environmental flows releases. Although greater power generation is obtained by 100% releases distributed within 8-hour period, severe temporal alteration of streamflow is observed downstream of the reservoir. Modifying reservoir operation by relaxing these two variables and reserve certain ratio of streamflow as environmental flow to maintain downstream natural variability. The optimal reservoir releasing policy is searched by the multi-criterion decision making technique for considering reservoir performance in terms of shortage ratio

[Ontario Hydro]. Corporate performance report, 1993

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1994-01-01

Summarizes Ontario Hydro's corporate performance for the year, with actual results being compared against planned values established in the approved corporate financial plan and work program budget. Also includes additional indicators that illustrate noteworthy trends in corporate performance. Corporate results are reported under the new organizational structure implemented in mid-1993, beginning with overall results in such areas as customer satisfaction, electricity sales, human resources, and environmental protection. This is followed by reports from the Electricity Group (supply, generation, transmission), the Energy Services and Environment Group (load saved and shifted, non-utility generation, retail distribution), and Ontario Hydro enterprises (Ontario Hydro Technologies, Ontario Hydro International). The appendix contains summary financial statements

The deregulation of the electricity industry : a commercial and industrial perspective from Ontario Hydro's point of view

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bojovski, T.

2000-01-01

A summary of how consumers will be affected by the newly opened competitive electricity market in Ontario was presented. Consumers will be able to choose their suppliers of electricity and will have the option to buy packages which may include natural gas and long distance telephone service. Licensed wholesalers will purchase the lowest-cost electricity from power generators anywhere in North America and will have the freedom to charge spot market prices. Ontario Hydro, which has been operating as a monopoly has now been separated into three separate entities including power generation, transmission and distribution, and wholesale market administration through the Ontario Power Generation Inc., Hydro One, and the Independent Market Operator (IMO) respectively. The main objective of this unbundling of services was to bring electricity prices down. An agreement entitled Market Power Mitigation ensures that when competition officially begins, Ontario Power Generation will have to observe a revenue cap on a fixed amount of energy and allow new suppliers to act as providers of electricity. As electrical power demand increases there are concerns over power reliability and costly power outages. 2 figs

Future Potential for Hydro-Québec and the Québec electricity market

OpenAIRE

Teig, Atle Nedbu

2010-01-01

The purpose of this thesis is to investigate what a restructuring of the Québec electricity market could mean for Hydro-Québec and the Province of Québec. The thesis is divided into four main sections. Section one describes the drivers of electricity markets and we get an introduction to the situation in Québec. The environmental aspect of energy is also explained. Section two describes the electricity market in Norway and the Nordic countries, which works as a benchma...

Resettlement associated with hydro projects in China

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anon.

1993-01-01

The flow rates of Chinese rivers are subject to major seasonal fluctuations, and as a result large reservoirs have to be constructed for flood control, irrigation, and power generation. As most of the river valleys are densely populated, the relocation and resettlement of people from the reservoir areas are major but unavoidable problems to be addressed in building hydro projects in China. (author)

Resolution of reservoir scale electrical anisotropy from marine CSEM data

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Brown, V.; Hoversten, G.M.; Key, K.; Chen, J.

2011-10-01

A combination of 1D and 3D forward and inverse solutions is used to quantify the sensitivity and resolution of conventional controlled source electromagnetic (CSEM) data collected using a horizontal electric dipole source to transverse electrical anisotropy located in a deep-water exploration reservoir target. Since strongly anisotropic shale layers have a vertical resistivity that can be comparable to many reservoirs, we examine how CSEM can discriminate confounding shale layers through their characteristically lower horizontal resistivity. Forward modeling demonstrates that the sensitivity to reservoir level anisotropy is very low compared to the sensitivity to isotropic reservoirs, especially when the reservoir is deeper than about 2 km below the seabed. However, for 1D models where the number of inversion parameters can be fixed to be only a few layers, both vertical and horizontal resistivity of the reservoir can be well resolved using a stochastic inversion. We find that the resolution of horizontal resistivity increases as the horizontal resistivity decreases. We show that this effect is explained by the presence of strong horizontal current density in anisotropic layers with low horizontal resistivity. Conversely, when the reservoir has a vertical to horizontal resistivity ratio of about 10 or less, the current density is vertically polarized and hence has little sensitivity to the horizontal resistivity. Resistivity anisotropy estimates from 3D inversion for 3D targets suggest that resolution of reservoir level anisotropy for 3D targets will require good a priori knowledge of the background sediment conductivity and structural boundaries.

Fish habitat considerations associated with hydro-electric developments in Quebec region

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bain, H.; Stoneman, M.

2005-01-01

Alternative approaches for evaluating the effects of 2 large Hydro Quebec proposed facilities on fish habitats were presented. The proposed projects will convert long stretches of river into water reservoirs and reduce the flow in the rivers below the impoundments for parts of the year. Rivers will be transformed into water reservoirs upstream by the dams, and a moderately large river will be transformed downstream into a much smaller river with a regulated flow. Productive capacity of fish populations is difficult to measure in large water bodies, and complications in the evaluation process have posed problems in the application of a traditional no-net-loss policy. It was suggested that estimates of biomass and productivity should be obtained from established methods of electrofishing combined with maps of the river and stream characteristics. For lakes and reservoirs, biomass and production will be estimated from models using a morphoedaphic index and measures of lake reservoir areas. Productivity will be partitioned among species according to surveys of existing lakes and reservoirs. It was also proposed that mitigation and compensation should be considered on a case-by-case basis related to importance of impact on fish production; geographic range of the impacts; regional fisheries management objectives for commercial, recreational, and subsistence fisheries and biodiversity conservation. Special attention will be given to listed species such as Atlantic salmon and lake sturgeon. Additional field sampling was recommended in areas impacted by the developments. Concerns about the technical methods used in sampling and monitoring data were reviewed, as well as issues concerning protected and unprotected species. It was suggested that predictive models of fish population characteristics will need to be parameterized for temperature ranges associated with the projects. It was noted that habitat suitability index methods do not consider the ecological flexibility

Hydro One 2002 annual report

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2003-01-01

Financial information from Hydro One was presented and a review of its 2002 operations was made available for the benefit of shareholders. Hydro One is the largest electricity delivery company in Ontario and one of the largest in North America. It began operation in 1999 after Ontario Hydro restructured its delivery and generation entities. Hydro One now includes power transmission, power distribution and telecom, with transmission and distribution operations representing 99 per cent of its business. This report indicates that in 2002, the utility had strong financial performance with $344 million in net income. The utility met its health and safety targets, and established a customer advisory board to improve customer satisfaction. A layer of management at the executive level was eliminated to stream-line decision-making and enhance productivity. The electricity network was upgraded and maintained through $546 million in capital expenditures. Non-core functions were sold to ensure a better focus on the core business of electricity delivery. This report presents an operations review as well as consolidated financial statements and common share information including the accounts of Hydro One and its share of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and cash flows. Revenue and expenditure statements were summarized by source. tabs., figs

Hydro-economic modeling of integrated solutions for the water-energy-land nexus in Africa

Science.gov (United States)

Parkinson, S.; Kahil, M.; Wada, Y.; Krey, V.; Byers, E.; Johnson, N. A.; Burek, P.; Satoh, Y.; Willaarts, B.; Langan, S.; Riahi, K.

2017-12-01

This study focused on the development of the Extended Continental-scale Hydro-economic Optimization model (ECHO) and its application to the analysis of long-term water, energy and land use pathways for Africa. The framework is important because it integrates multi-decadal decisions surrounding investments into new water infrastructure, electric power generation and irrigation technologies. The improved linkages in ECHO reveal synergies between water allocation strategies across sectors and the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from electricity supply. The African case study features a reduced-form transboundary river network and associated environmental flow constraints covering surface and groundwater withdrawals. Interactions between local water constraints and the continental-scale economy are captured in the model through the combination of regional electricity markets. Spatially-explicit analysis of land availability is used to restrict future reservoir expansion. The analysis demonstrates the massive investments required to ensure rapidly expanding water, energy and food demands in Africa aligned with human development objectives are met in a sustainable way. Modeled constraints on environmental flows in line with presumptive ecological guidelines trigger diffusion of energy-intensive water supply technologies in water-stressed regions, with implications for the cost and speed of the electricity sector decarbonization required to achieve climate targets.

The relationship between spot and futures prices in the Nord Pool electricity market

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Botterud, Audun; Kristiansen, Tarjei; Ilic, Marija D.

2010-01-01

We analyze 11 years of historical spot- and futures prices from the hydro-dominated Nord Pool electricity market. We find that futures prices tend to be higher than spot prices. The average convenience yield is therefore negative, but varies by season and depends on the storage levels in hydro reservoirs. The average realized return on holding a long position in the futures market is also negative. The negative convenience yield and risk premium contrast empirical findings in most other commodity markets. We argue that differences between the supply and demand sides in terms of risk preferences and the ability to take advantage of short-term price variations can contribute to explain the observed relationship between spot- and futures prices. In addition, our analysis shows that the relationship between spot and futures prices is clearly linked to the physical state of the system, such as hydro inflow, reservoir levels, and demand. (author)

New markets for small-scale hydro

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Maurer, E.A.

1997-01-01

The market for small and medium sized hydro-electric power plant is more attractive than ever. The boom in Europe has increasingly spread to the emerging countries, and here too small hydro plays an important ecological role. In addition to new plant rehabilitation of 'historical' plant is now a major factor. The last few years have seen a market shift from single machine components to complete plant and systems, requiring a strategy re-think on the part of larger companies. Following the influx of private capital into the power industry, business conditions have also undergone a thorough transformation. In place of 'fast money', hydro power offers the prospect of earning longer-term, sustainable money'. The term small-scale hydro-electric power (or simply 'small hydro') is used slightly differently depending on the country and market. Here, it is used to denote plant with turbines up to 10 MW. (Author)

Managing a reservoir-based hydro-energy plant: building understanding in the buy and sell decisions in a changing environment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ackere, A. van; Ruud, Morten; Davidsen, Paal

2005-01-01

This paper describes a modelling process at a Norwegian chemical producer, who owns 20% of a reservoir based hydro-energy plant. While the initial objective was to increase the profitability of the energy plant (in particular by an improved understanding of buying and selling decisions and a reconciliation of the managerial and engineering points of view in the context of a liberalised energy market) the process resulted in the company's decision to refocus on its core-business. The process illustrates how a modelling process can lead to a fundamental re framing of the issue, resulting in major change for the company

Remote micro hydro

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

1985-03-01

The micro-hydro project, built on a small tributary of Cowley Creek, near Whitehorse, Yukon, is an important step in the development of alternative energy sources and in conserving expensive diesel fuel. In addition to demonstrating the technical aspects of harnessing water power, the project paved the way for easier regulatory procedures. The power will be generated by a 9 meter head and a 6 inch crossflow turbine. The 36 V DC power will be stored in three 12 V batteries and converted to ac on demand by a 3,800 watt inverter. The system will produce 1.6 kW or 14,016 kWh per year with a firm flow of 1.26 cfs. This is sufficient to supply electricity for household needs and a wood working shop. The project is expected to cost about $18,000 and is more economical than tying into the present grid system, or continuing to use a gasoline generator. An environmental study determined that any impact of the project on the stream would be negligible. It is expected that no other water users will be affected by the project. This pilot project in micro-hydro applications will serve as a good indicator of the viability of this form of alternate energy in the Yukon. The calculations comparing the micro-hydro and grid system indicate that the mico-hydro system is a viable source of inflation-proof power. Higher heads and larger flow resulting in ac generation in excess of 10 kW would yield much better returns than this project. 3 tabs.

The detection of leakages in open reservoirs by the radioisotope sorption method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Owczarczyk, A.; Wierzchnicki, R.; Urbanski, T.; Chmielewski, A.G.; Szpilowski, S.

1992-01-01

Location of leakages in large hydro-engineering plants and industrial water reservoirs is of great importance from view-point of both safety and economy of their exploitation. Large variety of water reservoirs encountered in hydro-engineering and industry calls for adaptation of investigation methods to their specific features. In the paper a number of methodological variants of known radiotracer technique developed at the INCT is presented. They are intended to detect and locate leakages in hydro-engineering reservoirs and dams as well as large open industrial tanks. The radioisotopes Au-198 and In-133 m being used for that purpose show excellent sorption characteristic on typical construction materials users to build such objects. (author). 8 refs, 8 figs

Analysis of the Hydro-Quebec development plan 1992-2010

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bernard, J.-T.; Genest-Laplante, E.

1994-01-01

In November 1992, the Quebec provincial utility Hydro-Quebec presented its development plan for the 1992-2010 period and shortly thereafter introduced its 1993-1995 energy efficiency commitments. The plan is analyzed using a model that incorporates the main institutional features of electricity price setting. Two scenarios are constructed. The first incorporates Hydro-Quebec's electricity demand forecast and the second allows electricity demand to respond to its price. A comparative analysis shows that electricity demand in the province should increase faster than forecast by Hydro-Quebec until 2010. In fact, demand could exceed the predicted level by ca 16 TWh, or 8.6%. This larger increase is due to a fall in the real price of electricity, itself caused by a government imposed fall in the real unit cost of the utility's operation. This last constraint is the real challenge faced by Hydro-Quebec. 12 refs., 7 tabs

How would the privatization of Hydro-Quebec make Quebecers richer?

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Garcia, C.

2009-02-01

In 1962, a total of 46 companies shared Quebec's electricity production, involving no less than 9,710 megawatts of power. The 4 companies that controlled 85 per cent of this power were Hydro-Quebec, Aluminum Company of Canada (Alcan), Shawinigan Water and Power Company and the Gatineau Power Company. At the time, electricity rates also varied considerably throughout Quebec, being extremely high in regions far from Montreal, which hindered potential industrial development in those areas. This report discussed the privatization of Hydro-Quebec and how it could make Quebecers richer. The report discussed the early days of electricity in Quebec and outlined the reasons that led Quebec to nationalize the production and distribution of electricity and to entrust its management to Hydro-Quebec. A summary of the developments undertaken to enable Hydro-Quebec to substantially boost its exports to the United States following liberalization of the American market toward the end of the twentieth century was also provided. A comparison group of companies in the United States involved in the production, transmission and distribution of electricity was also presented in order to analyze Hydro-Quebec's performance from various standpoints. Other topics that were addressed in the report included operational efficiency; use of capital; the experience of the United Kingdom; the rise in electricity rates; a strategy for privatization; the public offering; and protecting Quebec electricity consumers. The role of the Quebec government and of Hydro-Quebec were also examined. Electricity exports and electricity and aluminum smelters were also assessed. The report noted that Hydro-Quebec's annual profit would shrink from $2,882 million to $709 million if it had to pay the market price for the electricity it obtains from Churchill Falls. 23 tabs., 1 fig., 2 appendices

Status of Burbot (Lota lota) in Arrow Lakes Reservoir

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Arndt, S.; Baxter, J.

2006-03-01

Burbot populations at a water reservoir were assessed in order to examine the operational impacts of a hydro-electric dam in British Columbia. The study assessed the distribution, relative abundance, size, and age structure of the Burbot population. Spawning locations were evaluated, and an underwater camera was used to make population estimates. The distribution of burbot was determined using data derived from set line sampling catches conducted in 1995. The surveys indicated that the burbot were widely distributed throughout the reservoir. The burbots were larger than burbots seen in other lakes, and the age structure showed evidence of dominant and weak cohorts. Average growth rates were higher than most other populations in the province. Fish monitored in a radio-tagging experiment were located in various spawning areas in the vicinity of the reservoir. It was concluded that no aggregations of spawning burbot were observed in the narrows where an underwater video camera was installed. 31 refs., 5 tabs., 12 figs

Modelling the transition from cost-based to bid-based pricing in a deregulated electricity-market

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Druce, Donald J.

2007-01-01

Alberta is a province in western Canada with a deregulated electricity-market. Market clearing prices for most hours reflect the cost of either coal-fired or gas-fired thermal generation. Whenever there is a chronic shortage of generation or even a temporary one due to an outage, prices can be bid much higher than fuel costs would suggest. The province of British Columbia borders Alberta to the west and its electric utility, BC Hydro, has a history of trade with the utilities in Alberta. BC Hydro has predominantly hydroelectric resources and large storage reservoirs. Prior to Alberta's deregulation in 1996, BC Hydro was able to enter into mutually beneficial load-factoring contracts with the Alberta utilities. Now, as long as the transmission is available, BC Hydro can buy low priced off-peak coal-fired energy and sell into the high priced periods without having to share the benefits. BC Hydro uses a combination of econometric and Monte Carlo modelling to simulate hourly price-duration curves for Alberta that capture both cost-based and bid-based characteristics. This approach provides a good fit with the stochastic dynamic programming model that BC Hydro has developed for its mid-term hydro scheduling

Hydro-energy; Energie hydraulique

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bacher, P. [Electricite de France (EDF), 75 - Paris (France); Tardieu, B. [Coyne et Bellier, 92 - Gennevilliers (France)

2005-07-01

The first part of this study concerns the different type of hydraulic works. The second part presents the big hydro-energy, its advantages and disadvantages, the industrial risks, the electric power transport network, the economy and the development perspectives. The third part presents the little hydro-energy, its advantages and disadvantages, the decentralized production and the development perspectives. (A.L.B.)

Fixing hydro - The forgotten renewable

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nalder, N.

1992-01-01

Since the dawn of civilization, man has captured the energy potential of falling water, from the water wheels in the fertile crescent of ancient times to today's highly sophisticated conventional and pumped storage projects. As we approach the 21st century, electric energy captured from falling water provides 2.0 trillion kilowatt-hours (21.23 quadrillion Btu), roughly 20% of the world's electric energy. Of the 2.56 billion kilowatts of the world's installed electric generating capacity, hydropower accounts for 24%. Between 1980 and 1989, world generation of hydroelectric power rose from 1.7 trillion kWh to 2.0 trillion kWh. As of January 1, 1988, the US has 90.5 million kW of installed hydro capacity - 70.8 million kW of it under license by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission - with annual generation estimated at just under 300 billion kWh. Hydro's share, which not long ago comprised 13% of the nation's total capacity, now is just a 9% share. The US has the option to choose one or another path for hydro. If policy makers are willing to coast on a cushion of cheap natural gas, they will continue to shun hydro and put obstacles in its path. But if they come to regard hydro as an attractive resource - as they did only recently - economically and environmentally, they will encourage more balance in resource policies. Believing that interest in a balanced national resource portfolio will grow, the author reviews the past and suggests a possible future course of reasonable development for hydro. The article concludes with some suggested principles that will be needed if the appropriate balance is to be found

Influence of environmental factors on mercury release in hydroelectric reservoirs

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Morrison, K.; Therien, N.

1991-04-01

Due to increased mercury concentrations in fish in hydro-electric reservoirs after flooding, a study was carried out to evaluate the release and transformation of mercury due to vegetation and soil flooded as a result of reservoir creation. Samples of vegetation and soils were immersed in water and concentrations of total mercury, methylmercury and nutrients were followed. The effects of anoxia, pH and temperature on release and transformation were examined. An existing dynamic model of decomposition of flooded materials in reservoirs was modified to include mercury release and transformation, and was calibrated to the experimental data. Amounts of mercury released by the different substrates was of the same order of magnitude. Tree species contributed to the greatest amounts of methylmercury per unit biomass, but the biomass used for these was twigs and foliage. Soil released significant amounts of mercury, but methylation was very low. The model was able to fit well for all substrates except lichen. The model can be adapted to proposed reservoirs to predict nutrient and mecury release and transformation. 175 refs., 38 figs., 38 tabs.

Hydro-power: a long history, a bright future

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Deudney, D

1981-07-01

A brief history of the spread of hydro-power in the world was given. Tables showing hydro-power potential and use, and the % electricity from hydro-power for 13 countries were included along with a graph showing % hydro-power operating, planned and under construction by region. The need for committed and farsighted political leadership for future development and the possibility of hydro production reaching 4 to 6 times its present level were discussed.

Toronto Hydro annual report, 1992

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1993-01-01

Toronto Hydro is the electric utility serving about 219,000 customers in Toronto, Ontario. In 1992, the utility purchased 9.6 billion kWh of electricity from Ontario Hydro, down 3.6% from 1990. Energy sales totalled 9.2 billion kWh, down 4.1% from 1990. Retail electricity rates increased an average of 6.7% in 1992, in spite of an increase in Ontario Hydro's wholesale rate by 8.2%, due to better than anticipated financial results and cost-control measures. The decline in electricity purchases and sales are attributed to economic factors, which also contributed to an increase in the utility's provision for bad debts. The third year of a 13.8-kV conversion project was completed in 1992; this project is converting the existing 4 kV distribution system to the higher voltage since maintenance and repair of the existing system is costly and the equipment is becoming less reliable. New construction, refurbishing, and modernization of equipment were performed at a number of substations. Other improvements in 1992 are reported in the areas of management and engineering systems, personnel policies, work safety, and energy management. Financial statements are included. 11 figs., 4 tabs

Electricity Storage. Technology Brief

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Simbolotti, G. [Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development ENEA, Rome (Italy); Kempener, R. [International Renewable Energy Agency IRENA, Bonn (Germany)

2012-04-15

Electricity storage is a key technology for electricity systems with a high share of renewables as it allows electricity to be generated when renewable sources (i.e. wind, sunlight) are available and to be consumed on demand. It is expected that the increasing price of fossil fuels and peak-load electricity and the growing share of renewables will result in electricity storage to grow rapidly and become more cost effective. However, electricity storage is technically challenging because electricity can only be stored after conversion into other forms of energy, and this involves expensive equipment and energy losses. At present, the only commercial storage option is pumped hydro power where surplus electricity (e.g. electricity produced overnight by base-load coal or nuclear power) is used to pump water from a lower to an upper reservoir. The stored energy is then used to produce hydropower during daily high-demand periods. Pumped hydro plants are large-scale storage systems with a typical efficiency between 70% and 80%, which means that a quarter of the energy is lost in the process. Other storage technologies with different characteristics (i.e. storage process and capacity, conversion back to electricity and response to power demand, energy losses and costs) are currently in demonstration or pre-commercial stages and discussed in this brief report: Compressed air energy storage (CAES) systems, Flywheels; Electrical batteries; Supercapacitors; Superconducting magnetic storage; and Thermal energy storage. No single electricity storage technology scores high in all dimensions. The technology of choice often depends on the size of the system, the specific service, the electricity sources and the marginal cost of peak electricity. Pumped hydro currently accounts for 95% of the global storage capacity and still offers a considerable expansion potential but does not suit residential or small-size applications. CAES expansion is limited due to the lack of suitable

Power and pay: The union and equal pay at B.C. Electric/Hydro

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Creese, G.

1993-01-01

The struggle for equal pay for women in one large office union, the Office and Technical Employees' Union (OTEU), at British Columbia Electric/Hydro is analyzed. The analysis concentrates on the second phase of the equal pay movement that preoccupied the union for over 30 years starting in 1949. Equal pay for equal job-evaluation was finally achieved in 1981, yet this struggle did not produce a subsequent questioning of gender bias within the job evaluation process or the structure of the existing hierarchy of jobs. The study illustrates some of the ways that gender hierarchies and inequities are defined and reinforced by employers seeking to maintain profits by keeping labor costs down, as BC Electric/Hydro resisted eliminating the differential in male and female pay, systematically restructured unequal pay, and continually resorted to lower community standards even when the company's own job evaluation system suggested equal comparators with male jobs. Gendered jobs are also shaped by union practices, as evidenced by the OTEU's role in restructuring the postwar gender division of labor in the late 1940s, as well as their early and persistent challenges to the female differential but, at the same time, the continued marginalization of equal pay as a women's issue rather than a general union issue. 66 refs

Ontario Hydro CANDU operating experience

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bartholomew, R.W.; Woodhead, L.W.; Horton, E.P.; Nichols, M.J.; Daly, I.N.

1987-01-01

The CANDU Pressurized Heavy Water (CANDU-PHW) type of nuclear-electric generating station has been developed jointly by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited and Ontario Hydro. This report highlights Ontario Hydro's operating experience using the CANDU-PHW system, with a focus on worker and public safety, operating performance and costs, and reliability of system components

B.C. Hydro : 1997 annual report

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1997-01-01

Operating and financial information from B.C. Hydro for 1997 is presented. B.C. Hydro is the third largest electric utility in Canada. The utility generates between 43,000 and 54,000 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually. More than 80 per cent of the electricity is produced by major hydroelectric generating stations on the Columbia and Peace rivers. This report presents a picture of improved financial performance, details of all revenues and expenditures and capsule summaries of the Utility's operations. The report also addresses issues regarding strategic direction, local and international competition, and consultation and regulatory activities. tabs. and figs

Integrated operation of hydro thermal system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nanthakumar, J.

1994-01-01

Long-term power system expansion planning studies are carried out to meet the electricity requirement in the future. Prior to the expansion planning studies, it is essential to know the energy potential of the existing generating system, especially the hydro power plants. Detailed hydro thermal stimulation studies of the integrated system is therefore carried out to determine the best way to maximise the hydro energy of the existing and committed plants. The results of the integrated system simulated model are stored in numerous files and are available for retrieval. Most important output used for expansion analysis is the energy production of each hydro plant. The annual hydro energy potential of the total hydro system of Sri Lanka for the hydrological year from 1949 to 1988 is given. Hydro condition data with different probability levels are also indicated

Himalayan hydro on the horizon

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sharp, Timothy

2000-01-01

The prospects for development of hydro in the Himalayas has been enhanced by privatisation and the urgent need for clean electricity in the north of India. There are various hurdles to be overcome before the projects are likely to move forward in earnest before 2005, and these are mentioned. The demand for electricity in India is said to be enormous. At present, there is much polluting industry along the Himalayas. As throughout the Indian privatisation dilemma, the critical issues for development of Himalayan hydro come down to credible commercial power markets and finance. With regard to finance and administrative changes, the Indian government is carrying out a number of actions and these are itemised. The US is vigorously promoting the development of Himalayan hydro as a key to much needed regional co-operation and the World Bank is supportive

Reservoir shorelines : a methodology for evaluating operational impacts

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lawrence, M.; Braund-Read, J.; Musgrave, B. [BC Hydro, Burnaby, BC (Canada)

2009-07-01

BC Hydro has been operating hydroelectric facilities for over a century in British Columbia. The integrity and stability of the shorelines and slopes bordering hydroelectric reservoirs is affected by changing water levels in the reservoir, natural processes of flooding, wind and wave action and modification of groundwater levels. Establishing setbacks landward of the shoreline are needed in order to protect useable shoreline property that may be at risk of flooding, erosion or instability due to reservoir operations. Many of the reservoirs in British Columbia are situated in steep, glaciated valleys with diverse geological, geomorphological and climatic conditions and a variety of eroding shorelines. As such, geotechnical studies are needed to determine the operational impacts on reservoir shorelines. Since the 1960s BC Hydro has been developing a methodology for evaluating reservoir impacts and determining the land around the reservoir perimeter that should remain as a right of way for operations while safeguarding waterfront development. The methodology was modified in the 1990s to include geomorphological and geological processes. However, uncertainties in the methodology still exist due to limited understanding of key issues such as rates of erosion and shoreline regression, immaturity of present day reservoir shorelines and impacts of climate change. 11 refs., 1 tab., 7 figs.

Modelling the transition from cost-based to bid-based pricing in a deregulated electricity-market

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Druce, Donald J. [BC Hydro, 6911 Southpoint Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia (Canada)

2007-12-15

Alberta is a province in western Canada with a deregulated electricity-market. Market clearing prices for most hours reflect the cost of either coal-fired or gas-fired thermal generation. Whenever there is a chronic shortage of generation or even a temporary one due to an outage, prices can be bid much higher than fuel costs would suggest. The province of British Columbia borders Alberta to the west and its electric utility, BC Hydro, has a history of trade with the utilities in Alberta. BC Hydro has predominantly hydroelectric resources and large storage reservoirs. Prior to Alberta's deregulation in 1996, BC Hydro was able to enter into mutually beneficial load-factoring contracts with the Alberta utilities. Now, as long as the transmission is available, BC Hydro can buy low priced off-peak coal-fired energy and sell into the high priced periods without having to share the benefits. BC Hydro uses a combination of econometric and Monte Carlo modelling to simulate hourly price-duration curves for Alberta that capture both cost-based and bid-based characteristics. This approach provides a good fit with the stochastic dynamic programming model that BC Hydro has developed for its mid-term hydro scheduling. (author)

Numerical simulation of electricity generation potential from fractured granite reservoir through vertical wells at Yangbajing geothermal field

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zeng, Yu-chao; Zhan, Jie-min; Wu, Neng-you; Luo, Ying-ying; Cai, Wen-hao

2016-01-01

Yangbajing geothermal field is the first high-temperature hydrothermal convective geothermal system in China. Research and development of the deep fractured granite reservoir is of great importance for capacity expanding and sustaining of the ground power plant. The geological exploration found that there is a fractured granite heat reservoir at depth of 950–1350 m in well ZK4001 in the north of the geothermal field, with an average temperature of 248 °C and a pressure of 8.01–11.57 MPa. In this work, electricity generation potential and its dependent factors from this fractured granite reservoir by water circulating through vertical wells are numerically investigated. The results indicate that the vertical well system attains an electric power of 16.8–14.7 MW, a reservoir impedance of 0.29–0.46 MPa/(kg/s) and an energy efficiency of about 29.6–12.8 during an exploiting period of 50 years under reference conditions, showing good heat production performance. The main parameters affecting the electric power are water production rate and injection temperature. The main parameters affecting reservoir impedance are reservoir permeability, injection temperature and water production rate. The main parameters affecting the energy efficiency are reservoir permeability, injection temperature and water production rate. Higher reservoir permeability or more reasonable injection temperature or water production rate within certain ranges will be favorable for improving the electricity generation performance. - Highlights: • We established a numerical model of vertical well heat mining system. • Desirable electricity production performance can be obtained under suitable conditions. • The system attains an electric power of 16.8–14.7 MW with an efficiency of about 29.6–12.8. • Electric power mainly depends on water production rate and injection temperature. • Higher permeability within a certain range is favorable for electricity generation.

A comparison of the aquatic impacts of large hydro and small hydro projects

Science.gov (United States)

Taylor, Lara A.

The expansion of small hydro development in British Columbia has raised concerns surrounding the effects of these projects, and the provincial government's decision to proceed with Site C has brought attention to the impacts of large hydro. Together, these decisions highlight that there are impacts associated with all energy development. My study examines the aquatic effects of large and small hydro projects using two case study sites: Site C and the Upper Harrison Water Power Project. I first determine the aquatic effects of each of the case study sites. Next, I use existing literature and benefits transfer to determine the monetary value of these effects. My results suggest that, with mitigation, small hydro projects have less of an effect on the environment than a large hydro project per unit of electricity. I also describe the implications of my study in the context of current British Columbia energy policy. Keywords: hydropower; aquatic effects. Subject Terms: environmental impact assessment; benefits transfer.

Real-time versus day-ahead market power in a hydro-based electricity market

OpenAIRE

Tangerås, Thomas P.; Mauritzen, Johannes

2014-01-01

We analyse in a theoretical framework the link between real-time and day-ahead market performance in a hydro-based and imperfectly competitive wholesale electricity market. Theoretical predictions of the model are tested on data from the Nordic power exchange, Nord Pool Spot (NPS).We reject the hypothesis that prices at NPS were at their competitive levels throughout the period under examination. The empirical approach uses equilibrium prices and quantities and does not rely on bid data nor o...

Ontario Hydro CANDU operating experience

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jackson, H.A.; Woodhead, L.W.; Fanjoy, G.R.

1984-03-01

The CANDU Pressurized Heavy Water (CANDU-PHW) type of nuclear-electric generating station has been developed jointly by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited and Ontario Hydro. This report highlights Ontario Hydro's operating experience using the CANDU-PHW system, with a focus on the operating performance and costs, reliability of system components and nuclear safety considerations for the workers and the public

Development of Dalaelven hydro power scheme in Sweden

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kokko, Voitto; Hjerthen, Peter; Ingfaelt, Hans; Loewen, Karl-Erik; Sjoegren, Arne

2015-01-01

The Dalaelven hydro scheme is located in central Sweden. Fortum has in the scheme 50 dams and 35 hydro power plants producing 4 TWh energy with a capacity of 970 MW. The main reservoirs are Lake Siljan and Traengsletsjoen with Traengslet dam, the highest earth-filled dam in Sweden. Development of the hydro scheme started 1878 with construction of four power plants for industry until 1930. From 1931 to 1974 15 power plants were built for increasing electricity consumption. De-regulation of the energy market in 1990's and EU environmental targets in 2000's resulted in the rehabilitation of ten power plants between 1990 and 2014 with increased annual energy production of 377 GWh (29%) and capacity 124 MW (59%). This energy decreases the annual CO 2 emissions with 125918 tons in comparison to production of the same amount of energy by coal. In several cases the rehabilitation was made in new power houses, allowing the development of the layout and technology of civil structures, and use of state-of-art equipment. Sweden uses the green certificate system, and 235 GWh of the energy received this certificate. Other environmental benefits come from use of the environmentally friendly Kaplan turbines and construction of some new fish pass. There are further plans to increase the spillway capacity of Traengslet dam and to rehabilitate eight power plant units. The possibilities of obtaining the Environmental licences for the rehabilitations has became challenging in the past years and green certificates are nowadays agreed only for increased energy. (authors)

A case study of small hydro and grid extension for rural electrification alternatives and complementarities

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tebicke, H.L.; Mariam, H.G.

1990-01-01

This paper reports that rural electrification in Eastern and Southern African Countries (ESAC) has so far been based largely on stand-alone diesel electric generating plant or on the extension of high-voltage transmission grids fed by large hydro and/or thermal electric generating stations. The alternative of furnishing supply at modest investment and competitive cost from a nearby small- hydro plant has rarely been considered in those countries of the sub-region that have ample hydro-power resources. All countries in the sub-region (except Angola) import petroleum and/or petroleum product supplies, as well as all hardware for electricity supply and utilization. As a result, in most countries an acute shortage of foreign exchange severely hampers implementation of rural electrification schemes. This should turn attention increasingly to strategies which are less capital-intensive and less dependent on foreign exchange, such as small-hydro plants, where the resource is located near to rural demand. Increasing the local content of small-hydro project implementation has paid off in recent years, considerably reducing costs in a number of Asian and Latin American projects. Local contributions have taken the form of resource assessment at a particular site, design, construction works, and fabrication of relatively simple components of power plant such as hydraulic equipment, low pressure penstocks and gates, as well as simpler types of turbines (e.g., the Banki type). Inadequacy of indigenous technical capacity to make similar local contributions in the ESAC has meant that the few recent small-hydro projects have relied on importing both expertise and equipment. The high costs resulting have frequently fueled arguments against pursuit of small-hydro projects

Power and pay: The union and equal pay at B. C. Electric/Hydro

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Creese, G

The struggle for equal pay for women in one large office union, the Office and Technical Employees' Union (OTEU), at British Columbia Electric/Hydro is analyzed. The analysis concentrates on the second phase of the equal pay movement that preoccupied the union for over 30 years starting in 1949. Equal pay for equal job-evaluation was finally achieved in 1981, yet this struggle did not produce a subsequent questioning of gender bias within the job evaluation process or the structure of the existing hierarchy of jobs. The study illustrates some of the ways that gender hierarchies and inequities are defined and reinforced by employers seeking to maintain profits by keeping labor costs down, as BC Electric/Hydro resisted eliminating the differential in male and female pay, systematically restructured unequal pay, and continually resorted to lower community standards even when the company's own job evaluation system suggested equal comparators with male jobs. Gendered jobs are also shaped by union practices, as evidenced by the OTEU's role in restructuring the postwar gender division of labor in the late 1940s, as well as their early and persistent challenges to the female differential but, at the same time, the continued marginalization of equal pay as a women's issue rather than a general union issue. 66 refs.

Rainfall prediction using fuzzy inference system for preliminary micro-hydro power plant planning

Science.gov (United States)

Suprapty, B.; Malani, R.; Minardi, J.

2018-04-01

East Kalimantan is a very rich area with water sources, in the form of river streams that branch to the remote areas. The conditions of natural potency like this become alternative solution for area that has not been reached by the availability of electric energy from State Electricity Company. The river water in selected location (catchment area) which is channelled to the canal, pipeline or penstock can be used to drive the waterwheel or turbine. The amount of power obtained depends on the volume/water discharge and headwater (the effective height between the reservoir and the turbine). The water discharge is strongly influenced by the amount of rainfall. Rainfall is the amount of water falling on the flat surface for a certain period measured, in units of mm3, above the horizontal surface in the absence of evaporation, run-off and infiltration. In this study, the prediction of rainfall is done in the area of East Kalimantan which has 13 watersheds which, in principle, have the potential for the construction of Micro Hydro Power Plant. Rainfall time series data is modelled by using AR (Auto Regressive) Model based on FIS (Fuzzy Inference System). The FIS structure of the training results is then used to predict the next two years rainfall.

Coupled Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical-Chemical Modeling of Water Leak-Off Process during Hydraulic Fracturing in Shale Gas Reservoirs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Fei Wang

2017-11-01

Full Text Available The water leak-off during hydraulic fracturing in shale gas reservoirs is a complicated transport behavior involving thermal (T, hydrodynamic (H, mechanical (M and chemical (C processes. Although many leak-off models have been published, none of the models fully coupled the transient fluid flow modeling with heat transfer, chemical-potential equilibrium and natural-fracture dilation phenomena. In this paper, a coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical (THMC model based on non-equilibrium thermodynamics, hydrodynamics, thermo-poroelastic rock mechanics, and non-isothermal chemical-potential equations is presented to simulate the water leak-off process in shale gas reservoirs. The THMC model takes into account a triple-porosity medium, which includes hydraulic fractures, natural fractures and shale matrix. The leak-off simulation with the THMC model involves all the important processes in this triple-porosity medium, including: (1 water transport driven by hydraulic, capillary, chemical and thermal osmotic convections; (2 gas transport induced by both hydraulic pressure driven convection and adsorption; (3 heat transport driven by thermal convection and conduction; and (4 natural-fracture dilation considered as a thermo-poroelastic rock deformation. The fluid and heat transport, coupled with rock deformation, are described by a set of partial differential equations resulting from the conservation of mass, momentum, and energy. The semi-implicit finite-difference algorithm is proposed to solve these equations. The evolution of pressure, temperature, saturation and salinity profiles of hydraulic fractures, natural fractures and matrix is calculated, revealing the multi-field coupled water leak-off process in shale gas reservoirs. The influences of hydraulic pressure, natural-fracture dilation, chemical osmosis and thermal osmosis on water leak-off are investigated. Results from this study are expected to provide a better understanding of the

Prediction of forming limit in hydro-mechanical deep drawing of steel sheets using ductile fracture criterion

Science.gov (United States)

Oh, S.-T.; Chang, H.-J.; Oh, K. H.; Han, H. N.

2006-04-01

It has been observed that the forming limit curve at fracture (FLCF) of steel sheets, with a relatively higher ductility limit have linear shapes, similar to those of a bulk forming process. In contrast, the FLCF of sheets with a relatively lower ductility limit have rather complex shapes approaching the forming limit curve at neck (FLCN) towards the equi-biaxial strain paths. In this study, the FLCFs of steel sheets were measured and compared with the fracture strains predicted from specific ductile fracture criteria, including a criterion suggested by the authors, which can accurately describe FLCFs with both linear and complex shapes. To predict the forming limit for hydro-mechanical deep drawing of steel sheets, the ductile fracture criteria were integrated into a finite element simulation. The simulation, results based on the criterion suggested by authors accurately predicted the experimetal, fracture limits of steel sheets for the hydro-mechanical deep drawing process.

Provincial hydro expansions

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Froschauer, K J

1993-01-01

A study of the development of five provincial hydroelectric utilities in Canada indicates that power companies and the state invited manufacturers to use hydroelectricity and natural resources in order to diversify provincial economies. These hydro expansions also show that utilities and government designed hydro projects to serve continental requirements; serving both objectives became problematic. It is argued that when the Canadian state and firms such as utilities use hydro expansions to serve both continentalism and industrialization, then at best they foster dependent industrialization and staple processing. At worst, they overbuild the infrastructure to generate provincial surplus energy for continental, rather than national, integration. Hydro developments became subject to state intervention in Canada mainly through the failures of private utilities to provide power for the less-lucrative industrial markets within provincial subregions. Although the state and utilities invited foreign firms to manufacture hydro equipment within the provinces and others to use electricity to diversify production beyond resource processing, such a diversification did not occur. Since 1962, ca 80% of industrial energy was used to semi-process wood-derived products, chemicals, and metals. The idea for a national power network became undermined by interprovincial political-economic factors and since 1963, the federal national/continential power policy prevailed. 187 refs., 6 figs., 52 tabs.

Hydro-Quebec looks south

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ross, P.

1997-01-01

The recent introduction of Hydro-Quebec, the Canadian utility, into selling cheap electric power in the United States (US) deregulated power market is described, following applications to the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. As its prices are so much cheaper than its US competitors, it is expected that the company will soon have many willing customers across the USA. Hydro-Quebec will remain a publicly owned utility, but has experienced restructuring in order to meet this new competitive challenge. (UK)

Revitalizing the nuclear business at Ontario Hydro

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Talbot, K.

1994-01-01

Ontario Hydro, North America's largest electric power utility, with an installed capacity of 34,000 MW, has under gone a major restructuring over the past year to better align itself with a changing electricity market and evolving customer needs. The single largest new business unit within the new Ontario Hydro is Ontario Hydro Nuclear (OHN), responsible for engineering, operation and maintenance of the Corporation's 20 large nuclear units at three generating sites, OHN faces a significant challenge in returning Ontario's nuclear units to the world-leading performance levels they enjoyed in the past, particularly the older Pickering A and Bruce A plants. However, steady progress is being made as evidenced by improving peer reviews and overall capacity and financial performance

Air–water CO2 and CH4 fluxes along a river–reservoir continuum: Case study in the Pengxi River, a tributary of the Yangtze River in the Three Gorges Reservoir, China

Science.gov (United States)

Water surface greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in freshwater reservoirs are closely related to limnological processes in the water column. Affected by both reservoir operation and seasonal changes, variations in the hydro-morphological conditions in the river–reservoir continuum will create distinctiv...

The take-over of Gaz Metropolitain by Hydro-Quebec

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bernard, J-T.

1997-01-01

The implications of a take-over of Gaz Metropolitain by Hydro-Quebec in early 1997 and the pricing of electricity and natural gas in Quebec were discussed. In January 1997, Hydro-Quebec purchased all the shares in Noverco that were formerly owned by SOQUIP. With this purchase, Hydro-Quebec became the major share holder in Noverco, the company that controls Gaz Metropolitain. This type of take-over, where an electrical utility purchases the interests in a natural gas distributor, has also been observed in the United States and is believed to be a consequence of the recent deregulation of the electricity market. In the near future, it is believed that consumers will probably pay for equivalent energy use (like heating or cooling) rather than separate tariffs for electricity or natural gas consumption. The recent popularity of gas-fueled electrical cogenerating stations is also believed to be an important factor in this take-over. 1 ref., 3 tabs

Using historic earnings to value hydro energy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Robson, I.A.; Whittington, H.W.

1993-01-01

This article briefly presents a technique for assigning a value to the water held in and removed from the hydro reservoir. Using historic earnings as the basis for a series of equations, it aims to give engineers trading energy a reliable means of placing a value on what is effectively a ''free'' resource. (Author)

Pumped Storage Hydro Power Plant Cierny Vah

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Regula, E.

1998-01-01

In this leaflet the pump-storage power plant Cierny Vah is presented. A Cierny Vah pumped storage power plant (PSP) has been designed and built for providing the reliable and quality electric energy supply and for covering load changes of an electrification system. (ES). It is mainly the pumped storage hydro power plants plants which in our conditions are the sources operatively covering the sudden changes of the ES load from the ecological, economic but mainly from the operational point of view. The electric energy generation volume is not the primary standpoint but especially their control functions in the ES. During the building of the Cierny Vah PSP the peak operation with the daily accumulation, participation in frequency control and output in ES and the compensation function in ES were to be its main tasks. After putting it into operation by especially after its becoming independent of the Slovak ES in 1994 the static functions (energy generation from pumping, balance output reserves, daily control, ...) gave way to dynamic functions which gained greater importance. After interconnection of the ES with the UCPTE West European Association in which there are besides other things, the strict criteria for observing balance outputs, the main functions of PSPs are as follows: (1) Dynamic services for ES; (2) Dispatching reserve for the fall out of the greatest ES block; (3) Observing the foreign cooperation balance agreed; (4) Compensation of peaks and also of sudden daily load diagram reductions. Technical parameters of the upper and lower reservoir are described. The hydro power plant is a body lower reservoir. In it there are six vertical pumping aggregates in the three machine layout: the motor-generator - the turbine - the pump. Between the turbine and the pump there is a hydraulically controlled claw clutch engaging at rest and disengaging also during the aggregate operation. During pumping air is involved inside the turbine. The Francis turbines have a

Hydro-Quebec International : taking up the challenges of globalization

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Carpentier, J.M.

1997-12-31

With the ever increasing demand for electricity, it is estimated that the world`s electrical generating capacity will grow by about 1,000,000 MW over the next eight years. This represents a 40 per cent increase over today`s capacity. Hydro-Quebec is determined to stake its place in international markets and to maximize the profits from the strong expertise gained during the construction of Quebec`s major electric facilities. The venture into international markets is primarily a commercial strategy. To that effect, Hydro-Quebec plans to invest up to $300 million in international projects around the world so that after five years it can have major interests and assets totaling $12 billion or more. China, North Africa and the Middle East are some of the market that Hydro-Quebec wishes to enter in the years ahead. The Eastern European and Southeast Asian markets are also worthy of interest. It was pointed out that Hydro-Quebec is not the only large electric utility turning to world market to pursue its growth. French, Spanish and American companies are also presently investing billions of dollars in the world market.

Hydro-Quebec International : taking up the challenges of globalization

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Carpentier, J.M.

1997-01-01

With the ever increasing demand for electricity, it is estimated that the world''s electrical generating capacity will grow by about 1,000,000 MW over the next eight years. This represents a 40 per cent increase over today''s capacity. Hydro-Quebec is determined to stake its place in international markets and to maximize the profits from the strong expertise gained during the construction of Quebec''s major electric facilities. The venture into international markets is primarily a commercial strategy. To that effect, Hydro-Quebec plans to invest up to $300 million in international projects around the world so that after five years it can have major interests and assets totaling $12 billion or more. China, North Africa and the Middle East are some of the market that Hydro-Quebec wishes to enter in the years ahead. The Eastern European and Southeast Asian markets are also worthy of interest. It was pointed out that Hydro-Quebec is not the only large electric utility turning to world market to pursue its growth. French, Spanish and American companies are also presently investing billions of dollars in the world market

Canadian hydro potential in the North American market

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Adams, K.

2002-01-01

Canada's hydro potential in the North American energy market was discussed. Canada is a net exporter of electricity in North America, and since 1990, has exported an average of 28 Terawatt hours/year to the United States. More than 65 per cent of these exports were generated from hydro power plants. It was emphasized that significant reductions in greenhouse gases can be achieved if Canadian hydroelectricity is substituted for coal power generation. It was also noted that although there may not be enough hydro capacity to meet all of North America's energy requirements, development of new large hydro resources in Canada could help meet the growing demand for electricity in the United States. Hydro can also complement other renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. The factors that will determine if Canadian hydropower will contribute to the energy demand are market mechanisms such as greenhouse gas credit trading systems which provide incentive for renewable energy projects. In addition, the existing infrastructure must be expanded both east and west within Canada and north and south between Canada and the United States. 5 figs

Electrical system design and reliability at Ontario Hydro nuclear generating stations

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Royce, C. J. [Ontario Hydro, 700 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X6 (Canada)

1986-02-15

This paper provides an overview of design practice and the predicted and actual reliability of electrical station service Systems at Ontario Nuclear Generating Stations. Operational experience and licensing changes have indicated the desirability of improving reliability in certain instances. For example, the requirement to start large emergency coolant injection pumps resulted in the turbine generator units in a multi-unit station being used as a back-up power supply. Results of reliability analyses are discussed. To mitigate the effects of common mode events Ontario Hydro adopted a 'two group' approach to the design of safety related Systems. This 'two group' approach is reviewed and a single fully environmentally qualified standby power supply is proposed for future use. (author)

Modeling of Reservoir Inflow for Hydropower Dams Using Artificial ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

The stream flow at the three hydropower reservoirs in Nigeria were modeled using hydro-meteorological parameters and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The model revealed positive relationship between the observed and the modeled reservoir inflow with values of correlation coefficient of 0.57, 0.84 and 0.92 for Kainji, ...

Pico hydro turbines for electricity in rural areas

OpenAIRE

Descotte, Gérard

2016-01-01

This article discusses the feedback and lessons learned, particularly from a survey carried out following the deployment program of a pico hydro power solution in a very isolated rural area in north Laos. This project is part of the strategic development for the rural electrification of Laos, in which pico hydro power facilities constitute the main avenue of progress for the electrification of isolated villages.

Small hydro: Policy and potential in Spain

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gutierrez, C.

2001-01-01

In Spain, the benefits of small-scale (less than 10 MW) hydro are apparently rarely appreciated and there is little support from European institutions. The article suggests that small hydro technology can make a significant contribution to the country's energy requirements and create employment, provided certain obstacles can be removed. Data on the number of small hydros in Spain, and of recent installations are given; the share of hydro in Spain's total energy production is 2.5%. The low environmental impact of hydro is extolled, and the conclusions of a recent study of 'environmental impacts of the production of electricity' are listed. There are said to be unreasonable administrative obstacles; for example, it is more difficult to obtain permission to refurbish a 100 kW hydro plant in Castilla y Leon than it is to install a 30,000 kW gas plant. Some details relating to the affect of hydro on aquatic ecosystems, noise levels, and water quality, are given

Realisation of a small hydro power plant in the new water reservoir of the water supply of the San Abbondio municipality; Realizzazione di una microcentrale nel nuovo serbatoio dell'acquedotto del comune di S. Abbondio. Progetto definitivo nuovo serbatoio. Progetto di massima e studio varianti microcentrale

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Conti, M.

2008-12-15

This report for the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) presents the construction project of a new water reservoir including a micro-scale hydro power plant in the drinking-water supply of the municipality of San Abbondio, Switzerland. Following the development of residential areas a new water reservoir located at higher elevation is needed. A former preliminary study had demonstrated the feasibility of a micro-scale hydro power plant in the water supply. The adaptation of the plant design to the new situation is described. Investment cost is estimated and several variants are compared. Recommendations are given to the authorities.

The Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board, 42nd annual report for the year ended March 31, 1993

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1993-01-01

Manitoba Hydro is a provincially owned corporation that produces electricity for distribution to 380,270 customers throughout all of Manitoba except for central Winnipeg. The utility operates 12 hydraulic generating stations, 2 thermal generating stations and 12 diesel sites. In the year ending March 31, 1993, total combined generation and imports were 27.8 billion kWh, of which 26.5 billion kWh was produced from hydraulic stations. Power sales to Manitoba customers totalled 14.6 billion kWh and extraprovincial sales totalled 9 billion kWh. Gross revenues were $823 million and total expenses were $847 million, for a net loss of $24 million. An all-time record high for exports was set at $142.7 million, partly due to good water flows and energy available from the Limestone Generating Station. Cancellation of a 1,000 MW purchase by Ontario Hydro resulted in suspension of construction of the Conawapa Project and associated transmission lines. The various sections of the report present information on customer services; employee relations; environmental management; resource planning; electricity generated, purchased, and exported; system development, including construction of new power plants; research and development; and safety. Financial statements are included. 32 figs., 4 tabs

Annual report 1993 (Ontario Hydro, Toronto)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1994-12-31

Ontario Hydro`s prime objective is to supply the people of Ontario with electricity at cost while maintaining high standards of safety and service. The annual report presents energy efficiency and competitiveness, operations in review, the environmental performance of the Corporation, the future, and choices for a sustainable future. A financial review and analysis is also provided, along with an auditor`s report and financial statements.

Ontario Hydro Research Division annual report 1988

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1988-01-01

The Research Division of Ontario Hydro conducts research in the fields of chemistry, civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, metallurgy, and operations. Much of the research has a bearing on the safe, environmentally benign operation of Ontario Hydro's nuclear power plants. Particular emphasis has been placed on nuclear plant component aging and plant life assurance

Architecture at Hydro-Quebec. L'architecture a Hydro-Quebec

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

1991-01-01

Architecture at Hydro-Quebec is concerned not only with combining function and aesthetics in designing buildings and other structures for an electrical utility, but also to satisfy technical and administrative needs and to help solve contemporary problems such as the rational use of energy. Examples are presented of Hydro-Quebec's architectural accomplishments in the design of hydroelectric power stations and their surrounding landscapes, thermal power stations, transmission substations, research and testing facilities, and administrative buildings. It is shown how some buildings are designed to adapt to local environments and to conserve energy. The utility's policy of conserving installations of historic value, such as certain pre-1930 power stations, is illustrated, and aspects of its general architectural policy are outlined. 20 figs.

Good prospects for Portuguese small hydro industry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Betamio de Almeida, A.; Serranho, H.

2000-01-01

The article outlines the history of hydro in Portugal and discusses the current position of small-scale hydro with particular reference to the Portuguese Small Hydro Association (AMPH). Encouraged by legislation, and the Valoren community programme (which defined investment incentives), many new small hydro projects sprang up in Portugal in the 1990s. In some areas of Portugal the water levels were higher than the urban centres where the water is required: how the problems of integrating power and water were addressed is described. The integration of power and irrigation schemes is also mentioned. In the wake of great expansion in the Portuguese hydro industry, there was a sharp reduction (in 1995-6) and the reasons for that are listed. The 1999 tariff was such that it is likely that small hydro will provide 3.8% of the electric power consumed nationally by 2010

P. Electricity demand, substitution and resources

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1976-01-01

This report discusses the demand for electricity in New Zealand, the accuracy of demand predictions, and whether some other form of energy could be substituted for electricity. It then discusses past and possible future electricity generation in New Zealand by geothermal steam and hydro power and the resources of gas and coal that could be made available for electricity generation

Short-term hydro-thermal scheduling using particle swarm optimization method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yu, Binghui; Yuan, Xiaohui; Wang, Jinwen

2007-01-01

The approaches based on different particle swarm optimization (PSO) techniques are applied to solve the short-term hydro-thermal scheduling problem. In the proposed methods, many constraints of the hydro-thermal system, such as power balance, water balance, reservoir volume limits and the operation limits of hydro and thermal plants, are considered. The feasibility of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated through an example system, and the results are compared with the results of a genetic algorithm and evolutionary programming approaches. The experimental results show that all the PSO algorithms have the ability to achieve nearly global solutions, but a local version of PSO with inertia weight appears to be the best amongst all the PSOs in terms of high quality solution

Home grown hydro, part 1: Hydro development in Canada key to regional, international business expansion

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wiebe, P.A.

1994-01-01

Canada has had a long and successful record of hydroelectric power development since the first hydraulic generators were installed at Chaudiere Falls near Ottawa in 1881. Canadian hydro engineers have demonstrated their ability to develop and manage higher voltages, longer transmission networks, larger projects, remote sites, and undersea cable technology. Canada has earned a reputation for excellence in the hydro industry and is successful at exporting its expertise to develop hydro resources in the international market. A prominent example is provided by the Three Gorges Project in China, for which the Chinese Ministry of Energy searched for the best foreign engineers to prepare a feasibility report. A Canadian team that integrated the expertise of hydro consultants, utilities, and major equipment suppliers was chosen to prepare the report, winning over teams from the USA, Brazil, and Europe. Success in this initiative is attributed to Canada's ability to demonstrate the favorable application of new technology at James Bay. Domestic hydro projects are thus seen as crucial in efforts to expand into international markets. However, Canada's new completed hydro capacity has fallen dramatically since 1986, and Canadian hydro contractors have tended to remain domestic operators with little incentive to enter foreign markets. By having the foresight to begin new hydro developments now, Canada would benefit from increased employment and orders for equipment, and would ensure a continuing base of technical expertise and innovation in the electrical industry. 2 figs

Home grown hydro, part 1: Hydro development in Canada key to regional, international business expansion

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wiebe, P.A

1994-06-01

Canada has had a long and successful record of hydroelectric power development since the first hydraulic generators were installed at Chaudiere Falls near Ottawa in 1881. Canadian hydro engineers have demonstrated their ability to develop and manage higher voltages, longer transmission networks, larger projects, remote sites, and undersea cable technology. Canada has earned a reputation for excellence in the hydro industry and is successful at exporting its expertise to develop hydro resources in the international market. A prominent example is provided by the Three Gorges Project in China, for which the Chinese Ministry of Energy searched for the best foreign engineers to prepare a feasibility report. A Canadian team that integrated the expertise of hydro consultants, utilities, and major equipment suppliers was chosen to prepare the report, winning over teams from the USA, Brazil, and Europe. Success in this initiative is attributed to Canada's ability to demonstrate the favorable application of new technology at James Bay. Domestic hydro projects are thus seen as crucial in efforts to expand into international markets. However, Canada's new completed hydro capacity has fallen dramatically since 1986, and Canadian hydro contractors have tended to remain domestic operators with little incentive to enter foreign markets. By having the foresight to begin new hydro developments now, Canada would benefit from increased employment and orders for equipment, and would ensure a continuing base of technical expertise and innovation in the electrical industry. 2 figs.

The development of small-hydro in China; Le developpement de la petite hydraulique en Chine

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhu, X. [United Nations Environment Programme, Riso (Denmark); Pan, J. [Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (China). Research Centre for Economic Development

2007-04-15

Small hydro is a renewable source of energy that is economically and technically viable. This article described China's investment in small-scale hydroelectric power plants in 1,600 remote communities. Seventy per cent of China's small hydro power stations are concentrated in remote impoverished communities. These power stations provide electricity to 300 million people in China, where half of the territories, one third of the districts and towns, and one quarter of the population depend primarily on this energy source for their electricity needs. The first power station was built in the province of Yunnan in 1912, but the real development of small hydro occurred after 1950, and can be divided into three phases. Phase 1 occurred before 1980 when small hydro power stations concentrated on providing electricity for lighting in rural areas as well as for transforming agriculture and irrigation. For many decades following the foundation of the Republic of China, rural areas did not have access to electricity or had serious shortages of electricity. In order to ensure electricity in isolated and remote areas, the Chinese government requested that local authorities build and exploit small hydro where conditions were favourable, and this while respecting water resources. Phase 2 occurred between 1980s and 1990s, with a focus on improving the performance of small hydro power stations to include electricity provisions for local enterprises. During phase 2, small hydro became a tool for dynamic rural development for farmers to increase their revenues. The latest phase in small hydro development has also helped reduce poverty and develop local economies, but in addition, it plays a role in the long term protection of ecosystems, the environment and rural modernization. Today 660,000 people work for small power stations and most are employed locally. Replacing firewood with electricity has saved 130,000 hectares of forested land and helped protect ecosystems. Small

Reservoir Greenhouse Gas Emissions at Russian HPP

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fedorov, M. P.; Elistratov, V. V.; Maslikov, V. I.; Sidorenko, G. I.; Chusov, A. N.; Atrashenok, V. P.; Molodtsov, D. V. [St. Petersburg State Polytechnic University (Russian Federation); Savvichev, A. S. [Russian Academy of Sciences, S. N. Vinogradskii Institute of Microbiology (Russian Federation); Zinchenko, A. V. [A. I. Voeikov Main Geophysical Observatory (Russian Federation)

2015-05-15

Studies of greenhouse-gas emissions from the surfaces of the world’s reservoirs, which has demonstrated ambiguity of assessments of the effect of reservoirs on greenhouse-gas emissions to the atmosphere, is analyzed. It is recommended that greenhouse- gas emissions from various reservoirs be assessed by the procedure “GHG Measurement Guidelines for Fresh Water Reservoirs” (2010) for the purpose of creating a data base with results of standardized measurements. Aprogram for research into greenhouse-gas emissions is being developed at the St. Petersburg Polytechnic University in conformity with the IHA procedure at the reservoirs impounded by the Sayano-Shushenskaya and Mainskaya HPP operated by the RusHydro Co.

Study of different factors affecting the electrical properties of natural gas reservoir rocks based on digital cores

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jiang, Liming; Sun, Jianmeng; Wang, Haitao; Liu, Xuefeng

2011-01-01

The effects of the wettability and solubility of natural gas in formation water on the electrical properties of natural gas reservoir rocks are studied using the finite element method based on digital cores. The results show that the resistivity index of gas-wet reservoir rocks is significantly higher than that of water-wet reservoir rocks in the entire range of water saturation. The difference between them increases with decreasing water saturation. The resistivity index of natural gas reservoir rocks decreases with increasing additional conduction of water film. The solubility of natural gas in formation water has a dramatic effect on the electrical properties of reservoir rocks. The resistivity index of reservoir rocks increases as the solubility of natural gas increases. The effect of the solubility of natural gas on the resistivity index is very obvious under conditions of low water saturation, and it becomes weaker with increasing water saturation. Therefore, the reservoir wettability and the solubility of natural gas in formation water should be considered in defining the saturation exponent

Hydro-thermal power flow scheduling accounting for head variations

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

El-Hawary, M.E.; Ravindranath, K.M.

1992-01-01

In this paper the authors treat the problem of optimal economic operation of hydrothermal electric power systems with variable head hydro plants employing the power flow equations to represent the network. Newton's method is used to solve the problem for a number of test systems. A comparison with solutions with fixed head is presented. In general the optimal schedule requires higher slack bus and thermal power generation and cost in the case of variable head hydro plant than that required by the fixed head hydro plant in all demand periods. Correspondingly, the hydro generation is less in the case of variable head hydro plant compared to fixed head hydro plant. A negligible difference in voltage magnitudes in all the time intervals, but it is observed that slightly higher voltages occur in the case of the fixed head hydro plant. Higher power and energy losses occur in the case of variable head hydro plants compared to the fixed head hydro plants

Ontario Hydro decontamination experience

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lacy, C S; Patterson, R W; Upton, M S [Chemistry and Metallurgy Department, Central Production Services, Ontario Hydro, ON (Canada)

1991-04-01

Ontario Hydro currently operates 18 nuclear electric generating units of the CANDU design with a net capacity of 12,402 MW(e). An additional 1,762 MW(e) is under construction. The operation of these facilities has underlined the need to have decontamination capability both to reduce radiation fields, as well as to control and reduce contamination during component maintenance. This paper presents Ontario Hydro decontamination experience in two key areas - full heat transport decontamination to reduce system radiation fields, and component decontamination to reduce loose contamination particularly as practised in maintenance and decontamination centres. (author)

Ontario Hydro decontamination experience

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lacy, C.S.; Patterson, R.W.; Upton, M.S.

1991-01-01

Ontario Hydro currently operates 18 nuclear electric generating units of the CANDU design with a net capacity of 12,402 MW(e). An additional 1,762 MW(e) is under construction. The operation of these facilities has underlined the need to have decontamination capability both to reduce radiation fields, as well as to control and reduce contamination during component maintenance. This paper presents Ontario Hydro decontamination experience in two key areas - full heat transport decontamination to reduce system radiation fields, and component decontamination to reduce loose contamination particularly as practised in maintenance and decontamination centres. (author)

Hydro adventurers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wood, Janet

2000-01-01

Some of the changes brought about by privatisation of the hydroelectric power industry in Ecuador are discussed. At present, about 25% of the population has no electricity supply; in the remaining areas demand is increasing. Seven new facilities are presently under discussion and these are described briefly. A plant at Abitugua is to be developed as a 'merchant plant' and the meaning and implications of this are described in detail. The present financing programme for Abituaga and an alternative financing programme are detailed. By 2010, some 40% of Ecuador's electricity is expected to come from hydro

Hydro-Quebec opens up, expects positive reaction from FERC

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

McArthur, D.; Salaff, S.

1997-01-01

Hydro-Quebec Energy Services US (HQUS), the marketing arm of Hydro-Quebec, amended its application for a power marketing licence with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), by offering to open up five per cent of the wholesale Quebec electricity market to competition. The Corporation hopes that its revised application will satisfy FERC to grant HQUS a power marketer licence, with the right to sell electricity in the US at market-based rates. Hydro-Quebec insiders believe that in addition to opening up the market to competition, thereby equalizing market conditions on both sides of the border, the Corporation's chances of receiving the licence also have been improved by the creation of the provincial energy board (Regie de l'energie) which in future will regulate electricity and gas transmission through Quebec, and establish transmission tariffs. FERC ruling is expected within 60 days of the March 7, 1997 amended application

Power and dignity: the social consequences of hydro-electric development for the James Bay Cree

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Niezen, R.

1993-01-01

The social impact that large-scale hydro-electric development has on the Cree of James Bay following the construction of the La Grande Complex was discussed. Many environmental changes were brought about by dam construction. The project, which also involved the first settlement (the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement) directed at extinguishing aboriginal title to land and natural resources in Canada, resulted in several relocations of Cree communities. In addition to compensation, the Agreement included a formal procedure for environmental and social impact assessment for development projects. However, there was little commitment, as a matter of corporate or government policy, to monitoring any of the social impacts. This paper is a preliminary response to an appeal for attention to be focused on the social consequences of hydro-electric development for the Cree in James Bay. Data from social service files indicate that the rapid centralization of the James Bay Cree into structured communities led to social instability in the villages, reflected by high frequencies in suicide, neglect of children, vandalism and drug and alcohol abuse. The material presented here is expected to serve as a warning that in further developing the far North of Quebec the pace of social change in Cree society will have to be slowed down to avoid social destruction of the native communities. 15 refs., 2 tabs

Power and dignity: the social consequences of hydro-electric development for the James Bay Cree

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Niezen, R [Harvard Univ., Boston, MA (United States)

1993-11-01

The social impact that large-scale hydro-electric development has on the Cree of James Bay following the construction of the La Grande Complex was discussed. Many environmental changes were brought about by dam construction. The project, which also involved the first settlement (the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement) directed at extinguishing aboriginal title to land and natural resources in Canada, resulted in several relocations of Cree communities. In addition to compensation, the Agreement included a formal procedure for environmental and social impact assessment for development projects. However, there was little commitment, as a matter of corporate or government policy, to monitoring any of the social impacts. This paper is a preliminary response to an appeal for attention to be focused on the social consequences of hydro-electric development for the Cree in James Bay. Data from social service files indicate that the rapid centralization of the James Bay Cree into structured communities led to social instability in the villages, reflected by high frequencies in suicide, neglect of children, vandalism and drug and alcohol abuse. The material presented here is expected to serve as a warning that in further developing the far North of Quebec the pace of social change in Cree society will have to be slowed down to avoid social destruction of the native communities. 15 refs., 2 tabs.

Forming mechanism of the Ordovician karst carbonate reservoirs on the northern slope of central Tarim Basin

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Heng Fu

2017-07-01

Full Text Available The Ordovician karst carbonate reservoirs on the northern slope of central Tarim Basin are important oil and gas exploration targets in the basin, but their dissolution mechanisms are in controversy. In this paper, based on the integrated study of sedimentation, sequence and reservoir, together with microscopic analysis and macroscopic seismic data analysis, the carbonate karst reservoirs in the study area were divided into three types: dissolved pore-cavity limestone reservoir, pore-cavity dolomite reservoir and fracture-cavity siliceous reservoir, and their forming mechanisms were discussed respectively. Some findings were obtained. First, dissolved pore-cavity limestone reservoirs are distributed in the upper Yingshan Fm and Yijianfang Fm of the Ordovician vertically, while pore-cavity dolomite reservoirs are mainly developed in the Penglai Fm and lower Yingshan Fm of the Ordovician with great thickness. Second, dissolved pore-cavity limestone reservoirs were formed by karstification on the third-order sequence boundary (lowstand tract, while pore-cavity dolomite reservoirs were formed by deep burial dolomitization controlled by karstification on the third-order sequence boundary, both of which are distributed in the highstand tract below the third-order sequence boundary. Third, siliceous reservoirs are developed under the control of faulting, as a result of reworking of deep hydrothermal fluids along faults to the limestone, and the siliceous reservoirs and their hydrothermal solution fracture-cavity systems are distributed near faults. It is further predicted that, in addition to the three types of reservoir above, platform-margin reef-flat reservoirs are developed in the Ordovician on the northern slope of central Tarim Basin.

Market Power in Hydro-Thermal Supply

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Edin, Karl-Axel

2006-12-01

Despite having had a deregulated electricity market in Sweden for over ten years we still need to increase our understanding as to how deregulated electricity markets actually work and how possible problems are to be solved. One question that is always in focus is if the competition between generators in the Nordic electricity market really works the way it was intended. Many argue that the concentration in ownership of generation plants already has gone too far. Together with joint ownership in nuclear facilities and barriers for entrance, critics say that this has resulted in higher electricity prices than necessary. In this report different methods to (ex ante) study potential possibilities for generating firms to influence the electricity price (market power) and (ex post) discover possible manipulation through analysing the spot price and other observed factors on the electricity market are analysed. The purpose of the longer underlying paper is to give a comprehensive treatment of the electricity market with storage, i.e. hydro power, with an auction market organisation and to test the models on the Nordic market in order to explore the explanatory power of auction market theory and the theory of contestable market. The main theoretical effort in the paper concerns auction theory with inventories. The paper develops an inter-temporal auction model of a thermal-hydro power market. Parallel to the derivation of the basic equations a numerical model is developed in order to illustrate the results of the model. Section 2 of the present paper summarizes the basic equations (derived in the longer paper) for an inter-temporal auction thermal-hydro market. Section 3 contains the illustrations of solutions to equations for some stylized markets. In section 4 the auction model is tested on the Nordic market

A sustainable electricity future : a question of balance

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bradley, F.; Hebert, B.

2003-01-01

The authors offered some insight into the strategic issues facing the electricity industry in Canada while also highlighting the many accomplishments of the various member companies. The future orientations were discussed. Climate change is the issue that seems to garner the most attention from media, governments and the public. The electricity industry is the only industry that possesses a concrete plan of action to address the issue of climate change, in the form of the Emissions Performance Equivalent Standard (EPES). During 2002, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Canadian Electricity Association and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the first of its kind. A compliance framework is now being developed. Some of the issues being worked on this year are a post-Kyoto ratification strategy, an energy efficiency initiative; a response to the Supreme Court ruling concerning pole attachments, a revised Environmental Commitment and Responsibility Program, the fifth Annual Washington Energy Forum, and an updated survey on Aboriginal relations. Several member companies provided their views, such as ATCO Electric and ATCO Power, British Columbia Hydro, Hydro One, Hydro-Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro to name but a few. tabs., figs

A combined hydro-nuclear-solar project for electric power production

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yiftah, S.

1985-01-01

Some of the main, general-perspective themes of Dr. Alvin Weinberg's leadership and long and varied work are: the effect of present and future nuclear energy projects on society, not only in the United States but throughout the world; analysis, comparison, and combination of various sources of energy; extensive multiple use of nuclear energy complexes (so-called NUPLEX, for nuclear complex) for various areas of the world; and use of ''Big Technology'' and ''Big Science'' for solving, or helping to solve, political problems. A combined hydro-nuclear-solar project for electric power production is discussed, as well as two other energy-related engineering projects. Some of the projects originated or were inspired by work done at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory under the leadership of Dr. Alvin Weinberg. Also reported are the technical characteristics and interrelationships of the three components of the envisaged hydronuclear-solar project

Electricity generation from enhanced geothermal systems by oilfield produced water circulating through reservoir stimulated by staged fracturing technology for horizontal wells: A case study in Xujiaweizi area in Daqing Oilfield, China

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang, Yan-Jun; Li, Zheng-Wei; Guo, Liang-Liang; Gao, Ping; Jin, Xian-Peng; Xu, Tian-Fu

2014-01-01

In this paper, the feasibility of generating electricity from EGS (enhanced geothermal systems) by oilfield produced water circulating through reservoir stimulated by staged fracturing technology for horizontal wells is investigated based on the geological data of Xujiaweizi area, located in the Daqing Oilfield, northeast China. HDR (hot dry rock) resource potential assessment is carried out by using volumetric method. Reservoir stimulation is numerically simulated based on the geological data of well YS-1 and field fracturing experience in this region. Geometric dimensions and flow conductivity of the resulting fracture are imported into the hydro-thermal model to calculate the electricity generation potential of the proposed EGS power plant. An EGS design scheme is proposed based on the simulation results. The system is also evaluated from the economic and environmental aspects. The results indicate that HDR resource in Xujiaweizi area is of great potential for development. Through the staged fracturing technology for horizontal wells, electricity generation power of the proposed EGS project can roughly meet the commercial standard. For 20 years of continuous production, power generation from the proposed EGS power plant is economic feasible. Meanwhile, significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions can be achieved. - Highlights: • Staged fracturing technology for horizontal well is used in HDR (hot dry rock) development. • Fracturing simulations and heat production simulations are combined. • A 3 MW power plant is designed in Xujiaweizi based on the simulation results

Hydro to market green power at special prices

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

McArthur, D.; Salaff, S.

1996-01-01

A 600 kW grid-connected demonstration wind turbine at Ontario Place will provide green power to Toronto residents early in 1997. The joint venture project partners include publicly owned Ontario Hydro, Toronto Hydro and Natural Resources Canada. The power will be sold at a premium under arrangements yet to be announced. The green power pricing initiative would allow some customers to buy their electricity at a green price. The project could be a self-financing model for future renewable energy development. The Ontario Place turbine project will determine whether Toronto electricity customers want green power or electricity from nuclear and fossil stations, and could determine which type of generation should be built in the future

Modelling the economics of combined wind/hydro/diesel power systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sinha, A.

1993-01-01

A model that stimulates the performance and economics of a combined wind/hydro/diesel plant with pumped storage has been developed. It is applied to a hypothetical site to demonstrate how a subset of the cheapest configuration of plant sizes may be identified, illustrating in particular the trade-off between the hydro storage capacity and the wind turbine penetration. It seems that, with the wind and water regimes employed, pumped storage is unlikely to have significant benefits, but may be beneficial in areas without natural inflow, in which case the reservoir is used as a store for excess wind output. (author)

Flood moderation by large reservoirs in the humid tropics of Western ghat region of Kerala, India

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Abe, George [Centre for Water Resources Development and Management, Sub Centre, Kottayam South P.O, Kottayam-686 039, Kerala (India); James, E.J. [Water Institute and Dean (Research), Karunya University, Coimbatore-641 114, Tamil Nadu (India)

2013-07-01

Kerala State located in the humid tropics receives an average rainfall of 2810 mm. On an average 85% of this rainfall is received during the two monsoons spread from June to November. Midland and lowland regions of several of the river basins of Kerala experience severe flood events during the monsoons. Idamalayar hydro-electric project (1987) in Periyar River basin envisages flood control apart from power generation. This paper analyzes the flood moderation by Idamalayar reservoir considering the storage regime (inflow and outflow) which is subjected to a strong inter annual variability. The role of Idamalayar reservoir in controlling the monsoon floods is analyzed using daily data (1987-2010). The results of analysis show that the flood moderation by the reservoir is 92% when water storage is less than 50%. The reduction is 87% when reservoir storage is between 50 to 90% and moderation reduces to 62% when the reservoir storage is above 90%. Non-parametric trend analysis of fifty years of hydrologic data shows a reducing trend in inflow and storage during south-west monsoon which reduced spill and subsequent flood events during north-east monsoon.

Make electricity a complete and efficient carrier for energy accessibility - Hydro-Quebec strategic R & D; Faire de l'electricite un vecteur complet et efficace pour l'accessibilite de l'energie - La R&D strategique a Hydro-Quebec

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Naggar, Raouf

2010-09-15

In an energy context dominated by the evolution of needs, the availability of resources and the respect of the environment, electricity will play a role increasingly important in order to make accessible most of the energy resources that are harnessed in real time and not already existing as a portable and storable form. However, to become a complete and efficient accessibility carrier, it will still have to rise to many more challenges in development, exploitation, maintenance and commercial exchanges. The Hydro Quebec research institute (IREQ) has begun several strategic R&D projects to raise to these challenges. [French] Dans un contexte energetique domine par l'evolution des besoins, la disponibilite des ressources et le respect de l'environnement, l'electricite jouera un role de plus en plus important pour rendre accessibles la plupart des ressources energetiques qui sont captees en temps reel et qui ne sont pas deja sous une forme stockable et transportable. Cependant, pour devenir un vecteur d'accessibilite complet et efficace, elle devra encore relever plusieurs defis au niveau du developpement, de l'exploitation, de la maintenance et des echanges commerciaux. L'institut de recherche d'Hydro-Quebec (IREQ) a entrepris plusieurs projets de R&D strategique visant a relever ces defis.

An overview on small hydro in Brazil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Filho, G.T.

2008-01-01

An overview of small-scale hydro development in Brazil was presented in the context of the Brazilian energy sector. Brazil's energy sector is currently comprised of 45 per cent renewable energy. Brazil is the tenth largest energy producer in the world, with an installed capacity of 105.986 MW. Brazil currently has an estimated 258.410 MW of hydroelectric power potential. Small hydropower (SHP) plants in Brazil are defined as plants capable of producing up to 30 MW of power, with a reservoir area smaller than 12 km 2 . It is estimated that SHP plants will provide 5 per cent of Brazil's electrical supply by 2030. SHP plants in Brazil typically use Kaplan and Pelton hydraulic turbines, as well as Michell-Banki cross-flow turbines. Hydrokinetic turbine prototypes are also being designed at the Federal University of Brazil. Researchers are currently developing a diffuser enhancement design. However, there are currently no designs available that use peripheric generators. Researchers are currently investigating the design of fish-friendly turbines as well as mobile dams. Development projects in the Amazon region were outlined. tabs., figs.

Hydro-Quebec's buyback tariff

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Richard, J.C.

1992-01-01

Hydro-Quebec had an installed electric generation capacity of 25,682 MW in 1990, of which 23,927 MW was hydraulic. Of the 26 thermal power plants, 22 are in remote communities on islands or in the north part of the province. The utility's development plan predicts an annual growth in demand of 2.6% to reach ca 200 TWh in 2006; this demand would be reduced to ca 180 TWh by energy efficiency measures. To increase capacity, Hydro-Quebec can utilize the hydro generation potential of its large rivers, of which 18,000 MW is economically viable, and its small rivers. Of the 10,000 MW theoretical potential of the latter, a large fraction cannot be economically developed under existing conditions. The utility has a policy to purchase energy as a function of the price of fossil fuel. For wind energy, this price was 4.22 cents/kWh in 1991; this price will be increased annually according to the inflation index. In its isolated sites such as the Magdalen Islands, current costs of diesel-generated electricity are at least 5.5 cents/kWh. There are possibilities for installing wind plants in isolated regions but their automatic control systems need to be improved for achieving a larger utilization factor relative to diesel generation and their cost needs to be reduced. 1 tab

Demystification and localization in the adoption of micro-hydro technology : Insights from India

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Höffken, J.I.

2016-01-01

The phrase ‘small is beautiful’ holds true for the micro-hydro plants discussed in this article. Micro-hydro plants can convert the energy of falling water into electricity. In India, access to electricity cannot be taken for granted, especially in rural areas, which do not yet have grid extension

Numerical investigation of electricity generation potential from fractured granite reservoir through a single vertical well at Yangbajing geothermal field

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zeng, Yu-Chao; Zhan, Jie-Min; Wu, Neng-You; Luo, Ying-Ying; Cai, Wen-Hao

2016-01-01

Deep geological exploration indicates that there is a high-temperature fractured granite reservoir at depth of 950 ~ 1350 m in well ZK4001 in the north of Yangbajing geothermal field, with an average temperature of 248 °C and a pressure within 8.01 ~ 11.57 MPa; in this well there mainly produces liquid and steam two-phase flow. In this work we numerically investigated the electricity generation potential from the fractured granite reservoir through a single vertical well, analyzed the process and mechanism of the two-phase flow, and evaluated main factors affecting the heat production and electricity generation. The results show that under the reference conditions the system attains a pump power of 0.02 ~ 0.16 MW, an electrical power of 2.71 ~ 2.69 MW, and an energy efficiency of 68.06 ~ 16.34, showing favorable electricity generation performance. During the production period, the bottomhole production pressure gradually decreases, and this makes the pump power increasing and the energy efficiency decreasing. When the bottomhole pressure is lower than the saturated vapor pressure, the liquid water begins to evaporate and the bottomhole wellbore begins to produce the mixture of liquid and steam. Main factors affecting the performance are reservoir porosity, permeability and fluid production rate. Higher reservoir porosity or higher permeability or lower fluid production rate will increase the bottomehole pressure, decrease the pump power and improve the energy efficiency. - Highlights: • We established a numerical model of a single vertical well heat mining system. • Desirable electricity production performance can be obtained under suitable conditions. • The system attains an electric power of 2.71 ~ 2.69 MW with an efficiency of about 68.06 ~ 16.34. • Electric power mainly depends on the reservoir porosity and water production rate. • Higher permeability within a certain range is favorable for electricity generation.

An Overview of Power Topologies for Micro-hydro Turbines

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Nababan, Sabar; Muljadi, E.; Blaabjerg, Frede

2012-01-01

This paper is an overview of different power topologies of micro-hydro turbines. The size of micro-hydro turbine is typically under 100kW. Conventional topologies of micro-hydro power are stand-alone operation used in rural electrical network in developing countries. Recently, many of micro-hydro...... power generations are connected to the distribution network through power electronics (PE). This turbines are operated in variable frequency operation to improve efficiency of micro-hydro power generation, improve the power quality, and ride through capability of the generation. In this paper our...... discussion is limited to the distributed generation. Like many other renewable energy sources, the objectives of micro-hydro power generation are to reduce the use of fossil fuel, to improve the reliability of the distribution system (grid), and to reduce the transmission losses. The overview described...

Hydro-power

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Piro, P.

2010-01-01

On average the hydro-power sector produces 12% of the electrical power in France. A quarter of this production might pass to another operator than EDF because the end of some grants is nearing (2012 for 12 installations). In France the power of rivers belongs to the state that gives operators grants to harness it. The allowance lasts 75 years usually but for installations below 4.5 MW a permanent and definitive grant is allowed. Most installations are ancient and their investment have been paid off since a long, so hydro-power is the most profitable renewable energy in France. A lot of bidders are expected. Each bid will be assessed on 3 criteria: -) the global energy efficiency of the waterfall, -) a balanced management of the water resource, and -) an economic and financial offer to the state. The balance between the different uses of water is getting more delicate to reach and this renewal of grants will be an opportunity for the state to impose a better preservation of the environment. In July 2008, the French government announced a program for the re launching of the hydro-power, this program has been reduced and now only 3000 GWh supplementary are expected by 2020. (A.C.)

Comparison of Gross Greenhouse Gas Fluxes from Hydroelectric Reservoirs in Brazil with Thermopower Generation

Science.gov (United States)

Rogerio, J. P.; Dos Santos, M. A.; Matvienko, B.; dos Santos, E.; Rocha, C. H.; Sikar, E.; Junior, A. M.

2013-05-01

Widespread interest in human impacts on the Earth has prompted much questioning in fields of concern to the general public. One of these issues is the extent of the impacts on the environment caused by hydro-based power generation, once viewed as a clean energy source. From the early 1990s onwards, papers and studies have been challenging this assumption through claims that hydroelectric dams also emit greenhouse gases, generated by the decomposition of biomass flooded by filling these reservoirs. Like as other freshwater bodies, hydroelectric reservoirs produce gases underwater by biology decomposition of organic matter. Some of these biogenic gases are effective in terms of Global Warming. The decomposition is mainly due by anaerobically regime, emitting methane (CH4), nitrogen (N2) and carbon dioxide (CO2). This paper compare results obtained from gross greenhouse fluxes in Brazilian hydropower reservoirs with thermo power plants using different types of fuels and technology. Measurements were carried in the Manso, Serra da Mesa, Corumbá, Itumbiara, Estreito, Furnas and Peixoto reservoirs, located in Cerrado biome and in Funil reservoir located at Atlantic forest biome with well defined climatologically regimes. Fluxes of carbon dioxide and methane in each of the reservoirs selected, whether through bubbles and/or diffusive exchange between water and atmosphere, were assessed by sampling. The intensity of emissions has a great variability and some environmental factors could be responsible for these variations. Factors that influence the emissions could be the water and air temperature, depth, wind velocity, sunlight, physical and chemical parameters of water, the composition of underwater biomass and the operational regime of the reservoir. Based in this calculations is possible to conclude that the large amount of hydro-power studied is better than thermopower source in terms of atmospheric greenhouse emissions. The comparisons between the reservoirs studied

Hydro-Quebec's Strategic Plan 2002-2006 : summary

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2001-01-01

A corporate profile of Hydro-Quebec was presented and the strategy that the utility will adopt for the 2002-2006 period was summarized. The utility plans to maintain its service quality and sustain environmental quality while developing a world class enterprise. Quebec has adopted a heritage pool giving Quebec consumers access to a maximum of 165 TWh of electricity per year at an average commodity rate of 2.79 cents per kilowatt-hour, the lowest rate for such a large amount of energy in North America. Above that volume, supply for the Quebec market will be ensured through competitive bidding, leading to the signing of supply contracts based on market price. Hydro-Quebec's strategy reflects the business opportunities open to Hydro-Quebec given its traditional activities in the province, the restructuring of North American energy markets, and the emergence of Quebec as a major energy hub. The business opportunities come from the fact that demand for electricity in Quebec is growing and from the opening of markets close to Quebec. Investment outlook in hydroelectric generation and transmission also appears to be profitable. It is likely that investment will be needed to build infrastructure. Hydro-Quebec is also working with its qualified workforce to develop a world-class international activity base. tabs., figs

Use of isotopes techniques during the life cycle of dams and reservoirs: cases in Latin American

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Leon, S.H.

2006-01-01

In fact, the combined use of isotope and conventional techniques is considered a reliable tool for studying problems related to dam safety and has become a new culture for civil / dam engineers, hydro geologists and researchers who involve in water resource management fields. The use of natural (environmental) and artificial isotopes as tracers together with systematic analyses of the hydrochemistry, electrical conductivity and temperature profiles data during the investigation and monitoring of leakage and seepage in dams and reservoirs are now becoming popular among the dam owners in seeking the best solution for dam related problems. Many studies and experiences worldwide on effective dam management programmes have indicated that any investigation about leakages and seepages are not possible to be accomplished successfully without synergic application of the conventional technologies and isotopic techniques. The major advancement in this area is the measurements study for establishment of baseline hydrogeology at each hydraulic work project like dams and reservoirs. The parameters include hydro chemicals, isotopic and geologic in each basin, river, reservoir, dams, tunnels and groundwater which provide high value information for decision making during all the stages in the life cycle of the dams. Many hydroelectric and water supply projects in latin america apply these investigation strategies. The main target is to investigate and understand the water movement around the dam and its vicinity. Then the specialised work teams will decide for the effective and economic monitoring activities and the implementation of the recommended remedial measures to ensure high standards of safety and security of the large dams and reservoirs. A typical example of specific leakage investigation of la Honda dam is briefly discussed. (Author)

BOT schemes as financial model of hydro power projects

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Grausam, A.

1997-01-01

Build-operate-transfer (BOT) schemes are the latest methods adopted in the developing infrastructure projects. This paper outlines the project financing through BOT schemes and briefly focuses on the factors particularly relevant to hydro power projects. Hydro power development provides not only the best way to produce electricity, it can also solve problems in different fields, such as navigation problems in case of run-of-the river plants, ground water management systems and flood control etc. This makes HPP projects not cheaper, but hydro energy is a clean and renewable energy and the hydro potential worldwide will play a major role to meet the increased demand in future. 5 figs

78 FR 77112 - FirstEnergy Generation, LLC; Notice of Application Tendered for Filing With the Commission and...

Science.gov (United States)

2013-12-20

... water from the Allegheny Reservoir, created by the Kinzua Dam. Water used for electricity production is... Reservoir. Another portion of water used for electricity production can be pumped to the upper reservoir...: The application will be processed according to the following preliminary Hydro Licensing Schedule...

Scale Model Simulation of Enhanced Geothermal Reservoir Creation

Science.gov (United States)

Gutierrez, M.; Frash, L.; Hampton, J.

2012-12-01

Geothermal energy technology has successfully provided a means of generating stable base load electricity for many years. However, implementation has been spatially limited to limited availability of high quality traditional hydro-thermal resources possessing the combination of a shallow high heat flow anomaly and an aquifer with sufficient permeability and continuous fluid recharge. Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) has been proposed as a potential solution to enable additional energy production from the non-conventional hydro-thermal resources. Hydraulic fracturing is considered the primary means of creating functional EGS reservoirs at sites where the permeability of the rock is too limited to allow cost effective heat recovery. EGS reservoir creation requires improved fracturing methodology, rheologically controllable fracturing fluids, and temperature hardened proppants. Although large fracture volumes (several cubic km) have been created in the field, circulating fluid through these full volumes and maintaining fracture volumes have proven difficult. Stimulation technology and methodology as used in the oil and gas industry for sedimentary formations are well developed; however, they have not sufficiently been demonstrated for EGS reservoir creation. Insufficient data and measurements under geothermal conditions make it difficult to directly translate experience from the oil and gas industries to EGS applications. To demonstrate the feasibility of EGS reservoir creation and subsequent geothermal energy production, and to improve the understanding of hydraulic and propping in EGS reservoirs, a heated true-triaxial load cell with a high pressure fluid injection system was developed to simulate an EGS system from stimulation to production. This apparatus is capable of loading a 30x30x30 cubic cm rock sample with independent principal stresses up to 13 MPa while simultaneously providing heating up to 180 degree C. Multiple orientated boreholes of 5 to 10 mm

BC Hydro's transmission business : transition to a competitive marketplace

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Threlkeld, R.J.

1998-01-01

Progress made by BC Hydro to facilitate the use of the transmission system for wholesale electricity transactions, including the separation of the system operation function from generation and merchant functions, was discussed. BC Hydro, Canada's third largest electric utility, was the first Canadian utility to offer open access to its transmission system for wholesale transactions. The utility has an installed generating capacity of about 10.8 gigawatts, 90 per cent of which is hydroelectric. The remainder is thermal, gas turbine and stationary and mobile diesel generation. The key element in establishing wholesale transmission transactions was the FERC-mandated open access same-time information system (OASIS) on which BC Hydro posts available transmission capacity, planned outages and pricing. The system operates on BC Hydro's internet node and interfaces to a Transmission Scheduling System (TSS). The TSS was developed in-house to handle the increased complexity of scheduling multiple energy and capacity transactions for users of the transmission system. Operation of the system and the challenge to constantly improve it were discussed

Hydro Ottawa achieves Smart Meter milestone

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anon.

2008-01-01

As Ontario's second largest municipal electricity company, Hydro Ottawa serves more than 285,000 residential and business customers in the city of Ottawa and the village of Casselman. Since 2006, the utility has installed more than 230,000 Smart Meters throughout its service territory in an effort to provide better services to its customers. This initiative represents the largest operational advanced metering infrastructure network in Canada. This move was necessary before time-of-use rates can be implemented in Ottawa. The Smart Meters deliver data wirelessly to Hydro Ottawa's Customer Information System for billing and eliminating manual readings. The Smart Meters are designed to promote more efficient use of electricity. The Government of Ontario has passed legislation requiring the installation of Smart Meters throughout the province by the end of 2010

Neural network based inspection of voids and karst conduits in hydro-electric power station tunnels using GPR

Science.gov (United States)

Kilic, Gokhan; Eren, Levent

2018-04-01

This paper reports on the fundamental role played by Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), alongside advanced processing and presentation methods, during the tunnel boring project at a Dam and Hydro-Electric Power Station. It identifies from collected GPR data such issues as incomplete grouting and the presence of karst conduits and voids and provides full details of the procedures adopted. In particular, the application of collected GPR data to the Neural Network (NN) method is discussed.

Possibilities for Automatic Control of Hydro-Mechanical Transmission and Birotating Electric Machine

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

V. V. Mikhailov

2014-01-01

Full Text Available The paper presents mathematical models and results of virtual investigations pertaining to the selected motion parameters of a mobile machine equipped with hydro mechanical and modernized transmissions. The machine has been tested in similar technological cycles and it has been equipped with a universal automatic control system. Changes in structure and type of power transmission have been obtained with the help of a control algorithm including an extra reversible electric machine which is switched in at some operational modes.Implementation of the proposed  concept makes it possible to obtain and check the improved C-code of the control system and enhance operational parameters of the transmission and machine efficiency, reduce slippage and tire wear while using braking energy for its later beneficial use which is usually considered as a consumable element.

More than energy: Ontario Hydro final annual report, January 1998 - March 1999

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1999-01-01

Ontario Hydro ceased operations on March 31, 1999 and its assets and functions were transferred by provincial statute to two successor corporations: Ontario Power Generation Corp. (OPG) and Ontario Hydro Services Inc. Its functions were also transferred to the Independent Electricity Market Operator and the Electrical Safety Authority, two not-for-profit agencies. The original act defining Ontario Hydro was replaced by the Energy Competition Act, 1998. Until the demerger of the company on April 1, 1999, Ontario Hydro served 108 direct industrial clients, almost one million retail clients and 255 municipal utilities. Ontario Power Generation inherited Ontario Hydro's generating portfolio, making it one of the largest power producers in North America in terms of installed capacity. The OPG system includes 69 hydroelectric stations, three nuclear sites, and six operating fossil fueled stations. Total installed system capacity is approximately 31,000 megawatts, and Ontario Hydro's total sales in 1998 were almost 139 terawatt hours. Ontario Hydro Services Company is an energy services-based transmission and distribution company. It owns and maintains 29,000 km of transmission lines, 114,700 km of distribution lines, 245 km of high-voltage underground cable, 256 transformer stations, 928 distribution and regulation stations, and 250 microwave stations. It also retains the retail business held by Ontario Hydro, which serves over 950,000 clients, and the transmission and generating business for 23 remote communities in Northern Ontario

CO2 geosequestration at the laboratory scale: Combined geophysical and hydromechanical assessment of weakly-cemented shallow Sleipner-like reservoirs

Science.gov (United States)

Falcon-Suarez, I.; North, L. J.; Best, A. I.

2017-12-01

To date, the most promising mitigation strategy for reducing global carbon emissions is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). The storage technology (i.e., CO2 geosequestration, CGS) consists of injecting CO2 into deep geological formations, specifically selected for such massive-scale storage. To guarantee the mechanical stability of the reservoir during and after injection, it is crucial to improve existing monitoring techniques for controlling CGS activities. We developed a comprehensive experimental program to investigate the integrity of the Sleipner CO2 storage site in the North Sea - the first commercial CCS project in history where 1 Mtn/y of CO2 has been injected since 1996. We assessed hydro-mechanical effects and the related geophysical signatures of three synthetic sandstones and samples from the Utsira Sand formation (main reservoir at Sleipner), at realistic pressure-temperature (PT) conditions and fluid compositions. Our experimental approach consists of brine-CO2 flow-through tests simulating variable inflation/depletion scenarios, performed in the CGS-rig (Fig. 1; Falcon-Suarez et al., 2017) at the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) in Southampton. The rig is designed for simultaneous monitoring of ultrasonic P- and S-wave velocities and attenuations, electrical resistivity, axial and radial strains, pore pressure and flow, during the co-injection of up to two fluids under controlled PT conditions. Our results show velocity-resistivity and seismic-geomechanical relations of practical importance for the distinction between pore pressure and pore fluid distribution during CGS activities. By combining geophysical and thermo-hydro-mechano-chemical coupled information, we can provide laboratory datasets that complement in situ seismic, geomechanical and electrical survey information, useful for the CO2 plume monitoring in Sleipner site and other shallow weakly-cemented sand CCS reservoirs. Falcon-Suarez, I., Marín-Moreno, H., Browning, F., Lichtschlag, A

Identifying and Evaluating Chaotic Behavior in Hydro-Meteorological Processes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Soojun Kim

2015-01-01

Full Text Available The aim of this study is to identify and evaluate chaotic behavior in hydro-meteorological processes. This study poses the two hypotheses to identify chaotic behavior of the processes. First, assume that the input data is the significant factor to provide chaotic characteristics to output data. Second, assume that the system itself is the significant factor to provide chaotic characteristics to output data. For solving this issue, hydro-meteorological time series such as precipitation, air temperature, discharge, and storage volume were collected in the Great Salt Lake and Bear River Basin, USA. The time series in the period of approximately one year were extracted from the original series using the wavelet transform. The generated time series from summation of sine functions were fitted to each series and used for investigating the hypotheses. Then artificial neural networks had been built for modeling the reservoir system and the correlation dimension was analyzed for the evaluation of chaotic behavior between inputs and outputs. From the results, we found that the chaotic characteristic of the storage volume which is output is likely a byproduct of the chaotic behavior of the reservoir system itself rather than that of the input data.

The St. Niklausen drinking-water powered, small hydro scheme in Bad Ragaz; Gemeinde Bad Ragaz - Trinkwasserkraftwerk St. Niklausen - Vorstudie Bericht

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rueesch, T.

2009-04-15

This report for the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) takes a look at the results a preliminary study on the installation of a drinking-water powered small hydro scheme in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland. The installation of new pressure pipes and a new balancing reservoir are proposed. Three variants are proposed and discussed, two of which are considered as being economically viable. The various new installations and components proposed are described and discussed. Investment considerations, energy production and costs are looked at as well as support from the Swiss scheme for the cost-covering remuneration for electricity from renewable energy sources. The report is augmented with photos and plans.

Small hydro generation building block profile

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2003-01-01

Concise business information on small hydro generation in British Columbia was presented in this document. It was noted that the steep terrain within the province and its abundant precipitation provides numerous opportunities for hydropower generation in British Columbia. The hydroelectric sector produces approximately 90 per cent of the electrical demand in the province. The document focusses on small hydro sites producing between 0.5 and 50 mega watts (MW) and not having large water storage. In the first section, an overview of the electricity sector in the province is provided. The following issues are examined in subsequent sections: land resources; infrastructure requirements; sales market; labour market; the regulatory regime; development factors; non-governmental aspects; investments and economics; the present status and future outlook of the industry; and, government revenue. Input-output tables were also provided. 22 refs., 5 tabs., 4 figs

Advances in the implementation of a generic long term model for the hydro industry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Welt, F.

2004-01-01

This presentation describes the Vista Long Term (LT) simulation and decision tool developed for the hydropower and water resource industries by Synexus Global. Vista maximizes the value of hydro resources while addressing environmental concerns. It improves water resource management for all uses over the long term. The tool has been used and adapted to many systems around the world, including Bonneville Power Administration, Reliant Energy, PacifiCorp and Great Lakes Power in the United States and Nova Scotia Power, Yukon Energy, and Newfoundland Hydro in Canada. Vista also helps to plan alternative operating policies and system upgrades by maximizing the expected value of generation and transactions. The tool provides reservoir releases, generation, flows, levels and transactions. Hydroelectric generating facilities that use the Vista tool have improved clean energy production as well as increased revenues resulting from reservoir and plant optimization. tabs., figs

Notes for remarks by William A. Farlinger, chairman of Ontario Hydro

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Farlinger, W.A.

1997-01-01

The advantages of convergence for gas and electric companies were discussed. Both utilities possess transmission lines, rights of way, billing systems and long-term customer relationships. The speaker, Chairman of Ontario Hydro, suggested that within a few years, customers may be in a position to choose their power supplier. Ontario Hydro's vision for convergence and the recent restructuring of the Corporation into three new signature companies (generation, transmission, retail) were described. In this process Ontario Hydro has taken steps toward open access to the grid by all producers, competition among many sellers and buyers, and choice of supplier by consumers for lower cost power. One of the basic driving forces for convergence in the energy field is the interchangeability of electricity or gas. Some municipalities have already implemented joint gas and electricity meter reading, and there are many other ways in which converge can provide cheaper power and better service to the consumer. Ultimately, convergence would mean that monopolies would disappear, as would the boundaries between the gas and electricity industries

Analyze the factors effecting the development of hydro power projects in hydro rich regions of India

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ameesh Kumar Sharma

2016-09-01

Full Text Available Power is considered as the major back bone for all the nations throughout the world including India on the basis of which development of the country depends. If a country has the resources to generate the power at competitive price in that case the people of the country get the benefits in terms of improvement in their social and economical life. When we talk about India, various locations in the country where still there is no electricity people are living in dark without having the access of the modern technology. The total hydro power potential of India is 1, 50,000 MW out of this total hydro potential only 40,195 MW is exploited till 2014. More than 80% of the total hydro potential of the country is lying in the western Himalayan states (Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand and Arunachal Pradesh. Small hydro projects are also playing a very important role in the modern world for the development of the remote areas which are not main grid connected specially in western Himalayan region of India. India has a total potential 19,749 MW of small hydro projects and of this total potential only 3990.9 MW harnessed till 2014. Ministry of new and renewable energy in India is also providing special incentives to hydro rich states of India. In this research article we are taken the case study of the small hydro projects in the western Himalayan region because theses states are having vast small hydro potential which is still needed to be harnessed. So, it is very important to identify the factors which are effecting the development of these small ventures especially in western Himalayan region in India.

Architecture at Hydro-Quebec

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

1991-01-01

Architecture at Hydro-Quebec is concerned not only with combining function and aesthetics in designing buildings and other structures for an electrical utility, but also to satisfy technical and administrative needs and to help solve contemporary problems such as the rational use of energy. Examples are presented of Hydro-Quebec's architectural accomplishments in the design of hydroelectric power stations and their surrounding landscapes, thermal power stations, transmission substations, research and testing facilities, and administrative buildings. It is shown how some buildings are designed to adapt to local environments and to conserve energy. The utility's policy of conserving installations of historic value, such as certain pre-1930 power stations, is illustrated, and aspects of its general architectural policy are outlined. 20 figs.

Greenhouse gas emissions from hydroelectric reservoirs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rosa, L.P.; Schaeffer, R.

1994-01-01

In a recent paper, Rudd et al. have suggested that, per unit of electrical energy produced, greenhouse-gas emissions from some hydroelectric reservoirs in northern Canada may be comparable to emissions from fossil-fuelled power plants. The purpose of this comment is to elaborate these issues further so as to understand the potential contribution of hydroelectric reservoirs to the greenhouse effect. More than focusing on the total budget of carbon emissions (be they in the form of CH 4 or be they in the form of CO 2 ), this requires an evaluation of the accumulated greenhouse effect of gas emissions from hydroelectric reservoirs and fossil-fuelled power plants. Two issues will be considered: (a) global warming potential (GWP) for CH 4 ; and (b) how greenhouse-gas emissions from hydroelectric power plants stand against emissions from fossil-fuelled power plants with respect to global warming

Net greenhouse gas emissions at Eastmain-1 reservoir, Quebec, Canada

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tremblay, Alain; Bastien, Julie; Bonneville, Marie-Claude; del Giorgio, Paul; Demarty, Maud; Garneau, Michelle; Helie, Jean-Francois; Pelletier, Luc; Prairie, Yves; Roulet, Nigel; Strachan, Ian; Teodoru, Cristian

2010-09-15

The growing concern regarding the long-term contribution of freshwater reservoirs to atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHG), led Hydro-Quebec, to study net GHG emissions from Eastmain 1 reservoir, which are the emissions related to the creation of a reservoir minus those that would have been emitted or absorbed by the natural systems over a 100-year period. This large study was realized in collaboration with University du Quebec a Montreal, McGill University and Environnement IIlimite Inc. This is a world premiere and the net GHG emissions of EM-1 will be presented in details.

Reversible pumped hydro - benefits and challenges

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nielsen, Torbjoern K.; Walseth, Eve C.

2010-07-01

Full text: The Norwegian hydro power system is dominated with high head turbines, Pelton and Francis with high capacity in the reservoirs. Originally they were built for secure energy supply. In the system there are also reversible pump turbine (RPT) plants where in times with spare energy, made it possible to pump water from the lower reservoir to the higher. Again the idea was to secure energy supply, which meant pumping in early autumn to fill the reservoirs for winter. In the recent years, a more active use of the RPT plants has been actualized. The free market made price difference between night and day interesting, hence a more frequent pumping was desirable. In the coming years, new-renewable energy sources will utterly enhance a more active use of the RPT plants. More active use of the RPT plants means more frequent starts and stops, both in pumping and in turbine mode. There are a lot of challenges in adopting a new strategy for operating the machinery. More effective start equipment is required. The machinery will be exposed to more frequent dynamic loads; the turbines will be run at part- and full load. The existing RPT plants are connected to huge reservoirs. That means the RPTs are not only for short sighted power regulations, as many RPT-plants in Europe, but are also capable for a substantial energy production. In Norway, the nature is very suitable for RPT plants, both in connection with existing power plants, were reservoirs and conduits are already established, and standing alone with a minimum of energy production. RPTs are, as a design, a compromise between effective generating and stable as well as effective pumping. Stable pumping often results in very steep flow-speed characteristics when operating as a turbine. When dealing with hydraulic transients these characteristics cause a higher change in flow and torque leading to instability during start-up and possible off-design operation point. The instability slows down the synchronization

Innovative private micro-hydro power development in Rwanda

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pigaht, Maurice; Plas, Robert J. van der

2009-01-01

Under the 'Private Sector Participation in Micro-Hydro Development Project in Rwanda', four newly registered Rwandan companies are each constructing a micro-hydro electricity plant (100-500 kW) and building a low-voltage distribution grid. These companies financed their plants through their own equity and debt with support from the PSP Hydro project. This support comprised a subsidy of 30-50% of investment costs, technical and business development assistance, project monitoring and financial controlling. The experiences gained so far have important implications for similar future micro-hydro energy sector development projects and this paper puts forward three key messages: (i) institutional arrangements rather than technical quality determine the success of such projects; (ii) truly sustainable rural electrification through micro-hydro development demands a high level of local participation at all levels and throughout all project phases, not just after plant commissioning; and (iii) real impact and sustainability can be obtained through close collaboration of local private and financial sector firms requiring only limited external funds. In short, micro-hydro projects can and will be taken up by local investors as a business if the conditions are right. Applying these messages could result in an accelerated uptake of viable micro-hydro activities in Rwanda, and in the opinion of the authors elsewhere too.

IPPSO raises Hydro exports in smog negotiations

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anon.

1997-01-01

The Independent Power Producers of Ontario (IPPSO) requested federal and provincial committees negotiating atmospheric emission standards to review Ontario Hydro's export wheeling plans. IPPSO alleges that Ontario Hydro is preparing to apply pressure on the Canadian export approval process, and is building up a major effort that will increase emissions, contrary to the objectives embodied in a number of environment protection projects such as the Ontario Smog Plan, The Federal-Provincial NOx Management Plan, the Strategic Options Plan, or the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution Draft NOx Protocol Negotiations. IPPSO alleges further that while Ontario Hydro is one of Canada's largest single emitter of greenhouse gases NOx, and SO 2 , and as a public sector corporation it should be the most amenable to serving the public good, the Corporation is doing exactly the opposite: it actively prevents production of electricity from less polluting sources. It is IPPSO's contention that Ontario Hydro's desire to control the Ontario market could come at significant cost to the environment

Special considerations for electric submersible pump applications in underpressured reservoirs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Powers, M.L.

1991-01-01

This paper investigates the effect of electric submersible pump performance tolerances and minor speed variations on the producing rate of wells completed in underpressured reservoirs, and presents ESP design considerations which are unique for this class of wells. These wells require considerable head to initiate flow and have relatively flat well-load curves. Pumps that operate near their maximum recommended rate have steep performance curves. it is shown that this minimizes the effect of an underperforming pump on producing rate. Equations are developed for calculating the effects of pump performance and speed. Application requires evaluating the slopes of the pump performance curve and well-load curve at design rate. Utility of these equations is demonstrated by practical examples. It is also demonstrated that flow-stall can easily occur in underpressured reservoir applications when pumps designed to operate near their minimum recommended rate are installed

Numerical investigation of electricity generation potential from fractured granite reservoir by water circulating through three horizontal wells at Yangbajing geothermal field

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zeng, Yuchao; Zhan, Jiemin; Wu, Nengyou; Luo, Yingying; Cai, Wenhao

2016-01-01

Highlights: • A numerical model of the 950–1350 m fractured granite reservoir through horizontal wells is established. • Desirable electricity production performance can be obtained under suitable conditions. • The system attains an electric power of 26.9–24.3 MW with an efficiency of about 50.10–22.39. • Electric power mainly depends on water production rate and injection temperature. • Higher permeability within a certain range is favorable for electricity generation. - Abstract: Deep geological exploration indicates that there is a high-temperature fractured granite reservoir at depth of 950–1350 m in well ZK4001 in the north of Yangbajing geothermal field, with an average temperature of 248 °C and a pressure within 8.01–11.57 MPa. In this work, we evaluated electricity generation potential from this fractured granite reservoir by water circulating through three horizontal wells, and analyzed main factors affecting the performance and efficiency through numerical simulation. The results show that in the reference case the system attains a production temperature of 248.0–235.7 °C, an electrical power of 26.9–24.3 MW, an injection pressure of 10.48–12.94 MPa, a reservoir impedance of 0.07–0.10 MPa/(kg/s), a pump power of 0.54–1.08 MW and an energy efficiency of 50.10–22.39 during a period of 20 years, displaying favorable production performance. Main factors affecting the production performance and efficiency are reservoir permeability, water production rate and injection temperature; within certain ranges increasing the reservoir permeability or adopting more reasonable water production rate or injection temperature will obviously improve the system production performance.

An overview on small hydro in Brazil

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Filho, G.T. [Federal Univ. of Itajuba (Brazil). National Reference Centre for Small Hydro

2008-07-01

An overview of small-scale hydro development in Brazil was presented in the context of the Brazilian energy sector. Brazil's energy sector is currently comprised of 45 per cent renewable energy. Brazil is the tenth largest energy producer in the world, with an installed capacity of 105.986 MW. Brazil currently has an estimated 258.410 MW of hydroelectric power potential. Small hydropower (SHP) plants in Brazil are defined as plants capable of producing up to 30 MW of power, with a reservoir area smaller than 12 km{sup 2}. It is estimated that SHP plants will provide 5 per cent of Brazil's electrical supply by 2030. SHP plants in Brazil typically use Kaplan and Pelton hydraulic turbines, as well as Michell-Banki cross-flow turbines. Hydrokinetic turbine prototypes are also being designed at the Federal University of Brazil. Researchers are currently developing a diffuser enhancement design. However, there are currently no designs available that use peripheric generators. Researchers are currently investigating the design of fish-friendly turbines as well as mobile dams. Development projects in the Amazon region were outlined. tabs., figs.

Hydro-climatic conditions and thermoelectric electricity generation – Part I: Development of models

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Koch, Hagen; Vögele, Stefan

2013-01-01

In recent years there have been several heat waves affecting the use of thermoelectric power plants, e.g. in Europe and the U.S. In this paper the linkage between hydro-climatic conditions and possible electricity generation restrictions is described. The coupling of hydrological models and a power plant model is presented. In this approach each power plant is considered separately with its technical specifications. Also environmental regulations, e.g. permissible rise in the cooling water temperature, are considered for the respective power plant. The hydrological models developed to simulate river runoff and water temperature are also site specific. The approach presented is applied to Krümmel nuclear power plant in Germany. Analysed are the uncertainties with regard to electricity generation restrictions on account of climatic developments and corresponding higher water temperatures and low flows. Overall, increased water temperatures and declining river runoff lead to more frequent and more severe generation restrictions. It is concluded that the site-specific approach is necessary to reliably simulate power plants water demand, river runoff and water temperature. Using a simulation time step of one day, electricity generation restrictions are significantly higher than for simulations at monthly time step. - Highlights: • An approach to assess climate effects on electricity generation is presented. • Site specific models for power plants, water temperature and discharge are used. • Monthly and daily simulation time-steps give different results. • Climate change effects on generation depend on cooling system and climate scenario

Navigating the hydro market in Latin America

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yermoli, C.A.

1995-01-01

The governments of most Latin American countries have yet to establish clear policies about the future ownership of existing generation assets, but they do expect future capacity to be largely developed by the private sector. There were at one time plans for many government-financed hydro projects in the area, but these projects produced much paper and little electricity. Present trends will take the area toward independent power projects, both hydro projects and thermal power projects. This article is a review of those present trends

INTRODUCING A CAUSAL PAR( p MODEL TO EVALUATE THE INFLUENCE OF CLIMATE VARIABLES IN RESERVOIR INFLOWS: A BRAZILIAN CASE

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Paula Medina Maçaira

Full Text Available ABSTRACT The Brazilian electricity energy matrix is essentially formed by hydraulic sources which currently account for 70% of the installed capacity. One of the most important characteristics of a generation system with hydro predominance is the strong dependence on the inflow regimes. Nowadays, the Brazilian power sector uses the PAR(p model to generate scenarios for hydrological inflows. This approach does not consider any exogenous information that may affect hydrological regimes. The main objective of this paper is to infer on the influence of climatic events in water inflows as a way to improve the model’s performance. The proposed model is called “causal PAR(p” and considers exogenous variables, such as El Niño and Sunspots, to generate scenarios for some Brazilian reservoirs. The result shows that the error measures decrease approximately 3%. This improvement indicates that the inclusion of climate variables to model and simulate the inflows time series is a valid exercise and should be taken into consideration.

Sizing of a wind-hydro system using a reversible hydraulic facility with seawater. A case study in the Canary Islands

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Portero, Ulises; Velázquez, Sergio; Carta, José A.

2015-01-01

Highlights: • A model of a wind-hydro system is developed associated to a specific demand. • A particular case on islands with a weak electrical system is simulated. • A reversible seawater-based pumped-hydro system associated to a wind farm is sized. • The economic benefit of the resulting wind-hydro system is calculated. - Abstract: While the climatic conditions of the Canary Islands (Spain) are highly favourable for wind and solar energy exploitation, the low freshwater reserves are a problem when considering the implementation of hydro-based systems. For this reason, the pumped hydro storage (PHS) systems that have been proposed on the islands and which aim to exploit the available freshwater include an additional seawater desalination process. Given this drawback, this paper proposes an original alternative: a reversible PHS facility which directly uses seawater with the system in this case located on the coast of Gran Canaria island. This facility would be used to manage and better integrate the energy generated by a wind farm into a weak insular electrical system. An analysis is also undertaken of the economic benefits the proposed wind-hydro system would entail for the island’s electrical system. As a result of the incorporation of the hydraulic unit, the contribution of the wind-hydro system in satisfying electricity demand is 29% higher than if a wind-only system is used. The electrical energy generation cost of the wind-hydro system amounts to 95.34 €/MW h, entailing an annual saving for the electrical system of 7.68 M€/year.

Development of Hydro-Mechanical Deep Drawing

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Zhang, Shi-Hong; Danckert, Joachim

1998-01-01

The hydro-mechanical deep-drawing process is reviewed in this article. The process principles and features are introduced and the developments of the hydro-mechanical deep-drawing process in process performances, in theory and in numerical simulation are described. The applications are summarized....... Some other related hydraulic forming processes are also dealt with as a comparison....

Proposed Hydro-Quebec development plan, 1993: Proposal

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1992-01-01

The Quebec government now requires Hydro-Quebec to submit a development plan every three years instead of annually, in order to permit more in-depth studies and a broader consultation with interested parties. In the first of such three-year plans, a series of plan proposals is presented which was developed after a year of consultation with various groups on four fundamental matters: energy efficiency, means of generation, electro-intensive industries, and electricity exports. Options for meeting future demand at Hydro-Quebec are assessed, including the construction of new generation and transmission facilities, rehabilitation of existing facilities, improving electrical energy efficiency, and conservation strategies. These options are considered while applying the principle of sustainable development that respects the environment. Hydroelectricity will continue to be emphasized as the main source of generation since hydroelectric facilities offer distinct advantages in terms of costs, environmental impacts, and economic spinoffs. The proposed plan also presents objectives and strategies for improving the quality of service and internal operations. Financial forecasts for Hydro-Quebec are proposed which take into account the forecast changes in the utility's cost and revenue factors and its self-financing requirements. 5 figs., 15 tabs

1994 Electricity plan: An introduction to BC Hydro's integrated resource plan

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1994-01-01

A summary is provided of British Columbia Hydro's 1994 electricity plan. The plan provides up-to-date information on the options available to meet the 20-year forecast of domestic electricity requirements as well as an evaluation of alternative resource acquisitions to assess how to best minimize social cost, fulfill corporate objectives, and meet economic development initiatives of the corporation and the provincial government. The resource evaluations also incorporate the most recent information available on energy capabilities, construction, operation, and fuel supply costs, and environmental and socio-economic impacts. The 1994 plan includes updated estimates of the costs and expected contributions from currently committed resource acquisitions, including the Power Smart and Resource Smart programs and the Burrard Upgrade Project. The continuing uncertainty concerning the return of the Canadian Entitlement to the Columbia River Treaty downstream benefits, the purchase of power from the Kemano Completion Project, and the impact of customer self-generation are also considered in the plan. Considering the forecast net energy load and the existing and committed supply, a deficit in supply is forecast by 2003/04 if the treaty entitlement is not returned and by 2008/09 if it is returned. A dependable capacity balance is forecast to be in a negative position only by 2013/14 with a full sale of the treaty entitlement. A glossary is included. 9 figs., 8 tabs

Ontario Hydro Research Division, 1980

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The work of the Research Division of Ontario Hydro provides technical and scientific support for the engineering and operation of a power system that includes hydraulic, fossil-fired, and nuclear generation. It also relates to the transmission and distribution of electricity and to the need to help customers use electricity with safety and economy. Among the examples of projects given are qualification of CANDU heat transport system components, pressure tube replacement, steam generator integrity, testing for earthquake resistance, and radioactive waste disposal

Short-term generation scheduling model of Fujian hydro system

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wang Jinwen [School of Hydropower and Information Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074 (China)], E-mail: dr.jinwen.wang@gmail.com

2009-04-15

The Fujian hydropower system (FHS) is one of the provincial hydropower systems with the most complicated hydraulic topology in China. This paper describes an optimization program that is required by Fujian Electric Power Company Ltd. (FEPCL) to aid the shift engineers in making decisions with the short-term hydropower scheduling such that the generation benefit can be maximal. The problem involves 27 reservoirs and is formulated as a nonlinear and discrete programming. It is a very challenging task to solve such a large-scale problem. In this paper, the Lagrangian multipliers are introduced to decompose the primal problem into a hydro subproblem and many individual plant-based subproblems, which are respectively solved by the improved simplex-like method (SLM) and the dynamic programming (DP). A numerical example is given and the derived solution is very close to the optimal one, with the distance in benefit less than 0.004%. All the data needed for the numerical example are presented in detail for further tests and studies from more experts and researchers.

Short-term generation scheduling model of Fujian hydro system

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wang, Jinwen [School of Hydropower and Information Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074 (China)

2009-04-15

The Fujian hydropower system (FHS) is one of the provincial hydropower systems with the most complicated hydraulic topology in China. This paper describes an optimization program that is required by Fujian Electric Power Company Ltd. (FEPCL) to aid the shift engineers in making decisions with the short-term hydropower scheduling such that the generation benefit can be maximal. The problem involves 27 reservoirs and is formulated as a nonlinear and discrete programming. It is a very challenging task to solve such a large-scale problem. In this paper, the Lagrangian multipliers are introduced to decompose the primal problem into a hydro subproblem and many individual plant-based subproblems, which are respectively solved by the improved simplex-like method (SLM) and the dynamic programming (DP). A numerical example is given and the derived solution is very close to the optimal one, with the distance in benefit less than 0.004%. All the data needed for the numerical example are presented in detail for further tests and studies from more experts and researchers. (author)

Theoretical and conditional monitoring of a small three-bladed vertical-axis micro-hydro turbine

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Huang, Sy-Ruen; Ma, Yen-Huai; Chen, Chia-Fu; Seki, Kazuichi; Aso, Toshiyuki

2014-01-01

Highlights: • This paper presents a novel 3 three-bladed vertical-axis micro-hydro turbine system. • This paper presents structure and performance of micro-hydroelectric turbine system. • The paper reveal that using VAMHT system in water is distinct from using in wind. • This paper present an experimental results of VAMHT system. • The paper show that the status transformation from cut-into stable power generation is short. - Abstract: This paper presents a novel 3-kW three-bladed vertical-axis micro-hydro turbine (VAMHT) system. The experimental results reveal that using this type of turbine in water is distinct from using it in wind. The micro-hydro turbine system uses a three-phase permanent magnet symmetric generator that transforms mechanical energy into electrical energy. The output voltage and frequency of the generator depend on water flow speed, and voltage steady equipment is used to maintain the maximum output power of the DC bus. According to the maximum power point tracking of the micro-hydro turbine system, the condition monitoring of the novel micro-hydro turbine requires no water flow meter. Furthermore, the construction and installation of the new micro-hydro turbine is simple, economical, and stable. This system combines a micro-hydro generator and electrical state-monitoring system, which can measure the speed, output power, DC-bus voltage, and all electrical characteristics of the micro-hydro turbine system. The results of comparing turbine between wind and water show that the speed ranges of water flow is narrower than that of wind, and the status transformation from cut-into stable power generation is short

76 FR 76155 - Nevada Hydro Company, Inc.; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and...

Science.gov (United States)

2011-12-06

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. P-14227-000] Nevada Hydro..., Motions To Intervene, and Competing Applications On July 14, 2011, the Nevada Hydro Company (Nevada Hydro... Diego Gas & Electric Company transmission line located to the south. Applicant Contact: Arnold B...

The Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board, 40th annual report for the year ended March 31, 1991

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1991-01-01

A report is presented of the year's activities of the corporation responsible for supplying electric power to Manitoba. The corporation serves all areas of the province except central Winnipeg, and its 11 generating stations have a capability of nearly 4 million kW, of which ca 3.5 millon kW is hydraulic. The various sections of the report present information on customer services; electricity generated, purchased, and exported; system development, including construction of new power plants; research and development; environmental services; personnel policies; and water management. Financial statements are also provided. Highlights of the year include: a net income of $48.6 million for the year ending 31 March 1991; the first four units of the Limestone Generating Station were placed in service ahead of schedule and under budget; the Corporation's development plans for major generation and transmission facilities received the endorsement of the Public Utilities Board; a major settlement was reached with the people of Chemawawin/Easterville and Moose Lake with respect to outstanding responsibilities related to the development of the Grand Rapids Generating Station; an agreement was reached with the Cross Lake Band of Indians to construct a weir that will create a water regime on Cross Lake that reduces or eliminates the adverse effects caused by the Lake Winnipeg Regulation Project; an export sale agreement was signed with Ontario Hydro which provides for the delivery by Manitoba Hydro of 200 megawatts of firm capacity in each year of the three-year agreement; a major commitment to energy conservation; and the employee safety record was substantially improved. 11 figs

Security of supply, energy spillage control and peaking options within a 100% renewable electricity system for New Zealand

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mason, I.G.; Page, S.C.; Williamson, A.G.

2013-01-01

In this paper, issues of security of supply, energy spillage control, and peaking options, within a fully renewable electricity system, are addressed. We show that a generation mix comprising 49% hydro, 23% wind, 13% geothermal, 14% pumped hydro energy storage peaking plant, and 1% biomass-fuelled generation on an installed capacity basis, was capable of ensuring security of supply over an historic 6-year period, which included the driest hydrological year on record in New Zealand since 1931. Hydro spillage was minimised, or eliminated, by curtailing a proportion of geothermal generation. Wind spillage was substantially reduced by utilising surplus generation for peaking purposes, resulting in up to 99.8% utilisation of wind energy. Peaking requirements were satisfied using 1550 MW of pumped hydro energy storage generation, with a capacity factor of 0.76% and an upper reservoir storage equivalent to 8% of existing hydro storage capacity. It is proposed that alternative peaking options, including biomass-fuelled gas turbines and demand-side measures, should be considered. As a transitional policy, the use of fossil-gas–fuelled gas turbines for peaking would result in a 99.8% renewable system on an energy basis. Further research into whether a market-based system is capable of delivering such a renewable electricity system is suggested. - Highlights: • A 100% renewable electricity system was modelled over a 6-year period. • Security of supply was demonstrated, including for the driest year since 1931. • Stored energy spillage was controlled by using flexible base-load generation. • Wind energy utilisation of 99.8% was obtained. • Transitional use of fossil gas for peaking resulted in a 99.8% renewable system

Innovative private micro-hydro power development in Rwanda

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pigaht, Maurice; Van der Plas, Robert J. [MARGE-Netherlands, Brem 68, 7577 EW Oldenzaal (Netherlands)

2009-11-15

Under the 'Private Sector Participation in Micro-Hydro Development Project in Rwanda', four newly registered Rwandan companies are each constructing a micro-hydro electricity plant (100-500 kW) and building a low-voltage distribution grid. These companies financed their plants through their own equity and debt with support from the PSP Hydro project. This support comprised a subsidy of 30-50% of investment costs, technical and business development assistance, project monitoring and financial controlling. The experiences gained so far have important implications for similar future micro-hydro energy sector development projects and this paper puts forward three key messages: (1) institutional arrangements rather than technical quality determine the success of such projects; (2) truly sustainable rural electrification through micro-hydro development demands a high level of local participation at all levels and throughout all project phases, not just after plant commissioning; and (3) real impact and sustainability can be obtained through close collaboration of local private and financial sector firms requiring only limited external funds. In short, micro-hydro projects can and will be taken up by local investors as a business if the conditions are right. Applying these messages could result in an accelerated uptake of viable micro-hydro activities in Rwanda, and in the opinion of the authors elsewhere too. (author)

77 FR 21765 - Nevada Hydro Company, Inc.; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and...

Science.gov (United States)

2012-04-11

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. P-14227-000] Nevada Hydro..., Motions To Intervene, and Competing Applications On July 14, 2011, the Nevada Hydro Company (Nevada Hydro... California Edison located north of the proposed project and to an existing San Diego Gas & Electric Company...

Assessment of the impact of the Kruonis hydro pumped storage on the ichtyocenosis of the Kaunas water reservoir

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Valushiene, V.; Gerulaitis, A.; Repechka, R.

1996-01-01

During the exploitation period (1992-1993) of one hydroagregate unit of the Kruonis Hydro Pumped Storage (HPS) the lower basin of the Kaunas Water Reservoir (Kauno Marios) fish species, their dimensions and age were found to change insignificantly as compared with the background data of the previous years (1989-1991). These changes can be associated with the peculiarities of natural conditions. At the current velocity 9-10 cm/s the penetration of young fish and their larvae into the hydroagregates of HPS was observed. At the end of summer, the abundance of fish larvae in the reverse canal before the unit started operating made up 41.3, during the pumping period - 51.3, at discharge time - 30.5 spec./100 m 3 . The greater part of the 'pumped in' fish accumulated in the upper basin. The rest ones, having passed through aggregates, penetrated into the reverse canal and came back into the lower basin. When operating one unit at the regime of 'pump', the injuries of young fish do not exceed 3-5%. The larger the fish the more often the injuries. The main injuries were mechanical or associated with fluctuations of pressure. 12 refs., 4 figs

ASSESSMENT OF WATER PUMPING SYSTEM AND IMPROVEMENT IN HYDRO-ENERGETIC PERFORMANCE

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Augusto da Gama Rego

2017-01-01

Full Text Available Within the policy of sanitation services for all and the need t o lower electricity consumption, the current analysis evaluates the water pumping s ystem and defines actions for the improvement of hydro-energetic performance. The present research was divided into two sections: assessment of the water pumping syst em (based on hydro- energetic simulation and an analysis of the impact of ineffici ency on electric energy consumption (based on computer simulation. Results revealed th at methodology was satisfactory and that the main operational issues could be iden tified and corrections could be computer-simulated. A potential 16% reduction in consu mption and in electricity costs could be obtained.

Proposed Hydro-Quebec development plan, 1990-1992: Horizon 1999

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1990-01-01

The supply and demand for electric power in Quebec are reviewed and forecasts of future demand are established, using various scenarios of demographic, economic, and energy development. Options for meeting future demand at Hydro-Quebec are assessed, including the construction of new generation and transmission facilities, rehabilitation of existing facilities, improving electrical energy efficiency, and conservation strategies. These options are considered while applying the principle of sustainable development that respects the environment. In addition, objectives and strategies are presented for improving the quality of service and internal operations. Financial forecasts for Hydro-Quebec are proposed which take into account the forecast changes in the utility's cost and revenue factors and its self-financing requirements. 36 figs., 54 tabs

Retrofitting of the small hydro electric scheme 'Moulin d'en Bas' in Cronay, Switzerland - Preliminary project

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2007-09-01

This illustrated final report for the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) is a feasibility study for the retrofitting of the small hydro electric scheme 'Moulin d'en Bas' located in Cronay on the Mentue river, Switzerland. Two variants are considered. In the first one the existing scheme uses a 4.72 m water fall and its power amounts to about 25 kW. A 4-blades Kaplan turbine is foreseen to generate 160,000 kWh/y. In the second variant, weir and penstock have to be adapted in order to take advantage of the full 6.74 m water fall indicated in the water-use concession granted in 1952. A new fish pass has to be built as well. The resulting electric power is in this case 80 kW and the power generation by the turbo group 353,000 kWh/y, about 60% of which in the wintertime. Electricity production cost is estimated to be 0.282 CHF/kWh in the second variant.

Regional and economic development

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fortin, P.

2004-01-01

A leading economics expert was asked to list the economic advantages and disadvantages associated with electricity exports. This paper presents his expert opinion and presents a regional and economic analysis of the hydroelectric reserves that Hydro-Quebec should maintain in order to ensure long-term reliability of energy supplies while maintaining its potential for profitable exports. Electricity exports from Hydro-Quebec are extremely profitable for the province. From 1999 to 2003, net cumulative exports of 63 TWh brought in 4.2 billion dollars to the province of Quebec. This income was redistributed to Quebecers in the form of low energy prices. From 1994 to 2003, the average annual electricity export from Hydro-Quebec was 18 TWh which represents 11 per cent of all electricity delivered by the producer. Most of this export was sold to short-term markets. This ensures that electricity remains available to Quebec should the need arise. Long term sales agreement have never dominated the utility, and today account for only 1.5 per cent of electricity production. In order to ensure a secure electricity supply, Hydro-Quebec has kept a safety margin of 10 TWh through its large hydro-reservoirs. However, the year 2003 proved to be a difficult year for the producer due to low precipitation. The safety margin was completely consumed and the utility had to import electricity. A theoretical analysis of the market suggests that Hydro-Quebec's safety margin should be increased from 10 to 20 TWh to better meet energy demands during years of low precipitation. 1 tab., 2 figs

Implications of changing water cycle for the performance and yield characteristics of the multi-purpose Beas Reservoir in India

Science.gov (United States)

Adeloye, A. J.; Ojha, C. S.; Soundharajan, B.; Remesan, R.

2013-12-01

There is considerable change in both the spatial and temporal patterns of monsoon rainfall in India, with implications for water resources availability and security. 'Mitigating the Impacts of Climate Change on India Agriculture' (MICCI) is one of five on-going scientific efforts being sponsored as part of the UK-NERC/India-MOES Changing Water Cycle (South Asia) initiative to further the understanding of the problem and proffer solutions that are robust and effective. This paper focuses on assessing the implications of projected climate change on the yield and performance characteristics of the Pong Reservoir on the Beas River, Himachal Pradesh, India. The Pong serves both hydropower and irrigation needs and is therefore strategic for the socio-economic well-being of the region as well as sustaining the livelihoods of millions of farmers that rely on it for irrigation. Simulated baseline and climate-change perturbed hydro-climate scenarios developed as part of a companion Work Package of MICCI formed the basis of the analysis. For both of these scenarios, reservoir analyses were carried out using the Sequent Peak Algorithm (SPA) and Pong's existing level of releases to derive rule curves for the reservoir. These rule curves then formed the basis of further reservoir behaviour simulations in WEAP and the resulting performance of the reservoir was summarised in terms of reliability, resilience, vulnerability and sustainability. The whole exercise was implemented within a Monte Carlo framework for the benefit of characterising the variability in the assessments. The results show that the rule curves developed using future hydro-climate are significantly changed from the baseline in that higher storages will be required to be maintained in the Pong in the future to achieve reliable performance. As far as the overall performance of the reservoir is concerned, future reliability (both time-based and volume-based) is not significantly different from the baseline, provided

Hydro One smart meter/smart grid : realizing the vision

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Stevens, R. [Hydro One Networks Inc., Toronto, ON (Canada)

2010-07-01

Ontario's Hydro One Networks has been installing smart meters as part of its smart grid plan since 2007. The smart grid plan forms part of the utility's overall aim to create an energy conservation culture across the province. The utility now has over 1 million installed meters over a 640,000{sup 2} km territory. The smart grid planning team has adopted the use of an upgraded open protocol standards-based communications as part of its 2-way high bandwidth network. The utility is using a 1.8 Ghz worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) spectrum designed specifically for the protection of electric utility infrastructure. The utility is now incorporating proof-of-concept applications including automated reclosers, remote terminal units, demand management devices and mobile technologies for use in its smart grid procedures. Various smart zone business scenarios were also described in this power point presentation, as well as details of Hydro One's integration plans for vendors and other power systems. tabs., figs.

Vaksvikelva small hydro

OpenAIRE

Loe, Daniel Aarset

2017-01-01

Norway is in constant need of renewable energy, and hydroelectric power is still the main source. A great future potential can be found in countless small rivers scattered across the country, which could be developed through small hydro projects. In the process of converting mechanical movement - flowing water - into electric energy, about 5% turns into heat. From a power plant with an annual production of 15 GWh, this means energy enough to heat approximately 30 households is lost. In my pro...

Feasibility study of a Green Power Plant. Final report. [Offshore pumped hydro storage

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2013-03-15

This project is a technical evaluation and a feasibility study of a concept called the Green Power Plant (GPP), developed by Seahorn Energy Aps. The Green Power Plant is an offshore pumped hydro storage facility constructed from prefabricated elements and with integrated renewable energy production. Pumped hydro storage is a known technology with a proven roundtrip energy storage efficiency of 80%. The focus of the GPP project is on simplifying and industrializing the construction of the reservoir wall, thereby achieving a cost efficient solution. The reservoir structure is dependent on the site on which the reservoir is established, thus Kriegers Flak in the Baltic Sea has been chosen as basis for the technical evaluation. As soil conditions vary, the technical evaluations have been based on a general soil profile. A water depth of 25m has been chosen as basis for the evaluation. A reservoir with a diameter of 2 km has been evaluated as baseline scenario. Feasibility of the GPP was evaluated based on the cost and income estimates. For the baseline scenario an internal rate of return of 6.6% was found for a period of 35 years. A sensitivity analysis reveals internal rates of return over 35 years varying from 4.9% to 10.9%. Especially larger reservoir diameters increase profitability of the GPP. The results from this project will be utilized in raising funds for further development of the GPP concept. Seahorn Energy Aps aims at optimizing the wind turbine integration, the steel pile wall structure and the pump-turbine integration in a future project towards construction of a demonstration facility. (LN)

Perceived risk of nuclear and hydro electrical power generation in Colombia

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Munera, H.A.

1982-12-01

This report deals with the estimation of risk factors of hydro plants and the perception of risks and benefits of nuclear, hydropower and coal by a selected part of the public. Historical data (1922 - 1979) on occurrence of earthquakes in Colombia demonstrate high seismicity (3,489 incidents) for the country in total and also for areas where the majority of hydro projects are to be located. Model-based calculations of regional probabilities for earthquakes at prospective dam-sites with a magnitude of 7 (Richter scale) or larger resulted in p=0.038/year for a 50 year recurrence period for high and p=0.0004/year for low seismicity areas. Attitudes towards three energy systems were elicited from 130 university students and graduates with a questionnaire based on a psychometric model. Generally attitudes were most favourable towards hydro, less favourable towards coal and more critical towards nuclear. Nuclear is perceived to have economic advantages, but to pose environmental, individual and societal risks. Respondents PRO and CON nuclear agree on the lack of risk from hydropower

Williston Reservoir raising - environmental overview

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

1988-07-01

This preliminary environmental overview report was prepared by B.C. Hydro in June 1987 and revised in July 1988 as an initial assessment of a possible 1.5 m (5 ft.) raise in the Williston Reservoir maximum normal level. The enviromental overview study and the associated engineering and property studies were undertaken to provide information for a decision on whether to initiate more detailed studies. Overview studies are based mainly on available reports, mapping and field data, supplemented by limited site reconnaissance and, in this case, input from key agencies and groups. The lack of adequate mapping of areas which could be affected by reservoir raising did not permit definitive conclusion to be reached. This mapping will be done over the next year to complete the overview assessment. This document covers the impact assessment of socio-economic factors, forestry, reservoir clearing, heritage, recreation, aquatic resources, and wilflife. Further studies in each of these areas are also included. 54 refs., 11 figs., 8 tabs.

Optimal Operation of Hydropower Reservoirs under Climate Change: The Case of Tekeze Reservoir, Eastern Nile

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Fikru Fentaw Abera

2018-03-01

Full Text Available Optimal operation of reservoirs is very essential for water resource planning and management, but it is very challenging and complicated when dealing with climate change impacts. The objective of this paper was to assess existing and future hydropower operation at the Tekeze reservoir in the face of climate change. In this study, a calibrated and validated Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT was used to model runoff inflow into the Tekeze hydropower reservoir under present and future climate scenarios. Inflow to the reservoir was simulated using hydro-climatic data from an ensemble of downscaled climate data based on the Coordinated Regional climate Downscaling Experiment over African domain (CORDEX-Africa with Coupled Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5 simulations under Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 climate scenarios. Observed and projected inflows to Tekeze hydropower reservoir were used as input to the US Army Corps of Engineer’s Reservoir Evaluation System Perspective Reservoir Model (HEC-ResPRM, a reservoir operation model, to optimize hydropower reservoir release, storage and pool level. Results indicated that climate change has a clear impact on reservoir inflow and showed increase in annual and monthly inflow into the reservoir except in dry months from May to June under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 climate scenarios. HEC-ResPRM optimal operation results showed an increase in Tekeze reservoir power storage potential up to 25% and 30% under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 climate scenarios, respectively. This implies that Tekeze hydropower production will be affected by climate change. This analysis can be used by water resources planners and mangers to develop reservoir operation techniques considering climate change impact to increase power production.

Global analysis of a renewable micro hydro power generation plant

Science.gov (United States)

Rahman, Md. Shad; Nabil, Imtiaz Muhammed; Alam, M. Mahbubul

2017-12-01

Hydroelectric power or Hydropower means the power generated by the help of flowing water with force. It is one the best source of renewable energy in the world. Water evaporates from the earth's surface, forms clouds, precipitates back to earth, and flows toward the ocean. Hydropower is considered a renewable energy resource because it uses the earth's water cycle to generate electricity. As far as Global is concerned, only a small fraction of electricity is generated by hydro-power. The aim of our analysis is to demonstrate and observe the hydropower of the Globe in micro-scale by our experimental setup which is completely new in concept. This paper consists of all the Global and National Scenario of Hydropower. And how we can more emphasize the generation of Hydroelectric power worldwide.

Monitoring Reservoirs Using MERIS And LANDSAT Fused Images : A Case Study Of Polyfitos Reservoir - West Macedonia - Greece

Science.gov (United States)

Stefouli, M.; Charou, E.; Vasileiou, E.; Stathopoulos, N.; Perrakis, A.

2012-04-01

Research and monitoring is essential to assess baseline conditions in reservoirs and their watershed and provide necessary information to guide decision-makers. Erosion and degradation of mountainous areas can lead to gradual aggradation of reservoirs reducing their lifetime. Collected measurements and observations have to be communicated to the managers of the reservoirs so as to achieve a common / comprehensive management of a large watershed and reservoir system. At this point Remote Sensing could help as the remotely sensed data are repeatedly and readily available to the end users. Aliakmon is the longest river in Greece, it's length is about 297 km and the surface of the river basin is 9.210 km2.The flow of the river starts from Northwest of Greece and ends in Thermaikos Gulf. The riverbed is not natural throughout the entire route, because constructed dams restrict water and create artificial lakes, such as lake of Polyfitos, that prevent flooding. This lake is used as reservoir, for covering irrigational water needs and the water is used to produce energy from the hydroelectric plant of Public Power Corporation-PPC. The catchment basin of Polyfitos' reservoir covers an area of 847.76 km2. Soil erosion - degradation in the mountainous watershed of streams of Polyfitos reservoir is taking place. It has been estimated that an annual volume of sediments reaching the reservoir is of the order of 244 m3. Geomatic based techniques are used in processing multiple data of the study area. A data inventory was formulated after the acquisition of topographic maps, compilation of geological and hydro-geological maps, compilation of digital elevation model for the area of interest based on satellite data and available maps. It also includes the acquisition of various hydro-meteorological data when available. On the basis of available maps and satellite data, digital elevation models are used in order to delineate the basic sub-catchments of the Polyfytos basin as well as

Design, construction and operation of Ontario Hydro's CANDU plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Campbell, P.G.

1981-06-01

Ontario Hydro has been producing electricity commercially from nuclear power since 1968, using CANDU reactors which have proved enormously successful. The 206-MW Douglas Point station, nearly 10 times larger than the first Canadian power reactor, NPD-2, resulted from a cooperative effort between Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd., the provincial government of Ontario, and Ontario Hydro. This approach led to a basic working relationship between the parties, with Ontario Hydro acting as project manager and builder, and AECL acting as consultant with respect to the nuclear components. Before Douglas Point was fully commissioned Ontario Hydro was ready to commit itself to more nuclear stations, and work was started on the four-unit Pickering nuclear generating station. Multi-unit stations were adopted to achieve economies of scale, and the concept has been retained for all subsequent nuclear power plants constructed in the province. The organization of Ontario Hydro's project management, construction, and operation of nuclear generating stations is described. Performance of the existing stations and cost of the power they produce have been entirely acceptable

Slovak Electric, Plc., 1998

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1997-06-01

Slovenske elektrarne, a.s. (Slovak Electric, Plc., abbrevation 'SE, a.s.') is the Slovak electricity generating utility, incorporated on November 1, 1994 as one of new companies formed from substantially all of the assets and a legal successor of Slovensky energeticky podnik, s.p., founded on January 1, 1969 in the form of SEP group. From its predecessor, Slovak Electric, Plc., took over generation of power, operation of 220 kV and 400 kV power system, transit, import, export, and sale of electricity. It is also involved in generation, distribution, and sale of heat. At present, SE's share of electriciry sales in the Slovak Republic is 88.47%. Electricity is delivered to three regional distribution companies and directly to several major industrial enterprises. SE, a.s. operates one nuclear power station, three thermal power plants, and 30 hydro power plants. The second nuclear power plant is under construction (state up tu June 1997) and SE is participating in the construction of two hydro power plants and one combined cycle power plant. The efforts of SE, s.a. focus on the generation of power and heat with minimal environmental impacts. Ecology is given priority in the SE, a.s. development programmes. SE's mission is to permanently satisfy customers' needs, for an acceptable price and with minimal environmental impact. On this CD ROM next chapters are presented: (1) The structure of the Company; (2) Production units; (3) The economic power of the Company; (4) The operation culture; (5) The strategic plans of the Company

PCB management at Manitoba Hydro's Waverley Service Centre

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rempel, R.G.; Engstrom, T.

1996-01-01

Manitoba Hydro was the first Canadian utility to initiate a program to decontaminate insulating oil contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). This paper describes Manitoba Hydro's recovery, reuse and recycling program, operated out of the utility's Waverley Service Centre (WSC). The WSC is a central facility serving to phase out and and destroy PCBs which remain in Manitoba Hydro's electrical system. Several hundred thousand litres of PCB-contaminated insulating oil are decontaminated annually at the WSC. The decontaminated oil is then reconditioned for reuse within the system operations. A PCBX unit was purchased from Sun Ohio for the decontamination of insulating oils containing PCBs. PCB decontamination is achieved through a chemical dechlorination treatment process. The PCBX treatment unit and the PCB storage building were described. 18 refs., 8 figs

Hydro-Quebec 2005 annual report : people with energy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2006-01-01

Hydro-Quebec generates, transmits and distributes electricity mainly produced by renewable energy sources. Its sole shareholder is the Quebec government. This annual report reviewed the operations of Hydro-Quebec, and provided data on energy sales, production and details of the utility's environmental programs. Information on Hydro-Quebec subsidiaries in 2005 was presented in the following separate sections: Hydro-Quebec Production; Hydro-Quebec TransEnergie; Hydro-Quebec Distribution; Hydro-Quebec Equipement; and the Societe d'energie de la Baie James. In 2005, Hydro-Quebec Distribution signed contracts for an initial block of 990 MW of wind power and issued a tender call for an additional 2000 MW of wind power. A generator balancing service was created and authorized by the Regie de l'energie. Hydro-Quebec customers have achieved energy savings of nearly 450 GWh in 2005. The commissioning of Toulnustouc generating station was achieved 5 months ahead of schedule. The 526 MW facility will generate 2.7 TWh annually. Work at the Chute-Allard and Rapide-des-Coeurs sites has continued, as well as construction at Mercier and Peribonka and Eastmain-1. Income from continuing operations came to $2.25 billion, a $124 million increase that was attributed to a rise in domestic sales and net short-term exports. The income was offset by higher pension expenses, depreciation and amortization, as well as by cost of supply on external markets and financial expenses. All other operating expenses were lower than in 2004. Capital spending for the transmission system reached its highest level since 1997, with $793 million invested, including $336 million to meet growth. Data on the company's financial performance, executive changes and reorganization were provided. Financial statements included a review and analysis of financial transactions, an auditor's report, as well as customary notes to the consolidated financial statement including balance sheets, assets, liabilities and

Electrically assisted forming modeling and control

CERN Document Server

Salandro, Wesley A; Bunget, Cristina; Mears, Laine; Roth, John T

2015-01-01

Maximizing reader insights into the latest research findings and applications of Electrically-Assisted Forming (EAF) – whereby metals are formed under an electric current field – this book explains how such a process produces immediate improved formability of metals beyond the extent of thermal softening, and allows metals to be formed to greater elongation with lower mechanical energy as well as allowing for lightweight brittle metals such as magnesium and titanium to be formed without external heating or annealing, enabling the more effective use of these lightweight metals in design. Including case studies that illustrate and support the theoretical content and real-world applications of the techniques discussed, this book also serves to enrich readers understanding of the underlying theories that influence electro-plastic behaviour. The authors have extensive experience in studying Electrically-Assisted Forming and have written extensively on the topic with publications including experimental works, t...

Micro-hydro power: reviewing an old concept

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Alward, R.; Eisenbart, S.; Volkman, J.

1979-01-01

This informaion package has been prepared to respond to an increasing number of requests for information on micro-hydro systems. It contains a resource directory, which is an attempt to put the reader in contact with the literature, plans, people, and companies appropriate to needs. On a world-wide basis, small-scale, environmentally benign, mechanical, and electrical hydropower systems are common. These are the systems for individual homes, farm, and shop use and generally have power outputs less than 100 kW. For convenience in terminology, this scale of hydro power is referred to as micro-hydro. A decision tree is first presented followed by information on determining the suitability of th site, equipment, economics, sources for financial assistance, regulatory conflicts, cautions and suggestions for the Do-It-Yourselfer, and the Self-Installer, manufacturers and suppliers, and sources of professional services. An annotated bibliography of 16 references is provided. (MCW)

The Grossmatt hydro-power station

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hintermann, M.

2006-01-01

This final report for the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) presents the project for a small hydropower station on the Birs river in north-western Switzerland. The report reviews the history of the project, in which a new 385 kW-hydro-power station at the site of an earlier installation is foreseen. Details are presented on the investigations made and on the co-ordination with the owners of the hydro-power station situated up-river, the local power utility and the local authorities. Also, the requirements placed on the project by the fishing authorities are quoted and the solution foreseen is described. Also discussed are the requirements placed on the project by legislation on environmental impact and flood protection. Figures on electrical energy production and building costs are presented

Natural resources: adjusting and innovating - Hydro-Quebec in the global age

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ouellet, D.

1995-01-01

Although it is believed that the information economy is replacing the mass economy, many companies continue to grow on economies based on natural resources. Recent aggressive growth by Hydro-Quebec in the highly competitive market for energy products was singled out as one of the success stories. Among other things, Hydro-Quebec was reported to focus attention on the globalization of electricity products, particularly in Asia, Europe and Africa. The corporation was said to cooperate with other utilities companies such as Ontario Hydro and Power Asia Assets Corporation to diversify its markets abroad. Hydro-Quebec is also marketing new products, developed in its laboratories and by subsidiaries, such as power system simulators and power system planning and management systems, on a global scale

Reservoir Operating Rule Optimization for California's Sacramento Valley

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Timothy Nelson

2016-03-01

Full Text Available doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.15447/sfews.2016v14iss1art6Reservoir operating rules for water resource systems are typically developed by combining intuition, professional discussion, and simulation modeling. This paper describes a joint optimization–simulation approach to develop preliminary economically-based operating rules for major reservoirs in California’s Sacramento Valley, based on optimized results from CALVIN, a hydro-economic optimization model. We infer strategic operating rules from the optimization model results, including storage allocation rules to balance storage among multiple reservoirs, and reservoir release rules to determine monthly release for individual reservoirs. Results show the potential utility of considering previous year type on water availability and various system and sub-system storage conditions, in addition to normal consideration of local reservoir storage, season, and current inflows. We create a simple simulation to further refine and test the derived operating rules. Optimization model results show particular insights for balancing the allocation of water storage among Shasta, Trinity, and Oroville reservoirs over drawdown and refill seasons, as well as some insights for release rules at major reservoirs in the Sacramento Valley. We also discuss the applicability and limitations of developing reservoir operation rules from optimization model results.

Hydro-Quebec annual report, 1993

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1994-01-01

An overview is presented of the activities of Hydro-Quebec for the year ended December 31, 1993, as well as its financial status. Export sales of electricity to other Canadian provinces and the USA are reported. Research programs and demonstration projects are described, as well as the utility's international activities. Environmental and economic considerations for the province are presented. Financial data includes total sales, sales by sector, export sales, and rate changes. A financial statement is included. In 1993, total sales volume was 152.1 TWh, or 7.5 TWh more than in 1992, for a total sales revenue of $7,004 million, an increase of 3.5% over 1992. Sales in Quebec increased 5 TWh, with nearly all of this increase coming from the industrial sector. Exports outside of Quebec totalled 15 TWh, or 20% more than in 1992. The largest increase in exports was in the form of short-term sales to the USA. Expenditures in 1993 were $3,761 million, only slightly more than in 1992. Facilities commissioned in 1993 included the Brisay power plant, two of six units at the Laforge-1 plant, and the north portion of the 12th transmission line from the LaGrande complex. Total installed capacity of the Hydro-Quebec system reached 29,131 MW, and total power produced was 131.6 TWh. Total length of transmission and distribution lines in 1993 reached 29,869 km and 100,908 km respectively. 9 figs., 17 tabs

Review on applications of artificial intelligence methods for dam and reservoir-hydro-environment models.

Science.gov (United States)

Allawi, Mohammed Falah; Jaafar, Othman; Mohamad Hamzah, Firdaus; Abdullah, Sharifah Mastura Syed; El-Shafie, Ahmed

2018-05-01

Efficacious operation for dam and reservoir system could guarantee not only a defenselessness policy against natural hazard but also identify rule to meet the water demand. Successful operation of dam and reservoir systems to ensure optimal use of water resources could be unattainable without accurate and reliable simulation models. According to the highly stochastic nature of hydrologic parameters, developing accurate predictive model that efficiently mimic such a complex pattern is an increasing domain of research. During the last two decades, artificial intelligence (AI) techniques have been significantly utilized for attaining a robust modeling to handle different stochastic hydrological parameters. AI techniques have also shown considerable progress in finding optimal rules for reservoir operation. This review research explores the history of developing AI in reservoir inflow forecasting and prediction of evaporation from a reservoir as the major components of the reservoir simulation. In addition, critical assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of integrated AI simulation methods with optimization methods has been reported. Future research on the potential of utilizing new innovative methods based AI techniques for reservoir simulation and optimization models have also been discussed. Finally, proposal for the new mathematical procedure to accomplish the realistic evaluation of the whole optimization model performance (reliability, resilience, and vulnerability indices) has been recommended.

Hydro power in the German system of energy supply; Wasserkraft im Energiesystem Deutschland

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kaltschmitt, M. [Stuttgart Univ. (Germany). Abt. Neue Energietechnologie und Technikanalyse

1997-12-31

The technical potentials of electric power generation from hydro power in Germany, the current harnessing of hydro power, its costs, and certain characteristic quantities reflecting its effects on the environment are described. These diverse characteristic quantities are compared with those of other renewable and fossil energy sources used to generate electricity. On this basis, opportunities for extending the use of hydro power in Germany and its limits are discussed. (orig.) [Deutsch] Das Ziel der folgenden Ausfuehrungen ist, die technischen Potentiale und deren derzeitige Nutzung, die Kosten und bestimmte die Umwelteffekte beschreibende Kenngroessen einer Stromerzeugung aus Wasserkraft in Deutschland darzustellen. Diese unterschiedlichen Kenngroessen werden anschliessend mit denen anderer regenerativer Energien und fossiler Energietraeger zur Stromerzeugung verglichen. Ausgehend davon werden die Moeglichkeiten und Grenzen einer weitergehenden Wasserkraftnutzung im Energiesystem Deutschland diskutiert. (orig.)

Experience of pico/micro hydro based power generation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Murthy, S.S. [Indian Inst. of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi (India). Dept. of Electrical Engineering

2010-07-01

Although India has approximately 150,000 megawatts of hydro potential, only a small portion is tapped. There is also significant untapped hydro potential in many developing countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, Vietnam, Indonesia and regions in South America and Africa. Small-scale hydroelectric power systems with capacities of up to a few megawatts are eco-friendly and sustainable. They can be classified based on unit sizes as pico (u pto 10 kilowatts), micro (10-100 kilowatts) and mini (100 kilowatts to a few megawatts) hydro systems. Mini hydro systems are always grid connected while micro can be either grid connected or off grid. Pico is always off grid. In India, there are thousands of favorable sites in this range that should be tapped for distributed power generation to electrify local communities. This need is reflected by the global emphasis on distributed power generation as well as the Government of India's policy to promote this type of power generation. A working stand alone pico-hydro power generating system has been successfully installed in 5 sites in Karnataka. The purpose of the project was to demonstrate the technical, managerial and economic feasibility of setting up small hydro projects in remote hilly areas of Karnataka, India and its positive environmental impact. The presentation discussed the site selection criteria; installed sites of pico hydro; system description; parts of the system; the electric load controller; types of electronic load controllers; and a description of the unit and control scheme. tabs., figs.

Impact on the aquatic environment of hydro-peaking in hydroelectric plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sabaton, C.; Lauters, F.; Valentin, S.

1996-01-01

There are a number of types of hydroelectric installations on French rivers. Some of these intermittently turbine water stored in dammed reservoirs, in order to use available reserves at the most opportune moment for power generation. These plants, run under 'hydro-peaking' management procedures, cause variations in discharge in river sections downstream of the restitution, on a daily or weekly scale. To answer questions concerning the impact of such variations in discharge on the aquatic environment, EDF launched a research program aimed at describing and better understanding the physical and biological phenomena related to hydro-peaking and assessing the possible impact of this type of plant management on French streams. Seven sites subjects to hydro-peaking were studied on rivers with mean flow rates lower than 20 m 3 /s (which corresponds to over 65 % of EDF hydro-peaking sites). Four themes in particular were examined: hydraulic characterization of hydro-peaking, modifications in thermal regime and water quality, response of benthic invertebrates and response of fish populations to hydro-peaking. For fish as well as for invertebrates, the role of the base discharge - in the absence of peaking flow - and that of the morphology of the river bed (and, in particular, the presence of shelter for fish) during periods of strong discharge were clearly highlighted. Impact assessment requires a precise diagnosis of the state of biocenoses. To carry out such a diagnosis, one must reason in terms of species, life phase (particularly the most sensitive phases) and population structure as well as the type of stream and the faunizone involved. A risk assessment is possible by means of simultaneous study of the morphology of the river bed and the response of the signal generated by hydro-peaking in terms of hydrology and physical characteristics downstream of the restitution. (authors)

Fifteen years of radioactive waste management at Ontario Hydro

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Carter, T.J.; Rao, P.K.M.

1985-01-01

Ontario Hydro is a large Canadian utility producing 84% (7394 MWe) of the Nuclear Electricity generated in Canada. The low- and intermediate-level radioactive wastes generated by the Ontario Hydro program are currently being managed at the Bruce Nuclear Power Development with various volume reduction, packaging and interim storage systems. Ontario Hydro also owns and operates a radioactive waste transportation system. Studies are in progress for final disposal of these wastes in a suitable geology in Ontario. Since its inception in 1971, Ontario Hydro's radioactive waste management program has evolved into providing a full fledged radioactive waste management capability to the utility's two nuclear generation centres at Pickering and Bruce, and later in the decade, to Darlington. This paper summarizes the various developments in this program; highlights the major facilities both in-service and planned to be built; reviews the experiences gained over fifteen years of in-house waste management; and discusses the proposed reorientation towards ultimate disposal of these wastes. 2 refs., 8 figs., 1 tab

Gas power production, surplus concepts and the transformation of hydro-electric rent into resource rent

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Amundsen, Eirik S.

1997-01-01

The paper considers the effects of introducing large scale gas power production capacity into an electricity sector based on hydropower. In this process the economic rent is transmitted from the hydro power sector to the resource rent in the gas power sector, but is along the way intermingled with ordinary producer surplus and quasi-rent stemming from increasing cost conditions in the production infrastructure and capacity constraints. The net effect on total rent generated depends on development in demand, demand elasticities, costs saved from delaying hydropower projects and the existence of producer surplus in gas power generation. The paper closes with a discussion of possible tax base changes following from the introduction of a thermal power system based on natural gas

Pricing Energy and Ancillary Services in a Day-Ahead Market for a Price-Taker Hydro Generating Company Using a Risk-Constrained Approach

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Perica Ilak

2014-04-01

Full Text Available This paper analyzes a price-taker hydro generating company which participates simultaneously in day-ahead energy and ancillary services markets. An approach for deriving marginal cost curves for energy and ancillary services is proposed, taking into consideration price uncertainty and opportunity cost of water, which can later be used to determine hourly bid curves. The proposed approach combines an hourly conditional value-at-risk, probability of occurrence of automatic generation control states and an opportunity cost of water to determine energy and ancillary services marginal cost curves. The proposed approach is in a linear constraint form and is easy to implement in optimization problems. A stochastic model of the hydro-economic river basin is presented, based on the actual Vinodol hydropower system in Croatia, with a complex three-dimensional relationship between the power produced, the discharged water, and the head of associated reservoir.

Hydro in the Kyoto era

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bourdon, M.-C.

2003-01-01

Quebec has the best performance in North America in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Unlike neighbouring provinces and states which rely heavily on coal for power generation, Quebec generates 96 per cent of its electricity from hydroelectric power. However, no new dams have been built in the past decade in Quebec due to land disputes with Aboriginal communities and general distrust among many ecologists. It takes about 12 years for a hydroelectric project to come to fruition. For that reason, and in order to capitalize on energy market opportunities, Hydro-Quebec is seriously considering expanding its generating capability beyond the needs of Quebec consumers, with gas-fired thermal generating stations. Environmental groups claim that the proposal to build the Suroit combined-cycle facility near the United States border destroys Quebec's efforts to honour the Kyoto Protocol. Economists argue that it is entirely in the spirit of Kyoto if exports of hydroelectricity or natural gas from Canada to the United States leads to less use of oil or coal. But one energy modeling expert at INRS-Energie et Materiaux claims that Quebec has a moral obligation to develop hydroelectricity for its own use as well as for export purposes, noting that any country with the good fortune to have renewable forms of energy, such as wind and hydro, should develop them to lower world GHG emissions. Quebec has many opportunities to sell hydroelectricity even while domestic demand grows. Hydroelectricity from Quebec should interest some states that have adopted their own GHG reduction standards, despite the U.S. government's refusal to ratify Kyoto. It should also interest Ontario and the Maritimes because they will be trying to reduce emissions from their thermal plants. The current situation does not favour the Kyoto Protocol. Exports of electricity from Quebec have dropped because no new dams have been built in recent years and gas-fired plants are looking more attractive to power

Characterization of biocenosis in the storage-reservoirs of liquid radioactive wastes of 'Mayak' PA

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pryakhin, E.; Tryapitsina, G.; Andreyev, S.; Akleyev, A. [Urals Research Center for Radiation Medicine - URCRM (Russian Federation); Mokrov, Y.; Ivanov, I. [Mayak PA (Russian Federation)

2014-07-01

A number of storage-reservoirs of liquid radioactive wastes of 'Mayak' Production Association ('Mayak' PA) with different levels of radioactive contamination: reservoir R-17 ('Staroye Boloto'), reservoir R-9 (Lake Karachay), reservoirs of the Techa Cascade R-3 (Koksharov pond), R-4 (Metlinsky pond), R-10 and R-11 is located in Chelyabinsk Oblast (Russia). The operation of these reservoirs began in 1949-1964. Full-scale hydro-biological studies of these reservoirs were started in 2007. The research into the status of biocenosis of these storage reservoirs of liquid radioactive wastes of 'Mayak' PA was performed in 2007 - 2011. The status of biocenosis was evaluated in accordance with the status of following communities: bacterio-plankton, phytoplankton, zooplankton, zoo-benthos, macrophytes and ichthyofauna. The status of ecosystems was determined by radioactive and chemical contamination of water bodies. The results of hydro-biological investigations showed that no changes in the status of biota in reservoir R-11 were revealed as compared to the biological parameters of the water bodies of this geographical zone. In terms of biological parameters the status of the ecosystem of the reservoir R-11 is characterized by a sufficient biological diversity, and can be considered acceptable. The ecosystem of the reservoir R-10 maintains its functional integrity, although there were registered negative effects in the zoo-benthos community associated with the decrease in the parameters of the development of pelophylic mollusks that live at the bottom of the water body throughout the entire life cycle. In reservoir R-4 the parameters of the development of phytoplankton did not differ from those in Reservoirs R-11 and R-10; however, a significant reduction in the quantity of Cladocera and Copepoda was registered in the zooplankton community, while in the zoo-benthos there were no small mollusks that live aground throughout the entire life

Hydro-Quebec : positioning and strategic planning

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lanoue, R.

1998-01-01

Hydro-Quebec's corporate concerns for 1998-2002 were highlighted. The Corporation's strategic plan envisages that within the next decade, the utility will boost sales by 25 per cent with an investment of $13.2 billion in new generation projects. The electric utility plans to build on past experience and maintain its electricity rates and service quality. Sustaining environmental quality while developing into a world class enterprise remains a major objective of the utility. Research and development will also continue to be an integral part of the utility's operations. Tabs., figs

Geographic information systems - tool for evaluation of the hydro-energy performance of water supply systems

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Aline Christian Pimentel Almeida Santos

2017-05-01

Full Text Available The most relevant challenges in the water supply system (WSS are high water losses and the waste of electric energy. This paper aimed to assess the capacity of the Geographic Information System (GIS in the analysis of the hydro-energy performance of WSSs. The Stage 1 comprises the selection of data and the respective hydro-energy indexes are defined; cartographic data are defined in Stage 2 and a geo-referenced database is constructed in Stage 3. In the stage 4, the data of the Central Water Supply Zone administered by the Water Works Company of the state of Pará in Belém, Brazil were employed to assess its applicability, in which the sectors with the worst hydro-energy performance were identified, such as Sector 9, with the highest water loss rates (59.11% and electric energy consumption per m3 of water produced (1.57 kwh m-³. The results shows that geo-referential assessment of the hydro-energy performance of WSSs provided accurate information for decision-taking related to the rational use of water and electricity in the systems.

Hybrid Micro-Hydro Power Generation Development in Endau Rompin National Park Johor, Malaysia

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yusop Azli

2017-01-01

Full Text Available Micro-Hydro electrical power systems are very useful for remote area electrification which does not had supply from the national grid. On the contrary, this area has river streams with high potential for micro-hydro power generation. As such, the UTHM ECO-Hydro Team embarked on a project for erecting a micro-hydro power plant with collaboration with National Education Research Center (NERC, Johor National Park Corporation in Endau Rompin. The existing power generation in this area at present is by using diesel generator gives negative impact on finance and environment in the long run. It supplies power to several including library, offices, open laboratory, chalets and dorms.. At the moment, the micro-hydro system complements the diesel generator, thus becoming a hybrid power generation system.

Hydropower and Environmental Sustainability - HydroES 2016 Report on the Conference held by SHF in Grenoble on March 16-17, 2016

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Barillier, Agnes; Caignaert, Guy; Gouraud, Veronique; Ramos, Maria-Helena; Roult, Didier; Viollet, Pierre-Louis

2016-01-01

Hydropower is an important source of renewable energy for electrical production in Europe and throughout the world. Being flexible and allowing energy storage, it also facilitates the development of intermittent energy in electricity systems. The development, operation and maintenance of hydropower production are closely related to growing concerns on environment sustainability, climate change mitigation and meeting societal needs for energy. Reliable and efficient hydropower facilities can improve hydropower performance and the environmental acceptability of new projects when they are also planned to protect the environment in which they operate. This document presents a synthesis report of the international conference HydroES 2016 - Hydropower and Environmental Sustainability, organized by SHF and hosted by INP ENSE3, in Grenoble, on 16-17 March 2016. It shows that the scientific community and the hydropower industry are committed to assessing environment and social impacts of hydropower and are proactive towards a sustainable future. (authors)

The residential dual-energy program of Hydro-Quebec: An economic analysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bergeron, C.; Bernard, J.-T.

1991-01-01

Higher than expected electricity consumption in recent years and increasing objections to capacity expansion on environmental grounds have led Quebec's government-owned electric utility, Hydro-Quebec, to launch an innovative program to reduce peak period residential electric heating demand. When the outside temperature drops below -12 degree C, customers who have opted for the program are charged 10 cents/kWh for their electricity (substantially above the 4.46 cents/kWh paid by normal residential customers) and they are automatically switched to a non-electric heating source, whereas above -12 degree C they pay 2.75 cents/kWh for all uses. A cost benefit analysis of this dual energy program finds that if, as Hydro-Quebec forecasts, 150,000 residential customers were to opt for this program, they would benefit by $19.0 million per year, while the utility and the government would lose $21.6 million and $1.6 million respectively, with a total net loss to Quebec society of $4.25 million a year. 12 refs., 4 figs., 6 tabs

Hydro-Quebec line crew returns home from Haiti

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Horne, D.

2005-04-01

This article recounted the experience of a 14-member Hydro-Quebec line crew and support group that travelled to Haiti in November 2004 to help re-establish essential electricity services. The work was conducted together with Electricite d'Haiti (EDH). The team installed 400 poles, 10 km of conductors and 85 transformers, restoring service to water pumps; La Providence and Raboteau hospitals; a centre housing Doctors without borders; a CARE distribution centre; and several convents and schools. The installation of street lights at strategic points allowed lighting to be restored in several districts of Gonaives. Hydro-Quebec was able to extend their mission to Haiti and purchase more poles and transformers with the help of a $500,000 contribution from the Canadian International Development Agency. Hydro-Quebec was the only company who came to the aid of EDH. The total budget for the project was $4 million. 2 figs.

Workshop on the role of enhancement of utilization of primary and secondary hydro potential in the context of environmental protection. Part I

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1997-01-01

The publication has been set up as proceedings of the workshop on the role of enhancement of utilization of primary and secondary hydro potential in the context of environmental protection. The proceedings consist of the following chapters: (1) BOT schemes as financial model of hydro power projects; (2) Application of pumped storage plants in the control of the Slovak power system and the possibility of pumped storage plant Ipel exploitation towards the year 2010; (3) Use of hydro energetic potential of streams from the aspects of nature conservation on the example of north Slovakia; (4) Ecological aspects of the hydro power industry and possible means to improve ecological conditions of water reservoirs; (5) Preparation and realization of HPP Zilina; (6) Freudenau HPP. ecological measures and groundwater management; (7) Present state of hydro power development in Austria

The response of mulberry trees after seedling hardening to summer drought in the hydro-fluctuation belt of Three Gorges Reservoir Areas.

Science.gov (United States)

Huang, Xiaohui; Liu, Yun; Li, Jiaxing; Xiong, Xingzheng; Chen, Yang; Yin, Xiaohua; Feng, Dalan

2013-10-01

Interest has developed in the potential of mulberry (Morus alba), a woody perennial, for revegetating the hydro-fluctuation belt of the Three Gorges Reservoir due to its resistance to water-logging stress. To be useful, the trees must also be able to withstand dry conditions in summer when temperatures can be very high and droughts become severe quickly. Here, we report a study in which mulberry seedlings were grown in a greenhouse under a variety of simulated soil water conditions reflecting potential summer scenarios in the hydro-fluctuation belt of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area. We compared the responses of two pretreatment groups of mulberry seedlings to different levels of drought stress. The pretreatment groups differed with respect to drought hardening: the daily-managed (DM) group had relative soil moisture held constant in the range 70-80 %, while the drought-hardened (DH) group had relative soil moisture held constant at 40-50 %. Following the month-long pretreatment of seedlings, the two groups of young trees (DM and DH) were then respectively subjected to three levels of drought stress for a month: normal watering, moderate drought stress, and severe drought stress. A series of measurements comparing the physiological status of the plants in the two groups were then made, and the following results were obtained: (1) As drought stress increased, the heights, base diameters, root surface areas, photosynthetic rates (Pn), stomatal conductances (Gs), and transpiration rates (Tr) of the mulberry trees in both groups (DM and DH) decreased significantly, while the specific root area and abscisic acid (ABA) contents had increasing trends. Root activity and instantaneous water use efficiency of mulberry trees in both groups (DM and DH) were all raised under drought stress conditions than under normal watering, but the root/shoot ratio and leaf water potential were lowered. (2) At the same level of soil water content, the heights, base diameters, root

Large-scale wind energy application. Transporting wind energy over long distances using an HVDC transmission line, in combination with hydro energy or biomass energy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Coelingh, J.P.; Van Wijk, A.J.M.; Betcke, J.W.H.; Geuzendam, C.; Gilijamse, W.; Westra, C.A.; Curvers, A.P.W.M.; Beurskens, H.J.M.

1995-08-01

The main objective of the study on the title subject is to assess the long-term prospects for large-scale application of wind energy, in combination with hydro energy in Norway and in combination with biomass energy in Scotland. These countries have high wind resource areas, however they are located far away from load centres. The development of new transmission technologies as High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission lines, in combination with highly suitable places for wind energy in Norway and Scotland, forms the driving force behind this study. The following two cases are being considered: (1) a large-scale wind farm (1,000 MW) in Norway from which electricity is transmitted to The Netherlands by using an HVDC transmission line, in combination with hydro energy. Hydro energy already makes a large contribution to the energy supply of Norway. Wind farms can contribute to the electricity production and save hydro energy generated electricity and make the export of electricity profitable; and (2) a large-scale wind farm (1,000 MW) in Scotland from which electricity is transmitted to The Netherlands by using an HVDC transmission line, in combination with biomass energy. Scotland has a large potential for biomass production such as energy crops and forestry. Poplars and willows cultivated on set-aside land can be gasified and fed into modern combined-cycle plants to generate electricity. In Scotland the usable potential of wind energy may be limited in the short and medium term by the capacity of the grid. New connections can overcome this constraint and allow wind energy to be treated as a European Union resource rather than as a national resource. Thus, the concept of this study is to look at the possibilities of making a 1,000 MW link from The Netherlands to Norway or to Scotland, in order to supply electricity at competitive costs generated with renewable energy sources. 16 figs., 24 tabs., 80 refs

75 FR 65311 - Renew Hydro, LLC; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting...

Science.gov (United States)

2010-10-22

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. 13815-000] Renew Hydro, LLC... Municipal Utilities Authority's existing 115-foot-high, 2,150-foot-long concrete gravity dam, with 500-foot...; (3) the existing Boonton reservoir with an 825-acre surface area and a 28,200 acre-foot storage area...

Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited, 2010 asset condition assessment audit

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lotho, K.; Wang, F. [Kinectrics Inc., Toronto, ON (Canada)

2010-07-15

Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited (THESL) has long been devoted to the enhancement of its asset management program. In 2006, Kinectrics Incorporated (Kinectrics) performed a full asset condition assessment (ACA) for important distribution assets. Subsequently, THESL made efforts to follow the recommendations given by the 2006 ACA and to enhance the quality of its asset condition data. THESL also created an application that measures the health indices of assets based on current and best available inspection data. In 2009, THESL performed a new ACA with this health index calculator. Kinectrics was requested to evaluate the improvement achieved by THESL between 2006 and 2009, and to compare the results obtained from the two ACA performed. An examination of the changes and ACA results between 2009 and 2010 has been conducted by Kinectrics. The Kinectrics findings were reported into the 2010 asset condition assessment audit report. The Health Index (HI) formulation and the results obtained between 2009 and 2010 were examined for twenty-one asset categories. The health index formulation including condition parameters, condition parameter weights and condition criteria, the granularity within the asset category, the percentage of the population presenting sufficient condition data and the health index classification distribution were compared for each one of the asset categories between 2009 and 2010. This report provides recommendations to facilitate future improvements.

Distributed power in Afghanistan: The Padisaw micro-hydro project

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hallett, Michael

2009-01-01

The provision of electricity is a vital need in reconstruction and development situations, like that in Afghanistan. Indeed, according to the Afghan government's Afghan National Development Strategy (ANDS) the need for electricity featured in 80% of the Provincial Development Plans as a top priority. With the help of the International Community, the government of Afghanistan is attempting to develop a new market oriented approach to the nationwide provision of electrical power. Although the bulk of the electrification effort is directed toward large scale construction of a national grid, the ANDS explicitly mentions a role for 'micro-hydro, solar, waste and small scale diesel power and energy generating sources'. This article will describe a micro-hydro project in Padisaw village, in the Nurgaram district of Nuristan province located in Northeastern Afghanistan and the role Provincial Reconstruction Team played in working with the local community through the project planning and building processes and offer some observation on how, as the Afghan National Development Strategy is executed, the private sector can play an increasingly significant role in the Afghan distributed energy arena. (author)

76 FR 24014 - Renew Hydro, LLC; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting...

Science.gov (United States)

2011-04-29

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. 13872-000] Renew Hydro, LLC... Intervene, and Competing Applications On October 19, 2010, Renew Hydro, LLC filed an application for a...) a new powerhouse; (3) a crest-mounted walkway carrying hydraulic and electrical conduits; (4) one...

Spatial and temporal variations of thaw layer thickness and its controlling factors identified using time-lapse electrical resistivity tomography and hydro-thermal modeling

Science.gov (United States)

Tran, Anh Phuong; Dafflon, Baptiste; Bisht, Gautam; Hubbard, Susan S.

2018-06-01

Quantitative understanding of controls on thaw layer thickness (TLT) dynamics in the Arctic peninsula is essential for predictive understanding of permafrost degradation feedbacks to global warming and hydrobiochemical processes. This study jointly interprets electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) measurements and hydro-thermal numerical simulation results to assess spatiotemporal variations of TLT and to determine its controlling factors in Barrow, Alaska. Time-lapse ERT measurements along a 35-m transect were autonomously collected from 2013 to 2015 and inverted to obtain soil electrical resistivity. Based on several probe-based TLT measurements and co-located soil electrical resistivity, we estimated the electrical resistivity thresholds associated with the boundary between the thaw layer and permafrost using a grid search optimization algorithm. Then, we used the obtained thresholds to derive the TLT from all soil electrical resistivity images. The spatiotemporal analysis of the ERT-derived TLT shows that the TLT at high-centered polygons (HCPs) is smaller than that at low-centered polygons (LCPs), and that both thawing and freezing occur earlier at the HCPs compared to the LCPs. In order to provide a physical explanation for dynamics in the thaw layer, we performed 1-D hydro-thermal simulations using the community land model (CLM). Simulation results showed that air temperature and precipitation jointly govern the temporal variations of TLT, while the topsoil organic content (SOC) and polygon morphology are responsible for its spatial variations. When the topsoil SOC and its thickness increase, TLT decreases. Meanwhile, at LCPs, a thicker snow layer and saturated soil contribute to a thicker TLT and extend the time needed for TLT to freeze and thaw. This research highlights the importance of combination of measurements and numerical modeling to improve our understanding spatiotemporal variations and key controls of TLT in cold regions.

Accelerated delivery of hydro electrical projects; Livraison acceleree des projets hydroelectriques

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Benjannet, Hassine; Bechard, Normand

2010-09-15

Hydro electrical projects, as other energy projects, must transform in order to adapt to current market demands. This article describes the solutions developed during the construction of the Eastmain-1-A power plant in order to speed up its delivery and to reduce the costs. These solutions include, more comprehensive land investigations, the simplification of excavation contours, the refit or elimination of certain work spaces, the addition of a second access during construction, the simplification of the formworks, the improvement of work zones access and especially the use of prefabricated elements. [French] Les projets hydroelectriques, comme les autres projets energetiques, doivent subir des transformations pour s'adapter aux exigences actuelles du marche. Cet article presente les solutions mises en oeuvre pour la construction de la Centrale de l'Eastmain-1-A en vue d'en accelerer la livraison et d'en reduire le cout. Ces solutions comprennent, entre autres des investigations de terrain plus approfondies, la simplification des contours d'excavations, le reamenagement ou l'elimination de certains locaux, l'addition d'un deuxieme acces pendant la construction, la simplification des coffrages, l'amelioration des acces aux zones de travail et surtout l'utilisation d'elements prefabriques.

Investigation of echo sounding parameters for the characterisation of bottom sediments in a sub-tropical reservoir

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Stephan Hilgert

2016-07-01

Full Text Available The increasing number of reservoirs around the world today reaches a surface area of around 500,000 km², equaling one third of that of non-artificial surface water bodies. By impounding rivers through the construction of dams, riverine systems and biochemical cycles are disrupted. Different types of transported materials are trapped behind the dams and form layers of sediment. A method to characterise the spatially extensive sediment volumes with an EA 400 echo sounder was tested in the Vossoroca reservoir in the southeast of Brazil, Paraná State. A number of core and grab samples was taken and analysed for a variety of chemical and physical parameters. These data served as ground truthing for the hydro-acoustic assessment of the sediment. Eight hydro-acoustic parameters were derived from the echo signals using the Sonar5-Pro software. The major objective of defining the optimal survey parameters for the echo sounder as well as determining the difference between core and grab samples was reached by correlating the various single parameters and identifying the best combinations. Density and grain size distribution represented the best detectable sediment features with r-values of 0.94 and 0.95. The lower 38 kHz frequency generally had a better performance than the 200 kHz frequency. Results show that core samples reached a significantly higher quality of correlation for sediment characterisation. Additionally, it is was found that shorter pulse lengths yield a better characterisation. The results underline the potential of single beam echo sounders for extensive sediment characterisation. This methodology may be used for future mass balance estimations of large reservoirs.

Emissions from hydroelectric reservoirs and comparison of hydroelectricity, natural gas and oil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gagnon, L.; Chamberland, A.

1993-01-01

When reservoirs are created, a small fraction of the flooded organic matter decomposes into humic acids, carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), methane (CH 4 ), nitrogen, phosphorus, and other elements. The major greenhouse gases produced are CO 2 and CH 4 . For northern projects, Canadian studies on emissions from hydroelectric reservoirs have reached similar conclusions: Emissions, including methane, are less than 35 kg CO 2 equivalent per MWh. Using a typical project in northern Quebec as the basis for analysis, none of the studies dispute the considerable advantages of hydroelectricity regarding greenhouse gas emissions. Taking into account all components of energy systems, emissions of greenhouse gases from natural-gas power plants are 24 to 26 times greater than emissions from hydroelectric plants. The Freshwater Institute, in an article published in Ambio suggests that emissions from hydroelectric plants could be a significant source of greenhouse gases. This conclusion does not apply to most hydroelectric projects for two reasons: First, the Freshwater Institute's studies concerned flooded peatlands and shallow reservoirs that are not typical of most hydro projects; and second, the Institute analyzed a hydro project with a ratio of flooded area to energy production that is 6 to 10 times higher than typical projects in Canada. 7 refs, 4 tabs

Analysis of the spontaneous variations in wind power and necessary continuous regulation of hydro-electric and thermal power, related to a future Swedish power system

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Holm, J O; Lindstrom, P O

1982-09-01

Wind power is unlike conventional electric power generation, since the output fluctuates uncontrollably. These fluctuations must be balanced by controlled generation from other power sources. This will create new and interesting demands on the reserves in the power system. The short-term fluctuations have a low simultaneity factor and must be balanced by an automatic frequency control reserve. In Sweden, this consists of automatically controlled hydro-electric power. The report contains calculations of the amount by which the demand on reserves will increase when wind power is introduced.

Reservoir Cathode for Electric Space Propulsion, Phase II

Data.gov (United States)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration — We propose a hollow reservoir cathode to improve performance in ion and Hall thrusters. We will adapt our existing reservoir cathode technology to this purpose....

Simulation and optimisation modelling approach for operation of the Hoa Binh Reservoir, Vietnam

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Ngo, Long le; Madsen, Henrik; Rosbjerg, Dan

2007-01-01

Hoa Binh, the largest reservoir in Vietnam, plays an important role in flood control for the Red River delta and hydropower generation. Due to its multi-purpose character, conflicts and disputes in operating the reservoir have been ongoing since its construction, particularly in the flood season....... This paper proposes to optimise the control strategies for the Hoa Binh reservoir operation by applying a combination of simulation and optimisation models. The control strategies are set up in the MIKE 11 simulation model to guide the releases of the reservoir system according to the current storage level......, the hydro-meteorological conditions, and the time of the year. A heuristic global optimisation tool, the shuffled complex evolution (SCE) algorithm, is adopted for optimising the reservoir operation. The optimisation puts focus on the trade-off between flood control and hydropower generation for the Hoa...

Assessment of geotechnical issues associated with the PGS reservoir dyke

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Besaw, David; Donnely, C.; Ghiabi, Hani; Doyle, Warren [Hatch, (Canada); Diallo, Alain [Ontario Power Generation, (Canada)

2010-07-01

The PGS reservoir has had several issues with seepage and seepage-related phenomena since its construction in 1953. In 1958, a major sinkhole on the upstream side of the near chaining 6+00 was found. Ontario Hydro decided to draw down the reservoir, repair the sinkhole area immediately and undertake a major grouting program. This paper presented a study of geotechnical issues associated with the PGS reservoir dyke. This study was launched to investigate the potential remedial solutions to maintain the long term safety of the dyke and to determine the ways to expand the energy generating capability of the facility. In this paper, the recent Hatch findings on the geology, construction history, hydrogeological setting and seepage evaluation were presented. Next, the assessment of future measures for seepage control and energy enhancement opportunities were discussed.

Feasibility of using electrical downhole heaters in Faja heavy oil reservoirs

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rodriguez, R.; Bashbush, J.L.; Rincon, A. [Society of Petroleum Engineers, Richardson, TX (United States)]|[Schlumberger, Sugar Land, TX (United States)

2008-10-15

Numerical models were used to examine the effect of downhole heaters in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes in Venezuela's Orinoco reservoir. The downhole heaters were equipped with mineral-insulated cables that allowed alternating currents to flow between 2 conductors packed in a resistive core composed of polymers and graphite. The heaters were used in conjunction with steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) processes and also used in horizontal wells for limited amounts of time in order to accelerate production and pressure declines. The models incorporated the petrophysical and fluid characteristics of the Ayacucho area in the Faja del Orinoco. A compositional-thermal simulator was used to describe heat and fluid flow within the reservoir. A total of 8 scenarios were used to examine the electrical heaters with horizontal and vertical wells with heaters of various capacities. Results of the study were then used in an economic analysis of capitalized and operating costs. Results of the study showed that downhole heaters are an economically feasible EOR option for both vertical and horizontal wells. Use of the heaters prior to SAGD processes accelerated production and achieved higher operational efficiencies. 5 refs., 9 tabs., 15 figs.

Parametric distribution approach for flow availability in small hydro potential analysis

Science.gov (United States)

Abdullah, Samizee; Basri, Mohd Juhari Mat; Jamaluddin, Zahrul Zamri; Azrulhisham, Engku Ahmad; Othman, Jamel

2016-10-01

Small hydro system is one of the important sources of renewable energy and it has been recognized worldwide as clean energy sources. Small hydropower generation system uses the potential energy in flowing water to produce electricity is often questionable due to inconsistent and intermittent of power generated. Potential analysis of small hydro system which is mainly dependent on the availability of water requires the knowledge of water flow or stream flow distribution. This paper presented the possibility of applying Pearson system for stream flow availability distribution approximation in the small hydro system. By considering the stochastic nature of stream flow, the Pearson parametric distribution approximation was computed based on the significant characteristic of Pearson system applying direct correlation between the first four statistical moments of the distribution. The advantage of applying various statistical moments in small hydro potential analysis will have the ability to analyze the variation shapes of stream flow distribution.

Maximizing your ability to compete as a municipal electrical utility

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

MacOdrum, B.

1996-01-01

The implications of the MacDonald Committee's recommendations on introducing competition to Ontario's electricity industry were reviewed from the point of view of Toronto Hydro, the largest municipal utility and Ontario Hydro's largest customer. Issues examined included (1) the consequences of unbundling Ontario Hydro's generating, transmission and distribution functions, (2) the structural change option of phasing-in competition among Ontario Hydro and municipal and other private generators, (3) enhancing the efficiency of the distribution sector, and (4) the relative benefits and consequences of private equity as a means of enhancing competition through the sale of Ontario Hydro's generating assets, or the sale of non-essential business operations. Recommendations to the Committee included the need for the transmission grid to remain under public control, for electricity pricing to take into account the variable environmental impact of different generating types, and the need for transferring regulatory authority over municipal electric utilities from Ontario Hydro to the Ontario Energy Board

Optimal reservoir operation policies using novel nested algorithms

Science.gov (United States)

Delipetrev, Blagoj; Jonoski, Andreja; Solomatine, Dimitri

2015-04-01

optimization algorithm into the state transition that lowers the starting problem dimension and alleviates the curse of dimensionality. The algorithms can solve multi-objective optimization problems, without significantly increasing the complexity and the computational expenses. The algorithms can handle dense and irregular variable discretization, and are coded in Java as prototype applications. The three algorithms were tested at the multipurpose reservoir Knezevo of the Zletovica hydro-system located in the Republic of Macedonia, with eight objectives, including urban water supply, agriculture, ensuring ecological flow, and generation of hydropower. Because the Zletovica hydro-system is relatively complex, the novel algorithms were pushed to their limits, demonstrating their capabilities and limitations. The nSDP and nRL derived/learned the optimal reservoir policy using 45 (1951-1995) years historical data. The nSDP and nRL optimal reservoir policy was tested on 10 (1995-2005) years historical data, and compared with nDP optimal reservoir operation in the same period. The nested algorithms and optimal reservoir operation results are analysed and explained.

Power source labelling and hydro-power - a chance or a risk?

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wurche, P.

2005-01-01

This short article discusses the electricity labelling legislation passed in Switzerland in November 2004 and similar legislation currently being introduced on a Europe-wide basis. In the future, electricity consumers will be provided with regular information on where and in which type of power station their electricity is generated. The article discusses how such a declaration may affect Swiss hydro-power stations and the changes in customer-perception that the power generation declaration will initiate

Hydro-Quebec : annual report 1998 : for today and tomorrow

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1999-01-01

Hydro-Quebec is a publicly owned company with a single shareholder, the Quebec government. In 1998, the utility had over 31,400 MW in installed capacity, ranking it among North America's largest distributors of electrical energy. This report provides a review of progress and financial highlights including revenue, expenditure, financial expenses, net income, total assets, long term debt, shareholder's equity and the overall financial position of the utility. In 1998 sales totaled 161.4 TWh, with Quebec markets accounting for more than 88 percent and sales, outside Quebec accounting for 11.5 per cent. Three factors related to weather impacted the utility in 1998. The first was mild weather which brought down domestic and agricultural power consumption by 3 TWh compared with the average recorded in the past half-century. The second was low precipitation which caused Hydro-Quebec to turn to means other than hydroelectric generation to supply power to Quebec customers. These included start-up generation of the Tracy thermal generating station, reduction of sales on short-term markets outside Quebec, and electricity purchases on external markets. The third factor was the ice storm of January 1998, which caused significant damage to part of Hydro-Quebec's transmission and distribution systems. Throughout the year, Hydro-Quebec worked in reinforcing its power lines to prevent repetition of the devastation that occurred during the ice storm. In spite of the events of January 1998, the Utility remains committed to the growth and profitability orientations laid out in its Strategic Plan for 1998-2002. Significant progress was made in consolidating the Utility's position in international markets. Productive partnerships have been established with the Quebec Federation of Labour Solidarity Fund, and with Gaz de France. A network of international partners in a score of countries also has been developed. Hydro-Quebec has completed most of its preparations for Year 2000 readiness

Optimasi Operasi Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Air (PLTA Menggunakan Linear Programming Dengan Batasan Ketersediaan Air

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Winasis Winasis

2013-06-01

Full Text Available One of hydro power plant operational problem is how to maximize available water resouces to gather optimal electric power generation. Water availability which is limited and can be stored in a reservoir will influence electrical energy generated by the plant. This paper present a new approach of short term optimization of hydro power plant operation. The objective function is to maximize energy which is produced by power plant on scheduling operation period, with consider water resource availability in reservoir as operational constraint. The optimization problem is formulated in Linear Programming Method, in which this method is a commonly used to solve optimization problem in hydro power plant. Based on simulation results on Ketenger Hydro Power Plant using water flow data on June 1st 2013 shows that this method can be used to solve hydro power plant operation optimization problem well. Electrical energy as main objective function is maximized and all prevailing constrain is satisfied. On this short term operation (24 hour simulation, total energy can be produced is 96121,55 kWh, or 1427 kWh (1,51% greater comparing with real generation condition with 96694 kWh.

TS/EL ELECTRICAL WORK REQUEST FORM

CERN Multimedia

TS Department

2008-01-01

To facilitate the processing of requests for minor electrical installation work to be carried out by the TS/EL group, a new procedure designed to improve contacts and exchange of information with customers has been set up. The procedure comprises a check to determine whether the TS/EL or the TS/FM group is responsible for the area where the electrical work is to be done. If the work is to be performed by the EL group, an on-line request form must be completed. The following steps must be completed: On a web browser, use the link http://ts-dep.web.cern.ch/ts-dep/groups/el/el.htm In the left-hand menu choose ‘Demande de Travaux Electriques’ Enter the building number to check which group to contact and click ‘FIND’ If the area is: Under FM’s responsibility:\tCall 77777 Under EL’s responsibility:\tClick the link to the work form, complete it and send it (click ‘ENVOYER’) IMPORTANT This form is for minor electrical installation requests only. Please call 72201 in t...

BC Hydro's smart grid strategy within a global transformation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zucker, R. [BC Hydro, Vancouver, BC (Canada). Smart Grid Development Program

2009-07-01

Electric utilities are now examining methods of ensuring adequate supply and energy security for the future. This presentation discussed BC Hydro's smart grid program within the context of other global automated metering initiatives. Over 60 per cent of the United States' gross domestic product (GDP) is derived from industries and services dependent on electricity. Power outages and interruptions cost the country an estimated $150 billion per year. A more efficient and reliable grid will provide $1.8 trillion in annual additive revenue by 2020. BC Hydro currently has over 1.8 million customers, and is comprised of 41 dam sites, 30 hydro facilities, and 9 thermal units. The utility has over 18,000 km of transmission lines and 56,000 km of distribution lines. The province's energy plan hopes to achieve energy self-sufficiency by 2016, and all new electric generation will be net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) or serve as an offset for GHG emissions. The BC Hydro smart meter program will help to support the utility's conservation program. The smart grid will include fundamental applications for metering, meter data management, distribution automation and management, and substation automation. The foundation of the smart meter system is comprised of IT and telecommunications infrastructure and a circuit topology. Reliability and power quality improvements of 40 per cent are anticipated, as well as significant improvements in energy efficiency and customer service. Smart grid applications are being designed for microgrids and plug-in vehicles. A voltage control system has been designed to allow the real time management of energy flows. It was concluded that smart grid programs will provide significant benefits to utility customers and communities in the province. tabs., figs.

Retrofitting of the small hydro electric scheme 'Moulin de Bavois' - Feasibility study; Rehabilitation du Moulin de Bavois. Etude d'avant-projet

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2007-07-15

This illustrated final report for the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) is a feasibility study of the retrofitting of the small hydro electric scheme 'Moulin de Bavois' located in Bavois on the Talent river, Switzerland. The existing scheme uses a 12 m water fall and its power amounts to about 10 kW. After retrofitting, based on a future new water-use concession, the maximum electric power produced should be 172 kW, generating 531 MWh/y, 65% of which in the wintertime. New weir and penstock are foreseen as is an axial Kaplan turbine and a reliable water cleaning device. The Talent river flows in the woods. Electricity production cost is estimated to be 0.214 CHF/kWh.

Determining effective forecast horizons for multi-purpose reservoirs with short- and long-term operating objectives

Science.gov (United States)

Luchner, Jakob; Anghileri, Daniela; Castelletti, Andrea

2017-04-01

Real-time control of multi-purpose reservoirs can benefit significantly from hydro-meteorological forecast products. Because of their reliability, the most used forecasts range on time scales from hours to few days and are suitable for short-term operation targets such as flood control. In recent years, hydro-meteorological forecasts have become more accurate and reliable on longer time scales, which are more relevant to long-term reservoir operation targets such as water supply. While the forecast quality of such products has been studied extensively, the forecast value, i.e. the operational effectiveness of using forecasts to support water management, has been only relatively explored. It is comparatively easy to identify the most effective forecasting information needed to design reservoir operation rules for flood control but it is not straightforward to identify which forecast variable and lead time is needed to define effective hedging rules for operational targets with slow dynamics such as water supply. The task is even more complex when multiple targets, with diverse slow and fast dynamics, are considered at the same time. In these cases, the relative importance of different pieces of information, e.g. magnitude and timing of peak flow rate and accumulated inflow on different time lags, may vary depending on the season or the hydrological conditions. In this work, we analyze the relationship between operational forecast value and streamflow forecast horizon for different multi-purpose reservoir trade-offs. We use the Information Selection and Assessment (ISA) framework to identify the most effective forecast variables and horizons for informing multi-objective reservoir operation over short- and long-term temporal scales. The ISA framework is an automatic iterative procedure to discriminate the information with the highest potential to improve multi-objective reservoir operating performance. Forecast variables and horizons are selected using a feature

Electric Charge as a Form of Imaginary Energy

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Tianxi Zhang

2008-04-01

Full Text Available Electric charge is considered as a form of imaginary energy. With this consideration, the energy of an electrically charged particle is a complex number. The real part is proportional to the mass, while the imaginary part is proportional to the electric charge. The energy of an antiparticle is given by conjugating the energy of its corresponding particle. Newton's law of gravity and Coulomb's law of electric force are classically unified into a single expression of the interaction between the complex energies of two electrically charged particles. Interaction between real energies (or masses is the gravitational force. Interaction between imaginary energies (or electric charges is the electromagnetic force. Since radiation is also a form of real energy, there are another two types of interactions between real energies: the mass-radiation interaction and the radiation-radiation interaction. Calculating the work done by the mass-radiation interaction on a photon, we can derive the Einsteinian gravitational redshift. Calculating the work done by the radiation-radiation interaction on a photon, we can obtain a radiation redshift. This study suggests the electric charge as a form of imaginary energy, so that classically unifies the gravitational and electric forces and derives the Einsteinian gravitational redshift.

The Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board, 43nd annual report for the year ended March 31, 1994

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1994-01-01

Manitoba Hydro is a provincially owned corporation that produces electricity for distribution to 380,270 customers throughout all of Manitoba except for central Winnipeg. The utility operates 12 hydraulic generating stations, 2 thermal generating stations and 12 diesel sites. In the year ending March 31, 1994, total combined generation and imports were 27.6 billion kWh, of which 95.2% was produced from hydraulic stations. Power sales to Manitoba customers totalled 15 billion kWh and extraprovincial sales totalled 9.16 billion kWh. Gross revenues were $924.8 million and total expenses were $855.3 million, for a net income of $69.5 million. Total out-of-province sales reached a record high of $231.6 million, or 62.3% more than in 1992/93. That increase was mainly due to a 500-MW firm power sale to Northern States Power. The various sections of the report present information on customer services; employee relations; environmental management; resource planning; electricity generated, purchased, and exported; system development, including construction of new transmission lines and stations; research and development; and safety. Financial statements are included. 25 figs., 5 tabs

A tale of three hydros - post-privatisation in Patagonia

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Smith, H.F.

1994-01-01

When Argentina's state-owned utility, operating in northern Patagonia, sold off hydro-electric generating plants in 1993, they were bought by several North American utility companies. This article looks at the problems these companies encountered and examines whether the enterprise has shown itself to be economically valuable. (UK)

2004 assessment of habitat improvements in Dinosaur Reservoir

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Blackman, B.G.; Cowie, D.M.

2005-01-15

Formed in 1979 after the completion of the Peace Canyon Dam, Dinosaur Reservoir is 21 km long and backs water up to the tailrace of W.A.C. Bennett Dam. BC Hydro has funded studies to evaluate fish stocking programs and assess habitat limitations and potential enhancements as part of a water licence agreement. The Peace/Williston Fish and Wildlife Compensation Programs (PWFWCP) have undertaken a number of projects to address fish habitat limitations, entrainment and stocking assessments as a result of recommendations stemming from these studies. It was determined that existing baseline fish data was needed in order to evaluate the effectiveness of these activities. A preliminary boat electro-fishing program which was started in October 2001, noted that a propensity for rainbow trout to concentrate near woody debris. In response, a program was started in 2002 to add woody debris to embayment areas throughout the reservoir. These enhanced woody debris structures are located in small sheltered bays and consist of a series of large trees cabled together and anchored to the shore. The area between the cabled trees and the shoreline is filled with woody debris and root wads collected from along the shoreline. The 2004 assessment of habitat improvements in Dinosaur Reservoir presents the findings from a study that compares the number of fish captured using trap nets, angling, and minnow traps, at the woody debris structures to sites with similar physical characteristics where woody debris had not been added. 17 refs., 5 tabs., 4 figs.

Constructing development and integrated coastal zone management in the conditions of the landslide slopes of Cheboksary water reservoir (Volga River)

Science.gov (United States)

Nikonorova, I. V.

2018-01-01

Uncontrolled construction and insufficient accounting of engineering-geological and hydro-geological conditions of the coastal zone, intensified technogenic impact on sloping surfaces and active urbanization led to the emergence of serious problems and emergency situations on the coasts of many Volga reservoirs, including the Cheboksary reservoir, within Cheboksary urban district and adjacent territories of Chuvashia. This article is devoted to substantiation of the possibility of rational construction development of landslide slopes of the Cheboksary water reservoir.

The role of utilities in enabling technology innovation: The BC hydro alternative & emerging energy strategy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tu, Alex; Leclair, Donna; Morrison, Allison

2010-09-15

In order for renewable energy to play a dominant role in the global electricity supply mix, emerging renewable energy technologies - such as wave, tidal, enhanced geothermal, and 3rd generation photovoltaic technologies - must prove their technical merits and achieve cost parity with conventional sources of supply. BC Hydro, a government-owned electric utility, launched an Alternative and Emerging Energy Strategy that describes its role as an enabler of technology innovation. This paper describes BC Hydro's goal, objectives and actions to accelerate the commercialization that will yield a diversity of supply options and a growing, local clean-tech cluster.

Energy generated for you : Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro 2003 annual report

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2004-01-01

This report provides a consolidated review of the operations of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro (Hydro) with focus on energy production, energy sales, and environmental commitment. The utility, a Crown Corporation owned by the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, generates, transmits and distributes electricity to utility, industrial and residential customers. It is the parent company of the Hydro Group of Companies which includes Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, Churchill Falls Corp. Ltd., Lower Churchill Development Corp. Ltd., Gull Island Power Co. Ltd., and Twin Falls Power Co. Ltd.. The installed generating capacity of the Hydro Group of Companies is the fourth largest in Canada. The generating assets include 10 operating hydroelectric plants, 1 oil-fired plant, 4 gas turbines, 28 diesel plants, and the Churchill Falls Hydroelectric generating station. The utility also maintains 4,800 km of transmission lines and more than 3,600 km of lower voltage distribution lines. The utility is isolated from the North American grid. Energy sales in 2003 were one per cent above 2002. The Holyrood thermal generating station had a gross production of 2061 GWh in 2003, an 18 per cent reduction from 2002. The 40 MW Granite Canal Hydroelectric generating station was completed in 2003. The utility also purchased electricity from Corner Brook Pulp and Paper and the Exploits River Partnership in order to meet the demand for capacity and energy on the island. The Hydro Group's net income decreased by 24 per cent in 2003, while there was a 3 per cent increase in revenue. Earnings are expected to be higher in 2004 due to a projected increase in rates. This annual report presented the company's financial performance, executive changes, rural rate inquiry, and reorganization. Financial statements included a thorough review and analysis of financial transactions, the auditor's report, and the customary notes to the consolidated financial statement including balance sheets, assets

Ontario Hydro at the millennium : has monopoly's moment passed?

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Daniels, R.J.

1996-01-01

This volume is a collection of 10 papers presented at a conference in which the challenges of restructuring the electric power industry in Ontario were discussed. Legal experts, policy makers, economists and stakeholders in the industry presented their views regarding the future of the industry in Ontario. The implications of privatization were discussed. There was general agreement on the need for some industry de-integration and privatization. However, agreement on the exact nature of the approach to take was more divided. For example, opinion was divided on what the logical endpoint of industry restructuring should be i.e. wholesale or retail competition. Also contentious was the question of what portion of Hydro's generating assets should be sold off to private enterprise if Hydro's generation and transmission assets are unbundled. Opinions were also divided about the environmental consequences of nuclear energy. Significant differences of opinion were evident concerning the privatization of Ontario Hydro's nuclear assets. refs., tabs., figs

Determination of installation capacity in reservoir hydro-power plants considering technical, economical and reliability indices

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hosseini, S.M.H.; Forouzbakhsh, Farshid; Fotouh-Firuzabad, Mahmood

2008-01-01

One of the most important issues in planning the ‘‘reservoir” type of hydro-power plants (HPP) is to determine the installation capacity of the HPPs and estimate its annual energy value. In this paper, a method is presented. A computer program has been developed to analyze energy calculation...

76 FR 71961 - KC Hydro LLC of New Hampshire; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and...

Science.gov (United States)

2011-11-21

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. 14246-000] KC Hydro LLC of..., Motions To Intervene, and Competing Applications On August 8, 2011, KC Hydro LLC of New Hampshire filed an... at the spillway crest elevation; (3) a newly constructed powerhouse; (4) new electrical generating...

Combined geophysical, geochemical and geological investigations of geothermal reservoir characteristics in Lower Saxony, Germany

Science.gov (United States)

Hahne, B.; Thomas, R.

2012-04-01

The North German basin provides a significant geothermal potential, although temperature gradients are moderate. However, deep drilling up to several thousand meters is required to reach temperatures high enough for efficient generation of geothermal heat and electric power. In these depths we have not much information yet about relevant physical properties like porosity or permeability of the rock formations. Therefore the costs of developing a geothermal reservoir and the risk of missing the optimum drilling location are high. The collaborative research association "Geothermal Energy and High Performance Drilling" (gebo) unites several universities and research institutes in Lower Saxony, Germany. It aims at a significant increase of economic efficiency by introducing innovative technology and high tech materials resisting temperatures up to 200 °C in the drilling process. Furthermore, a better understanding of the geothermal reservoir is essential. gebo is structured into four main fields: Drilling Technology, Materials, Technical Systems and Geosystem. Here, we show the combined work of the Geosystem group, which focuses on the exploration of geological fault zones as a potential geothermal reservoir as well as on modeling the stress field, heat transport, coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical processes, geochemical interactions and prediction of the long-term behavior of the reservoir. First results include combined seismic and geoelectric images of the Leinetalgraben fault system, a comparison of seismic images from P- and S-wave measurements, mechanical properties of North German rocks from field and laboratory measurements as well as from drill cores, seismological characterization of stimulated reservoirs, a thermodynamic "gebo" database for modeling hydrogeochemical processes in North German formation waters with high salinity and at high temperatures, stress models for specific sites in northern Germany, and modeling results of permeability and heat transport

Log-based identification of sweet spots for effective fracs in shale reservoirs

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hashmy, K.; Barnett, C.; Jonkers, J. [Weatherford (United States); Abueita, S. [Anadarko Petroleum (United States)

2011-07-01

Shale reservoir exploitation requires horizontal hydro-fracturing, often in a multi-stage configuration. Fracture stages are usually evenly spaced along the horizontal well, regardless of reservoir characteristics, even though wireline logs or logging-while-drilling (LWD) methods could be used to determine sweet spots for more cost-effective fracturing locations. This paper aims to show how failure to take into consideration a reservoir's geological properties can lead to less effective exploitation, and then goes on to describe logging techniques, LWD and wireline logs combined, and their usefulness in effectively placing fracturing stages on a reservoir's sweet spots. By studying logs from different LWD and wireline log techniques, such as gamma ray, resistivity, X-ray fluorescence or shockwave sonic measurements for different existing wells, the study shows how sweet spots, where kerogen concentration is higher, with higher porosity, can be determined. These logging techniques, requiring low investments, offer a variety of methods for identifying sweet spots in shale reservoirs, and fracturing only these spots will avoid unnecessary expenditure on frac stages in zones with poor reservoir characteristics.

Effective Hydro-Mechanical Properties of Fluid-Saturated Fracture Networks

Science.gov (United States)

Pollmann, N.; Vinci, C.; Renner, J.; Steeb, H.

2015-12-01

Consideration of hydro-mechanical processes is essential for the characterization of liquid-resources as well as for many engineering applications. Furthermore, the modeling of seismic waves in fractured porous media finds application not only in geophysical exploration but also reservoir management. Fractures exhibit high-aspect-ratio geometries, i.e. they constitute thin and long hydraulic conduits. Motivated by this peculiar geometry, the investigation of the hydro-mechanically coupled processes is performed by means of a hybrid-dimensional modeling approach. The effective material behavior of domains including complex fracture patterns in a porous rock is assessed by investigating the fluid pressure and the solid displacement of the skeleton saturated by compressible fluids. Classical balance equations are combined with a Poiseuille-type flow in the dimensionally reduced fracture. In the porous surrounding rock, the classical Biot-theory is applied. For simple geometries, our findings show that two main fluid-flow processes occur, leak-off from fractures to the surrounding rock and fracture flow within and between the connected fractures. The separation of critical frequencies of the two flow processes is not straightforward, in particular for systems containing a large number of fractures. Our aim is to model three dimensional hydro-mechanically coupled processes within complex fracture patterns and in particular determine the frequency-dependent attenuation characteristics. Furthermore, the effect of asperities of the fracture surfaces on the fracture stiffness and on the hydraulic conductivity will be added to the approach.

Hydro-climatology

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

The hydro-climatological approach of this volume illustrates the scientific and practical value of considering hydrological phenomena and processes in a climate context to improve understanding of controls, process interaction, and past and future variability/change. Contributions deal with under......The hydro-climatological approach of this volume illustrates the scientific and practical value of considering hydrological phenomena and processes in a climate context to improve understanding of controls, process interaction, and past and future variability/change. Contributions deal...... considered. The interdisciplinary approach reveals information and perspective that go beyond the study of cli ate and hydro gy alone...

Long-term generation scheduling of Xiluodu and Xiangjiaba cascade hydro plants considering monthly streamflow forecasting error

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xie, Mengfei; Zhou, Jianzhong; Li, Chunlong; Zhu, Shuang

2015-01-01

Highlights: • Monthly streamflow forecasting error is considered. • An improved parallel progressive optimality algorithm is proposed. • Forecasting dispatching chart is manufactured accompanying with a set of rules. • Applications in Xiluodu and Xiangjiaba cascade hydro plants. - Abstract: Reliable streamflow forecasts are very significant for reservoir operation and hydropower generation. But for monthly streamflow forecasting, the forecasting result is unreliable and it is hard to be utilized, although it has a certain reference value for long-term hydro generation scheduling. Current researches mainly focus on deterministic scheduling, and few of them consider the uncertainties. So this paper considers the forecasting error which exists in monthly streamflow forecasting and proposes a new long-term hydro generation scheduling method called forecasting dispatching chart for Xiluodu and Xiangjiaba cascade hydro plants. First, in order to consider the uncertainties of inflow, Monte Carlo simulation is employed to generate streamflow data according to the forecasting value and error distribution curves. Then the large amount of data obtained by Monte Carlo simulation is used as inputs for long-term hydro generation scheduling model. Because of the large amount of streamflow data, the computation speed of conventional algorithm cannot meet the demand. So an improved parallel progressive optimality algorithm is proposed to solve the long-term hydro generation scheduling problem and a series of solutions are obtained. These solutions constitute an interval set, unlike the unique solution in the traditional deterministic long-term hydro generation scheduling. At last, the confidence intervals of the solutions are calculated and forecasting dispatching chart is proposed as a new method for long-term hydro generation scheduling. A set of rules are proposed corresponding to forecasting dispatching chart. The chart is tested for practical operations and achieves

76 FR 71960 - KC Hydro LLC of New Hampshire; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and...

Science.gov (United States)

2011-11-21

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. 14247-000] KC Hydro LLC of..., Motions To Intervene, and Competing Applications On August 8, 2011, KC Hydro LLC of New Hampshire filed an... spillway elevation of 130 feet mean sea level (msl); (3) connecting new electrical [[Page 71961...

Sedimentary tectonic evolution and reservoir-forming conditions of the Dazhou–Kaijiang paleo-uplift, Sichuan Basin

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yueming Yang

2016-12-01

Full Text Available Great breakthrough recently achieved in the Sinian–Lower Paleozoic gas exploration in the Leshan–Longnüsi paleo-uplift, Sichuan Basin, has also made a common view reached, i.e., large-scale paleo-uplifts will be the most potential gas exploration target in the deep strata of this basin. Apart from the above-mentioned one, the other huge paleo-uplifts are all considered to be the ones formed in the post-Caledonian period, the impact of which, however, has rarely ever been discussed on the Sinian–Lower Paleozoic oil and gas reservoir formation. In view of this, based on outcrops, drilling and geophysical data, we analyzed the Sinian–Lower Paleozoic tectonic setting and sedimentary background in the East Sichuan Basin, studied the distribution rules of reservoirs and source rocks under the control of paleo-uplifts, and finally discussed, on the basis of structural evolution analysis, the conditions for the formation of Sinian–Lower Paleozoic gas reservoirs in this study area. The following findings were achieved. (1 The Dazhou–Kaijiang inherited uplift in NE Sichuan Basin which was developed before the Middle Cambrian controlled a large area of Sinian and Cambrian beach-facies development. (2 Beach-facies reservoirs were developed in the upper part of the paleo-uplift, while in the peripheral depression belts thick source rocks were developed like the Upper Sinian Doushantuo Fm and Lower Cambrian Qiongzhusi Fm, so there is a good source–reservoir assemblage. (3 Since the Permian epoch, the Dazhou–Kaijiang paleo-uplift had gradually become elevated from the slope zone, where the Permian oil generation peak occurred in the slope or lower and gentle uplift belts, while the Triassic gas generation peak occurred in the higher uplift belts, both with a favorable condition for hydrocarbon accumulation. (4 The lower structural layers, including the Lower Cambrian and its underlying strata, in the East Sichuan Basin, are now equipped with a

The future of the reservoirs in the Siret River Basin considering the sediment transport of rivers (ROMANIA

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Petru OLARIU

2015-02-01

Full Text Available The Siret River Basin is characterized by an important use of hydro potential, resulted in the number of reservoirs constructed and operational. The cascade power stage of the reservoirs on Bistrita and Siret rivers indicate the anthropic interventions with different purposes (hydro energy, water supply, irrigation etc. in the Siret River Basin. In terms of the capacity in the Siret River Basin there is a dominance of the small capacity reservoirs, which is given by the less than 20 mil m³ volumes. Only two lakes have capacities over 200 mil m³: Izvoru Muntelui on Bistrita River and Siriu on Buzau River. Based on the monitoring of the alluvial flow at the hydrometric stations, from the Siret River Basin, there have been analysed the sediment yield formation and the solid transit dimensions in order to obtain typical values for the geographical areas of this territory. The silting of these reservoirs was monitored by successive topobatimetric measurements performed by the Bureau of Prognosis, Hydrology and Hydrogeology and a compartment within Hidroelectrica S.A. Piatra Neamt Subsidiary. The quantities of the deposited sediments are very impressive. The annual rates range betwee3 000 – 2 000 000 t/year, depending on the size of the hydrographical basin, the capacity of the reservoirs, the liquid flow and many other factors which may influence the upstream transport of sediments. These rates of sedimentation lead to a high degree of silting in the reservoirs. Many of them are silted over 50% of the initial capacity and the others even more. The effects of the silting have an important impact when analysing the effective exploitation of the reservoirs. 

Hydro-electric power and the environment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Claughton, M.H.

1993-01-01

Environmental effects occur at the dam or reservoir site, upstream and downstream of the project area during and after the completion of any hydropower project. The environmental factors also have either positive or negative cost impact on the production of hydropower. Various factors which require careful consideration while undertaking hydropower projects are: land losses, resettlement, flora and fauna, fish and aquatic life, water quality, proliferation of weeds, loss of vegetation, erosion, downstream damage and induced seismicity. After identifying the factors relevant to a hydropower project, the necessary adjustments should be made in the location and design of the project. (M.G.B.)

An overview of Hydro-Quebec's implementation of ISO14001 - principles and success factors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bourbonniere, M.

1999-01-01

Reasons for Hydro-Quebec to have an environmental management system are described. It is said to form the basis of the new 'hands-off' governance, empowerment and accountability regime, it supports expansion of the electricity market, demonstrates effectiveness of environmental management, implements a systematic approach to environmental management, and most of all, because it makes good business sense. The principles of implementation such as embedding responsibility for environmental management system implementation and maintenance into the mission of individual unit, thus recognizing the different needs and rates of implementation by the 1800+ sites and activities of the Corporation, success factors, and the current state of implementation are also reviewed

From centralized hydro-thermal to decentralized renewable : the Austrian challenge

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Brauner, G.

2007-01-01

Austria's electricity production scheme is currently based on 67 per cent hydro power, 25 per cent fossil thermal power and 8 per cent new renewable energy, including wind, biomass, and photovoltaic conversion. As demand on centralized energy systems increases, the power generation, transmission and distribution system in the country will have to be restructured to increase the portion of regenerative generation. Decentralized micro-grid structures are a promising concept for meeting the target of efficiency improvement and renewable generation because they make it possible to use regenerative energy where it is collected. The most efficient way to meet the challenges of efficiency improvement and emission reduction is the replacement of old coal-fired power stations by new combined-cycle gas power stations with combined heat and power. This will reduce both carbon dioxide emissions as well as specific fossil energy demand. However, in just 1 decade the emission reduction achieved by fuel switching and higher efficiency of power stations will be equalized by higher demand, which is growing at an annual rate of 2 per cent. Future energy problems will be characterized by the security of supply; climatic change and the need for clean energy technologies; the lack of transmission-routes; and growing energy demand. The regenerative energy in Austria currently consists of hydraulic large run-of-river hydraulic generation as well as small scale hydro and large scale hydro storage systems. Biomass currently has a total generating capacity of 280 MW and forms 3.14 per cent of generation in Austria. Wind has reached a capacity of 950 MW and forms 3.8 per cent of generation in Austria. It was concluded that the future philosophy in energy supply will not be to try to increase regenerative generation according to growing demand, but to improve end-use efficiency and reduce demand according to the renewable regional potential. 4 refs., 4 figs

Hydro-engineering structure and Liptovska Mara Pumped Storage Power Plant

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Regula, E.

2005-01-01

In this paper thirty years history of the Hydro-engineering structure and Liptovska Mara Pumped Storage Power Plant (PSPP) is presented. In 1975 year the Liptovska Mara PSPP was commissioned. There are 2 Kaplan turbines and 2 Derezias reversible turbines with a total installed power 198 MW. The average annual output is 134.5 GWh. As a part of this hydro-engineering structure is Besenova Small-scale power plants with 2 turbines and with installed power 4.64 MW. The average annual output consists 18.3 GWh. There up to end of 2004 year 3,620.172 MWh of electricity was produced. Environmental effects are discussed

Quebec-USA electricity export contracts

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Labbe, J.-F.

1993-06-01

Electricity exports from Hydro-Quebec to utilities in the USA significantly affects the economy and environment of Quebec. These exports may be arranged under interconnection agreements to sell excess capacity and production during off-peak periods or under firm sales contracts. Hydro-Quebec exports could also replace power plants that would otherwise be needed in the USA. The economic environment for Hydro-Quebec exports to the USA is reviewed along with the regulatory environment applicable to international trade (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, Canada-USA Free Trade Agreement, North American Free Trade Agreement), Quebec (Canadian federal and provincial law), and the USA (federal and state law). A jurisdictional analysis of power export contracts is then presented, citing examples of contracts already signed by Hydro-Quebec with utilities in New York and New England. Contract law and contract provisions are discussed, including common clauses and particular clauses. Suggestions are made for new clauses that would improve the electricity trade. 215 refs., 13 figs., 3 tabs

Movements of two strains of radio tagged Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., smolts through a reservoir

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Aarestrup, Kim; Jepsen, Niels; Rasmusssen, Gorm

1999-01-01

Smolt migration through a shallow and turbid hydro-reservoir in a major Danish river system was investigated using radiotelemetry. Hatchery-reared 1+-year-old Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., smolts of equal size from two different non- native strains were radio-tagged and followed during...

On Noether symmetries and form invariance of mechanico-electrical systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fu Jingli; Chen Liqun

2004-01-01

This Letter focuses on form invariance and Noether symmetries of mechanico-electrical systems. Based on the invariance of Hamiltonian actions for mechanico-electrical systems under the infinitesimal transformation of the coordinates, the electric quantities and the time, the authors present the Noether symmetry transformation, the Noether quasi-symmetry transformation, the generalized Noether quasi-symmetry transformation and the general Killing equations of Lagrange mechanico-electrical systems and Lagrange-Maxwell mechanico-electrical systems. Using the invariance of the differential equations, satisfied by physical quantities, such as Lagrangian, non-potential general forces, under the infinitesimal transformation, the authors propose the definition and criterions of the form invariance for mechanico-electrical systems. The Letter also demonstrates connection between the Noether symmetries and the form invariance of mechanico-electrical systems. An example is designed to illustrate these results

Ontario Hydro's nuclear program

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

McCredie, J.

1984-01-01

This report briefly describes Ontario Hydro's nuclear program, examining the design and construction status, and the future from Ontario Hydro's perspective. Ontario Hydro relies heavily on nuclear power. Nuclear fuel was responsible for approximately 34% of Ontario Hydro's energy production in 1983. The nuclear proportion was supplied by twelve operating units located: NPD, Douglas Point, Pickering A and B. It is expected that by approximately 1992, 65% of the total energy needs will be generated through nuclear power

Soil erosion and sediment delivery issues in a large hydro-electric power reservoir catchment, Ethiopia

Science.gov (United States)

Nebiyu, Amsalu; Dume, Bayu; Bode, Samuel; Ram, Hari; Boeckx, Pascal

2017-04-01

Land degradation and associated processes such as gullying, flooding and sedimentation, are among the developmental challenges in many countries and HEP reservoirs in the Gilgel Gibe catchment, Ethiopia, are under threat from siltation. Soil erosion is one of the biggest global environmental problems resulting in both on-site and offsite effects which have economic implications and an essential actor in assessing ecosystem health and function. Sediment supply in a catchment is heterogeneous in time and space depending on climate, land use and a number of landscape characteristics such as slope, topography, soil type, vegetation and drainage conditions. In the Ethiopian highlands, sediment delivery depends on discharge, the onset of rainfall, land use and land cover, which varies between rainfall seasons. There is also a variation among catchments in suspended sediment concentration due to the variation in the catchments characteristics in Ethiopia. Rainfall-runoff relationship, sediment production and delivery to rivers or dams is variable and poorly understood; due to heterogeneous lithology; various climatic conditions across small spatial scales; land use and land management practices in Ethiopia. Spatial variation in sediment yield in Africa varies to differences in seismic activity, topography, vegetation cover and annual runoff depth. In the Gilgel-Gibe catchment, the annual sediment load of the Gilgel-Gibe River has been estimated to be about 4.5×107 tons taking the contribution of sheet erosion alone. Also, the suspended sediment yield of the tributaries in Gilgel-Gibe catchment has been estimated to be in the range of 0.4-132.1 tons per hectare per year. The soil loss due to landslide alone in the past 20 years in the catchment was about 11 t/ha/yr. Heavy rainfall, bank erosion and river incisions have been indicated as the main triggering factors for landslides and the associated sediment delivery in the Gilgel-Gibe catchment. Approaches for catchment

Breaking the biomass bottleneck of the fossil free society

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Wenzel, Henrik

balancing electricity supply and demand from fluctuating sources, because electricity is then stored in the batteries of the car fleet and in reservoirs for heating. Further electricity buffering can be provided by water reservoirs for hydro power or by various means of pressure based reservoirs, and smart...... applications like heat and power, it is possible to collect the CO2 from the biomass and further recover and recycle it in a process here called Carbon Capture and Recycling, CCR. This will further multiply the use of the biogenic carbon from the biomass. Overall, upgrading and recycling biogenic carbon...

[Responses of Cynodon dactylon population in hydro-fluctuation belt of Three Gorges Reservoir area to flooding-drying habitat change].

Science.gov (United States)

Hong, Ming; Guo, Quan-Shu; Nie, Bi-Hong; Kang, Yi; Pei, Shun-Xiang; Jin, Jiang-Qun; Wang, Xiang-Fu

2011-11-01

This paper studied the population density, morphological characteristics, and biomass and its allocation of Cynodon dactylon at different altitudinal sections of the hydro-fluctuation belt in Three Gorges Reservoir area, based on located observations. At the three altitudinal sections, the population density of C. dactylon was in the order of shallow water section (165-170 m elevation) > non-flooded section (above 172 m elevation) > deep water section (145-150 m elevation), the root diameter and root length were in the order of deep water section > shallow water section > non-flooded section, the total biomass, root biomass, stem biomass, leaf biomass, and stem biomass allocation ratio were in the order of the shallow water section > non-flooded section > deep water section, and the root biomass allocation ratio, leaf biomass allocation ratio, and underground biomass/aboveground biomass were in the order of deep water section > shallow water section > non-flooded section. The unique adaption strategies of C. dactylon to the flooding-drying habitat change in the shallow water section were the accelerated elongation growth and the increased stem biomass allocation, those in the deep water section were the increased node number of primary and secondary branches, increased number of the branches, and increased leaf biomass allocation, whereas the common strategies in the shallow and deep water sections were the accelerated root growth and the increased tillering and underground biomass allocation for preparing nutrition and energy for the rapid growth in terrestrial environment.

Optimal electricity system planning in a large hydro jurisdiction: Will British Columbia soon become a major importer of electricity?

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kiani, Behdad; Rowe, Andrew; Wild, Peter; Pitt, Lawrence; Sopinka, Amy; Pedersen, Tom F.

2013-01-01

An energy-system model incorporating generation, transmission and integrated management of hydroelectric reservoirs in British Columbia (BC) is used to explore approaches to meeting load projections to 2040. The model includes electricity trade between BC, Alberta and the US, the influence of a carbon emissions tax, contributions from the aging gas-fired Burrard Thermal plant and production from a proposed dam called “Site C” on the Peace River in northern BC. Model results suggest: If load increases as anticipated at 1.4%/year, BC will need to import significant amounts of electricity within two decades. Operating the Burrard plant at full capacity to 2025 and bringing Site C on line in 2020 delays the need to import by only 6 years, while realizing net electricity export sales of $5.9 billion by 2040. Bringing Site C on line but imposing a tax of $30/t of CO 2 emitted on gas-fired generation causes immediate closure of the Burrard plant on economic grounds and reduces net export revenue to $0.63 billion by 2040. BC has options, however, including demand side management and development of additional generation capacity. In the absence of these measures, imported power may be more significant in BC's electricity future. - Highlights: ► Within two decades, BC will need to import substantial power to meet demand. ► Operating Burrard Thermal and the Site C dam will delay imports by only 6 years. ► A $30/t CO 2 tax causes closure of the Burrard Thermal plant on economic grounds. ► Closure of Burrard Thermal reduces export revenue to BC by at least $5B by 2040

CITEQ creates a transformer for underground electric networks: a joint initiative by Hydro-Quebec and ABB

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cordeau, P.

1997-01-01

Advances in technology regarding underground transformers was discussed. After more than 3 years of research, CITEQ (Centre d'innovation sur le transport d'energie du Quebec), a new company founded by Hydro-Quebec and ABB, is on the verge of a breakthrough with a new submersible transformer with solid insulation. This transformer was specially designed for use in underground electric networks. The new transformer is a good alternative to conventional oil transformers which have a high risk of pollution mainly due to corrosion, leaks, explosions or fires. Also, the outer shell of the new transformer is composed of composite material which will eliminate the need for maintenance. The service life of the new transformer is expected to be approximately 30 to 40 years. CITEQ is hoping that this new technology will benefit the residential sector which is powered by underground distribution networks. 1 fig

HydroSoft coil versus HydroCoil for endovascular aneurysm occlusion study: A single center experience

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Guo Xinbin; Fan Yimu; Zhang Jianning

2011-01-01

Background and purpose: The HydroCoil Embolic System (HES) was developed to reduce recurrences of aneurysms relative to platinum coils. But the HydroCoil Embolic System was characterized with many limitations. The manufacturer had recognized the challenge and recently a new design of hydrogel-coated coil-HydroSoft has become available in the market as the new generation HydroCoil. We reported our initial experience using HydroSoft coil versus HydroCoil in our center. Methods: 75 aneurysms embolized primarily using HydroSoft Coils from July 2008 to May 2009 were compared with 66 volume- and shape-matched aneurysms treated with HydroCoils from March 2006 to August 2008. Outcome measures included length and number of coils used, contrast volume, and length of hospital stay. During embolization, a stable framework was first established with bare coils, and hydrogel-coated coils were used subsequently to increase the packing density. Follow-up angiographic results 6 months after treatment were evaluated among some of the patients. Results: Successful coil embolization was achieved in all patients. There were no differences in average total coil length used per aneurysm. There were no differences in length of hospital stay and packing density. HydroSoft coils were more suitable using as the finishing or final coil. HydroSoft coil decreased the procedure-related retreated rates, and aneurysm packing was finished with soft, flexible HydroSoft coil and decreased the neck remnant rates. Follow-up angiography in HydroSoft-treated patients at 6 months revealed aneurysm stability without significant residual neck. Conclusions: HydroSoft coil allowed us to deploy coated coils with good packing density. A slight expansion of these coils at the neck can be expected to reduce neck remnant and potentially inhibit recurrence.

Risk assessment of hydro projects in the face of climate change - a case study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cheng, W.; Kilduff, T.

2008-01-01

As the IPCC's Climate Change 2007 report made clear, warming of the Climate System is unequivocal. It is also clear that warming of the land surface can significantly affect the hydrological systems of snow-fed rivers. Thus, it is prudent to consider the potential impacts of climate change when conducting cost-benefit analysis of hydro-electric system capital improvements. This paper evaluates the benefits to Seattle City Light, Seattle's municipal utility, of an upgrade to one of its hydro-electric projects, not on the basis, as is common, of historical flow data, but on the basis of modeled flows under a specific climate change scenario. Another novelty of the paper is that the analysis relies not on one 'normal' or average flow, but on an ensemble of flows that reflect the range of hydro conditions that might be anticipated under the climate scenario. Although the nature of the anticipated impacts of climate in the Northwest are such that the results are not markedly different from ignoring them, the paper raises a number of interesting issues that such analysis should typically address. (author)

77 FR 15093 - Public Service Company of Colorado;

Science.gov (United States)

2012-03-14

... energy demand and generating electricity with water released from the upper reservoir during the high... will be processed according to the following preliminary Hydro Licensing Schedule. Revisions to the...

New avenues in cobalt-60 production at Ontario Hydro

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mylvaganam, C.K.; Ronchka, R.A.

1990-01-01

Ontario Hydro produces cobalt-60 in the control rods of twelve power reactors. These reactors have a typical flux of 2 x 10 14 neutrons/cm 2 /s, making them efficient producers of cobalt-60. Current annual production is 45 million curies. Since the primary function of these reactors is the production of electricity, their flexibility to meet the needs of commercial cobalt production by the control rod route is limited. Ontario Hydro is therefore developing innovative production techniques, making use of the CANDU reactor's unique ability to be fuelled on-power. These techniques will enable production to better respond to the market's requirements for quantity and specific activity. As it is supplementary to control rod production, annual supply could potentially reach 165 million curies. (author)

HydroGEM, a hydrogen fuelled utility vehicle. Case study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hoevenaars, A.J.; Kraaij, G.J.; De Bruijne, M.; Weeda, M.

2010-02-01

This report describes the conversion of a Global Electric Motorcars (GEM, a Chrysler company) electric utility vehicle into a Fuel Cell Vehicle called HydroGEM, at the Energy research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN). The report is prepared as a case study within the framework of Task 18 on 'Evaluation of Integrated Hydrogen Systems' of the IEA Hydrogen Implementing Agreement. The vehicle's fuel cell system was designed in 2005, manufactured and built into the vehicle in 2006 and operated from 2007 onwards. The design-choices, assembly, operation and maintenance-issues are presented and discussed.

Detailed feasibility study of a small-hydro power plant in Zerni on the municipal drinking water supply; Etude detaillee de faisabilite pour l'installation d'une petite centrale sur l'adduction d'eau potable de Zerni - Rapport final

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Reul, B. [MHyLab, Montcherand (Switzerland); Perruchoud, A. [SierreEnergie SA, Sierre (Switzerland)

2009-02-15

This report for the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) takes a look at a project for the realisation of a small hydro-power plant on the municipal drinking water supply of the city of Sierre, Switzerland. The installation is to be made at the site of a new reservoir in Zerni. The report presents details on the hydrological data and the dimensioning of the installation. The hydrological installations and the turbine foreseen are described and discussed, as are the applicable water regulations. The electricity production expected is discussed, as is the economic viability of the project.

Final argument on regulation of electricity exports

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

1987-01-01

Ontario Hydro addresses the request of the National Energy Board review that parties comment on the broader question of the need for federal regulation in electricity exports and the objectives which underlie the view expressed. Electricity exports benefit Canadian sellers and U.S. purchasers as well the Canadian economy in general. There is a clear consensus that these benefits exist and should be realized, but the evidence indicates that there is no consensus on how the benefits can best be distributed within Canada. The divergent views expressed by interested parties from across Canada clearly demonstrate the complexity associated with determining the overall Canadian interest and that there is a need for a balancing of these interests by a federal body. The regulation of electricity exports is clearly a matter of international commerce and Ontario Hydro submitted that the Constitution Act deems the province incompetent to regulate the export of electricity from Canada. Ontario Hydro submitted that a federal body is required in the regulation of electricity exports to protect the broader Canadian interest.

Tsuwalhkalh Ti Tmicwa (The Land is Ours): Stat'imc Self-Determination in the Face of Large-Scale Hydro-electric Development

Science.gov (United States)

Moritz, Sarah Carmen

In Canada, First Nations asserting authority over their lands are developing diverse strategies to overcome the state''s dogmatic insistence on jurisdictional sovereignty. This movement corresponds to the wider context of the challenges faced by indigenous people to use their own ways of knowing to resist or reformulate legal doctrines and political tenets based on colonial power. Interior Salish Stat'imc people identify themselves through a strong and ongoing social relationship with Sataqwa7, the Fraser River, and the "Valley of Plenty"---now known as the flooded Bridge River Valley---maintained through Stat'imc knowledge and cultural practice and demonstrated by talk of '"the Stat'imc right to fish" and Tsuwalhkalh Ti Tmicwa (The Land is Ours). Stat'imc fishers are prepared to contest and resist any regulatory system that is understood to impact this right to fish while they advocate their own ways of sustainable fishing and water management. Based on ethnographic research in collaboration with Stat'imc people, this thesis explores some of these often successful contestations especially in the context of increasing territorial governance and by example of the rapidly transforming relationship between Stat'imc, BC Hydro and the Province of BC. Interior Salish Stat'imc people are currently navigating through a significant phase of increasing jurisdiction and authority and recognition of (unsettled) territorial property relationships. This very dynamic process is marked by strategic collaborations, compensation for 'infringements' on St'a'imc Title and Rights, and conservation efforts to protect their home. An important example is the changing relationship between Stat'imc people and BC Hydro---a relationship between two groups with radically different cultures and agendas: Stat'imc people in a struggle for self-determination, social justice and cultural survival and BC Hydro, a corporate culture, with the agenda to provide hydro-electric power to BC, maintain

Alternative models for restructuring Ontario's electric sector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bright, D.; Salaff, S.

1996-01-01

The future of Ontario Hydro and the provincial electrical sector was discussed. Various models proposed for restructuring Ontario's electric sector were described and views of some of the stake holders were presented, among them the views of AMPCO, MEA, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, IPPSO, Ontario Hydro Management, Energy Probe and the Power Workers' Union. In general, most stake holders were in favour of privatization to some degree except for the Power Workers' Union which was unalterably opposed to privatization, claiming that it would lead to quantum increases in electricity rates. 2 figs

Skyscraper dams in Yunnan : China's new electricity generator should step in

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ryder, G.

2006-05-12

The construction of a series of high-head hydroelectric power dams in China's earthquake-prone Yunnan province has raised concerns in China's scientific and environmental communities. The series of skyscraper-high dams are being built to meet Beijing's power production targets without the benefit of market discipline or effective regulatory oversight. Dam building is central to Beijing's plan for tripling the country's hydropower production by 2020. To meet that target, the State Council granted exclusive development rights to Hydrolancang, the Yunnan Huadian Nu River Hydropower Development Company and the Three Gorges Corporation. The Hydrolancang company is building 2 of the world's tallest and most controversial hydro dams on the Lancang River. When completed in 2012, Xiaowan will be the world's tallest arch dam at 292 metres high. Another dam, the 254 metre high Nuozhadu dam is expected to start generating power in 2017. In addition, there are plans for 13 other high dams along the Nu River, one of only 2 major rivers in China that remains free-flowing. This document expressed that China's new electricity regulator should initiate a full-cost review of state dam-building in the earthquake-prone province. It was argued that as state-owned power companies, the dam builders are not market-driven and are shielded from many of the financial risks and environmental liabilities associated with large dams. The author argued that China's electricity regulator should examine the dam builders' projects costs and profits and review the economic implications of the hydro policy for China's power consumers. It was also suggested that the country's modernization goals for the power industry should be reviewed. The immediate concerns are ecological damage and the frequency with which Yunnan province is hit by earthquakes, rock falls and landslides. Experts caution that the extra weight of the high dams and reservoirs

78 FR 7768 - Public Service Company of Colorado; Notice of Application Accepted for Filing, Soliciting Motions...

Science.gov (United States)

2013-02-04

... reservoir during off-peak periods of energy demand and generating electricity with water released from the.... Procedural Schedule: The application will be processed according to the following revised Hydro Licensing...

[Demography perspectives and forecasts of the demand for electricity].

Science.gov (United States)

Roy, L; Guimond, E

1995-01-01

"Demographic perspectives form an integral part in the development of electric load forecasts. These forecasts in turn are used to justify the addition and repair of generating facilities that will supply power in the coming decades. The goal of this article is to present how demographic perspectives are incorporated into the electric load forecasting in Quebec. The first part presents the methods, hypotheses and results of population and household projections used by Hydro-Quebec in updating its latest development plan. The second section demonstrates applications of such demographic projections for forecasting the electric load, with a focus on the residential sector." (SUMMARY IN ENG AND SPA) excerpt

Collaborative Modular Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Design Study

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bibeault, Mark Leonide [Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States); Roybal, Adam [Jemez Mountain Electric Cooperative, Inc., Hernandez, NM (United States); Bailey, Jr., Richard J. [Northern New Mexico College, Espanola, NM (United States)

2017-09-29

In May of 2017, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) through the Applied Engineering Technology Division, Jemez Mountain Electric Cooperative Inc. (JMEC), and Northern New Mexico College (NNMC) agreed to enter into a small, joint, non-binding Modular Pumped Hydro (MPH) design study related to grid level energy storage to begin a process of collaboration. Los Alamos National Laboratory's mission is to solve national security challenges through scientific excellence. The mission of Northern New Mexico College is to ensure student success by providing access to affordable, community-based learning opportunities that meet the educational, cultural, and economic needs of the region. Jemez Mountain Electric Cooperative Inc. is the largest electric co-op in the State of New Mexico providing affordable and reliable electricity to customers in the five counties of Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, San Juan, McKinley and Sandoval.

The Community WRF-Hydro Modeling System Version 4 Updates: Merging Toward Capabilities of the National Water Model

Science.gov (United States)

McAllister, M.; Gochis, D.; Dugger, A. L.; Karsten, L. R.; McCreight, J. L.; Pan, L.; Rafieeinasab, A.; Read, L. K.; Sampson, K. M.; Yu, W.

2017-12-01

The community WRF-Hydro modeling system is publicly available and provides researchers and operational forecasters a flexible and extensible capability for performing multi-scale, multi-physics options for hydrologic modeling that can be run independent or fully-interactive with the WRF atmospheric model. The core WRF-Hydro physics model contains very high-resolution descriptions of terrestrial hydrologic process representations such as land-atmosphere exchanges of energy and moisture, snowpack evolution, infiltration, terrain routing, channel routing, basic reservoir representation and hydrologic data assimilation. Complementing the core physics components of WRF-Hydro are an ecosystem of pre- and post-processing tools that facilitate the preparation of terrain and meteorological input data, an open-source hydrologic model evaluation toolset (Rwrfhydro), hydrologic data assimilation capabilities with DART and advanced model visualization capabilities. The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), through collaborative support from the National Science Foundation and other funding partners, provides community support for the entire WRF-Hydro system through a variety of mechanisms. This presentation summarizes the enhanced user support capabilities that are being developed for the community WRF-Hydro modeling system. These products and services include a new website, open-source code repositories, documentation and user guides, test cases, online training materials, live, hands-on training sessions, an email list serve, and individual user support via email through a new help desk ticketing system. The WRF-Hydro modeling system and supporting tools which now include re-gridding scripts and model calibration have recently been updated to Version 4 and are merging toward capabilities of the National Water Model.

Hydro-Quebec and energy efficiency

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1990-01-01

There is growing awareness that energy efficiency is both profitable and environmentally beneficial. In this year's Development Plan, Hydro-Quebec is proposing an Energy Efficiency Project made up of marketing programs designed for all markets throughout the final decade of the 20th century. This Project will have two aspects: energy efficiency and consumption management. Hydro-Quebec aims to reach an energy-efficiency level of 12.9 terawatt hours per year by 1999, fully 55% of its 23-terawatt hour potential. Over the next 10 years the utility intends to spend $1.8 billion for this purpose. Cumulative anticipated energy savings should be in the vicinity of 70 terawatt hours for the coming decade, and more than 130 terawatt hours for the first decade of the next century. Of the overall goal of 12.9 terawatt hours for Horizon 1999, energy savings of 9.0 terawatt hours should be the direct result of this year's proposed marketing programs, and will account for the bulk of anticipated investments. The remaining 3.9 terawatt hours will be gained as customers acquire better electrical appliance and accessory (household appliances, home insulation) buying habits

The dual hydro x nuclear power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Borges, J.C.

1984-01-01

An our daily life in modern society becomes more and more dependent on electricity, supply of this kind of energy should not only be a part of a global energy policy, but also lay down rigorous criteria to garanty the market supply. Planning actions of the electrical sector are more sensitive to unforseen events, either to brief interruptions in energy supply or to non-equilibrium at any time of the excess of supply over demand. In this way, the cost factor although basic, does not lead to optimal solutions in decisions which involve options between different technologies and energy sources to generate electricity. In this paper, we analyse the above situation in the case of deciding between utilization of nuclear or hydro power plants to supply the Brazilian demande for electricity. Our final objective was the search for parameters which could lead us to better identify and understand the adroitness and mistakes of the Brazilian Nuclear Program. (Author) [pt

Management Optimization of Saguling Reservoir with Bellman Dynamic Programming and “Du Couloir” Iterative Method

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mariana Marselina

2016-08-01

Full Text Available The increasingly growth of population and industry sector have lead to an enhanced demand for electrical energy. One of the electricity providers in the area of Java-Madura Bali (Jamali is Saguling Reservoir. Saguling Reservoir is one of the three reservoirs that stem the flow of Citarum River in advance of to Jatiluhur and Cirata Reservoir. The average electricity production of Saguling Reservoir was 2,334,318.138 MWh/year in the period of 1986-2014. The water intake of Saguling Reservoir is the upstream Citarum Watershed with an area of 2340.88 km2 which also serves as the irrigation, inland fisheries, recreation, and other activities. An effort to improve the function of Saguling Reservoir in producing electrical energy is by optimizing the reservoir management. The optimization of Saguling Reservoir management in this study refers to Government Regulation No. 37/2010 on Dam/Reservoir Article 44 which states that the system of reservoir management consisting of the operation system in dry years, normal years, and wet years. In this research, the determination of the trajectory guideline in Saguling operation was divided in dry, normal and wet years. Trajectory guideline was conducted based on the electricity price of turbine inflow that various in every month. The determination of the trajectory guideline in various electricity price was done by using Program Dynamic Bellman (PD Bellman and “Du Couloir” iterative method which the objective to optimize the gain from electricity production. and “Du Couloir” iterative method was development of PD Bellman that can calculate the value of gain with a smaller discretization until 0,1 juta m3 effectively where PD Bellman just calculate until 10 million m3.  Smaller discretization can give maximum benefit from electricity production and the trajectory guideline will be closer to trajectory actual so optimization of Saguling operation will be achieved.

Financial profile of Hydro-Quebec : 1998-2001

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1999-01-01

Hydro-Quebec is a publicly owned company with a single shareholder, the Quebec government. It is ranked among North America's largest distributors of green energy. This report provides financial highlights including revenue, expenditure, net income, total assets, long term debt, shareholder's equity and the financial position of the utility. Operating statistics are also provided. This includes electricity sold both in and out of Quebec, total installed capacity, peak requirements for winter, total number of customer accounts, and the number of permanent employees. Because of the January ice storm, Hydro-Quebec's major priority in 1998 was to reinforce its transmission and distribution system to meet customer expectations. From February to December 1998, about 3,000 km of line were built, rebuilt or consolidated. By 2001, the utility will have looped several of its high-voltage transmission systems. Plans are also underway to build four new high-voltage lines and an interconnection with Ontario, using advanced technologies. tabs., figs

Transport structures and water reservoir for the Mochovce nuclear power plant

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Farkas, J.; Klacansky, T.

1986-01-01

The projects are described which were implemented by Doprastav Bratislava within the preparation of the site for the Mochovce nuclear power plant. This includes a railway siding in a length of 11.2 kilometres which includes a railway bridge, two other bridges and the reconstruction of the Kalna nad Vahom railway terminal. Also reconstructed or newly built were road communications in a total length of 23.3 km. The said project included the construction of a road flyover over the railway track and the construction of five other smaller bridges. In order to provide the utility water supply to the Mochovce nuclear power plant, a large reservoir is being built at Velke Kozmalovce. The reservoir will have a total capacity of 2.6 mill. m 3 of water, of this the effective capacity will be 2.1 mill. m 3 on a flooded area of some 90 ha. Part of the reservoir will be a small hydro-power plant, the reservoir will also be used for irrigation on the fields of the neighbouring farms. (Z.M.)

INFLUENCE OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS ON THE FORMING OF ELECTRIC ARC

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

I. O. Vakulenko

2014-07-01

Full Text Available Purpose. The purpose of work is a comparative analysis of chemical compounds influence on the process of electric arc forming and condition of its burning. Methodology. Material for an electrode was a wire 3 mm in diameter of low carbon steel with contain of carbon 0.15%. As chemical compounds, which determine the terms of forming of arc welding were used kaolin; CaCO3 with the admixtures of gypsum to 60%; SiO2 and Fe – Si with the iron concentration to 50%. Researches were conducted at the use of direct electric current and the arc of reverse polarity. As a source of electric current the welding transformer of type PSO-500 was used. On the special stand an initial gap between the electrode and metal-plate was equal to 1–1.5 mm. The interelectrode interval was filled with the probed chemical compounds and it was formed an electric arc. In the moment of electric arc arise the values of electric current and the arc voltage were determined. After the natural break of electric arc, the final size of the gap between electrodes was accepted as the maximal value of the arc lengths. Findings. In the conditions of experiment the metal transfer in interelectrode interval corresponded to the drop mechanism. According to external characteristics the ratio between the maximal arc length and the power of electric discharge has the appearance of exponential dependence. Specific power of electric arc characterizes environment of interelectrode interval in the moment of arc forming per unit of its length. Originality. 1. On the basis of influence analysis of the studied chemical compounds on the formation processes of electric arc inversely proportional relationship between the power of the electric current and the maximum arc length to the moment of its natural break is defined. 2. The ratio between the maximal arc length and the power of electric current with sufficiently high correlation coefficient is subjected to the exponential dependence. Influence of

Coupled Hydro-Mechanical Simulations of CO2 Storage Supported by Pressure Management Demonstrate Synergy Benefits from Simultaneous Formation Fluid Extraction

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kempka Thomas

2015-04-01

Full Text Available We assessed the synergetic benefits of simultaneous formation fluid extraction during CO2 injection for reservoir pressure management by coupled hydro-mechanical simulations at the prospective Vedsted storage site located in northern Denmark. Effectiveness of reservoir pressure management was investigated by simulation of CO2 storage without any fluid extraction as well as with 66% and 100% equivalent volume formation fluid extraction from four wells positioned for geothermal heat recovery. Simulation results demonstrate that a total pressure reduction of up to about 1.1 MPa can be achieved at the injection well. Furthermore, the areal pressure perturbation in the storage reservoir can be significantly decreased compared to the simulation scenario without any formation fluid extraction. Following a stress regime analysis, two stress regimes were considered in the coupled hydro-mechanical simulations indicating that the maximum ground surface uplift is about 0.24 m in the absence of any reservoir pressure management. However, a ground uplift mitigation of up to 37.3% (from 0.24 m to 0.15 m can be achieved at the injection well by 100% equivalent volume formation fluid extraction. Well-based adaptation of fluid extraction rates can support achieving zero displacements at the proposed formation fluid extraction wells located close to urban infrastructure. Since shear and tensile failure do not occur under both stress regimes for all investigated scenarios, it is concluded that a safe operation of CO2 injection with simultaneous formation fluid extraction for geothermal heat recovery can be implemented at the Vedsted site.

Marketing wholesale electricity in British Columbia

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Moghadam, B. [Powerex, Vancouver, BC (Canada)

2002-03-14

An open access wholesale transmission tariff (WTS) has been in place in British Columbia since 1997, and wholesale electricity can be sold to wholesale purchasers by independent producers located within the province. Customers range from municipalities to British Columbia Hydro (BC Hydro), to Powerex, to UtiliCorp Networks Corporation (UNC). Provided that the necessary approvals and transmission services have been acquired, the energy may be transmitted anywhere in Canada or the United States. The generation and sale of electricity within British Columbia and the United States is subject to government and regulatory approvals. Several buyers and sellers that come together to trade a product are part of a hub. The largest such hub in the Pacific Northwest is called the Mid-Columbia (Mid-C) hub in Washington. The commodity is traded in 25 MW standard blocks. The credit requirements of the purchaser must be satisfied by the generating party. BC Hydro wholesale transmission service can be purchased by any wholesale power marketer or generator to transmit the power to market. It is imperative that scheduling personnel be available at all times. The Western System Coordinating Council (WSCC) insists that an operating reserve of 5 per cent hydro generation and 7 per cent thermal generation to support the electrical system in the face of an emergency be available for the electricity marketed through the hub. Powerex has been successful since 1988 in the marketing of electricity throughout the WSCC. An example was provided to help make the rules a bit easier to comprehend. refs.

Marketing wholesale electricity in British Columbia

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Moghadam, B.

2002-01-01

An open access wholesale transmission tariff (WTS) has been in place in British Columbia since 1997, and wholesale electricity can be sold to wholesale purchasers by independent producers located within the province. Customers range from municipalities to British Columbia Hydro (BC Hydro), to Powerex, to UtiliCorp Networks Corporation (UNC). Provided that the necessary approvals and transmission services have been acquired, the energy may be transmitted anywhere in Canada or the United States. The generation and sale of electricity within British Columbia and the United States is subject to government and regulatory approvals. Several buyers and sellers that come together to trade a product are part of a hub. The largest such hub in the Pacific Northwest is called the Mid-Columbia (Mid-C) hub in Washington. The commodity is traded in 25 MW standard blocks. The credit requirements of the purchaser must be satisfied by the generating party. BC Hydro wholesale transmission service can be purchased by any wholesale power marketer or generator to transmit the power to market. It is imperative that scheduling personnel be available at all times. The Western System Coordinating Council (WSCC) insists that an operating reserve of 5 per cent hydro generation and 7 per cent thermal generation to support the electrical system in the face of an emergency be available for the electricity marketed through the hub. Powerex has been successful since 1988 in the marketing of electricity throughout the WSCC. An example was provided to help make the rules a bit easier to comprehend. refs

Towards an optimal integrated reservoir system management for the Awash River Basin, Ethiopia

Science.gov (United States)

Müller, Ruben; Gebretsadik, Henok Y.; Schütze, Niels

2016-05-01

Recently, the Kessem-Tendaho project is completed to bring about socioeconomic development and growth in the Awash River Basin, Ethiopia. To support reservoir Koka, two new reservoirs where built together with extensive infrastructure for new irrigation projects. For best possible socioeconomic benefits under conflicting management goals, like energy production at three hydropower stations and basin wide water supply at various sites, an integrated reservoir system management is required. To satisfy the multi-purpose nature of the reservoir system, multi-objective parameterization-simulation-optimization model is applied. Different Pareto-optimal trade-off solutions between water supply and hydro-power generation are provided for two scenarios (i) recent conditions and (ii) future planned increases for Tendaho and Upper Awash Irrigation projects. Reservoir performance is further assessed under (i) rule curves with a high degree of freedom - this allows for best performance, but may result in rules curves to variable for real word operation and (ii) smooth rule curves, obtained by artificial neuronal networks. The results show no performance penalty for smooth rule curves under future conditions but a notable penalty under recent conditions.

Ontario Hydro's DSP update

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anon.

1992-01-01

Ontario Hydro's Demand/Supply Plan (DSP), the 25 year plan which was submitted in December 1989, is currently being reviewed by the Environmental Assessment Board (EAB). Since 1989 there have been several changes which have led Ontario Hydro to update the original Demand/Supply Plan. This information sheet gives a quick overview of what has changed and how Ontario Hydro is adapting to that change

78 FR 56224 - Hydro Nelson, Ltd.; Hydro-WM, LLC; Notice of Transfer of Exemption

Science.gov (United States)

2013-09-12

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. 3401-049] Hydro Nelson, Ltd.; Hydro-WM, LLC; Notice of Transfer of Exemption 1. By documentation filed July 8, 2013 and supplemented... Hydro-WM, LLC. The project is located on the Rockfish River in Nelson County, Virginia. The transfer of...

Method of forming an electrically conductive cellulose composite

Science.gov (United States)

Evans, Barbara R [Oak Ridge, TN; O'Neill, Hugh M [Knoxville, TN; Woodward, Jonathan [Ashtead, GB

2011-11-22

An electrically conductive cellulose composite includes a cellulose matrix and an electrically conductive carbonaceous material incorporated into the cellulose matrix. The electrical conductivity of the cellulose composite is at least 10 .mu.S/cm at 25.degree. C. The composite can be made by incorporating the electrically conductive carbonaceous material into a culture medium with a cellulose-producing organism, such as Gluconoacetobacter hansenii. The composites can be used to form electrodes, such as for use in membrane electrode assemblies for fuel cells.

Environmental evaluation of different forms of electric energy generation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Guena, Ana Maria de Oliveira; Aquino, Afonso Rodrigues de

2007-01-01

The development and implementation of other forms of energy generation caused local changes, where they were installed, giving rise to environmental impacts. This work presents an evaluation about different forms of electrical energy generation and the environmental impacts relative to each one of them. Five forms of electric energy generation were considered: thermoelectric, nuclear, hydroelectric, wind and solar energy. The implementation and the development of the petroleum industry in the world and in Brazil are presented. The geology of the oil, its extraction and quality improvement, besides details of the functioning of three types of thermoelectric power plants - coal, gas and oil - are also discussed. The specific as well as the environmental impacts they have in common are highlighted. The impacts originated from the deactivation of each one of them are also pointed out. Once outlined the environmental impacts from each form of electric energy generation, they were correlated and compared considering the area of the power plant implantation, the generation capacity, the efficiency, the power and the cost per kW. There is no totally clean form of electric energy generation. There is, however, generation without emission of gases responsible for the green house effect. Therefore, all forms of energy generation are important for a country; in other words, the best situation is the diversity of the energy matrix. (author)

An integrated life cycle sustainability assessment of electricity generation in Turkey

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Atilgan, Burcin; Azapagic, Adisa

2016-01-01

This paper presents for the first time an integrated life cycle sustainability assessment of the electricity sector in Turkey, considering environmental, economic and social aspects. Twenty life cycle sustainability indicators (11 environmental, three economic and six social) are used to evaluate the current electricity options. Geothermal power is the best option for six environmental impacts but it has the highest capital costs. Small reservoir and run-of-river power has the lowest global warming potential while large reservoir is best for the depletion of elements and fossil resources, and acidification. It also has the lowest levelised costs, worker injuries and fatalities but provides the lowest life cycle employment opportunities. Gas power has the lowest capital costs but it provides the lowest direct employment and has the highest levelised costs and ozone layer depletion. Given these trade-offs, a multi-criteria decision analysis has been carried out to identify the most sustainable options assuming different stakeholder preferences. For all the preferences considered, hydropower is the most sustainable option for Turkey, followed by geothermal and wind electricity. This work demonstrates the importance for energy policy of an integrated life cycle sustainability assessment and how tensions between different aspects can be reconciled to identify win-win solutions. - Highlights: •First integrated life cycle sustainability assessment of the electricity sector in Turkey. •11 environmental, three economic and six social sustainability indicators estimated. •Multi-criteria decision analysis carried out to identify most sustainable options. •Hydro is the most sustainable option for Turkey, followed by geothermal and wind. •This work demonstrates how tensions among sustainability aspects can be reconciled.

Hydro-methane and methanol combined production from hydroelectricity and biomass: Thermo-economic analysis in Paraguay

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rivarolo, M.; Bellotti, D.; Mendieta, A.; Massardo, A.F.

2014-01-01

Highlights: • We investigate H 2 /O 2 production from large hydraulic plant by water electrolysis. • We produce methanol and hydro-methane from H 2 /O 2 obtained. • We investigate two different configurations of the plant. • We perform a thermo-economic analysis for three scenarios in Paraguay. • We find plants optimal size using a time-dependent thermo-economic approach. - Abstract: A thermo-economic analysis regarding large scale hydro-methane and methanol production from renewable sources (biomass and renewable electricity) is performed. The study is carried out investigating hydrogen and oxygen generation by water electrolysis, mainly employing the hydraulic energy produced from the 14 GW Itaipu Binacional Plant, owned by Paraguay and Brazil. Oxygen is employed in biomass gasification to synthesize methanol; the significant amount of CO 2 separated in the process is mixed with hydrogen produced by electrolysis in chemical reactors to produce hydro-methane. Hydro-methane is employed to supply natural gas vehicles in Paraguay, methanol is sold to Brazil, that is the largest consumer in South America. The analysis is performed employing time-dependent hydraulic energy related to the water that would normally not be used by the plant, named “spilled energy”, when available; in the remaining periods, electricity is acquired at higher cost by the national grid. For the different plant lay-outs, a thermo-economic analysis has been performed employing two different software, one for the design point and one for the time-dependent one entire year optimization, since spilled energy is strongly variable throughout the year. Optimal sizes for the generation plants have been determined, investigating the influence of electricity cost, size and plant configuration

Implications of the Bangor Hydro decision on FERC relicensings

Science.gov (United States)

Pizzi, L.

1997-01-01

In the next 15 years, over 400 existing nonfederal dams will require new licenses by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in order to continue operations. In many cases, state or federal agencies have a unique opportunity to condition the hydropower licenses to protect environmental values. In 1996, the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued an opinion striking down a mandatory license condition imposed by the U.S. Department of the Interior in a FERC relicensing. The case, Bangor Hydro-Electric Company v.Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, is instructive for agencies regarding the procedures to be followed in imposing mandatory FERC licensing conditions in the future. After Bangor Hydro, agencies should: (1) support their decisions by substantial evidence in the FERC record, (2) request applicant studies to support agency decisions and allow public comment on the decisions as a means to test the facts and analysis, and (3) consider intervening in a case to defend the condition on appeal. Bangor Hydro also raises, but does not decide, the issue of whether the agency imposing the mandatory condition should engage in balancing the economics of the hydropower project with the public resources affected by the project.

In the spotlight: New hydro development in North America

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Barnes, M.J.

1993-01-01

1992 was a year of progress for many segments of the hydropower industry as developers worked to bring new projects on line. This industry overview features several of these projects and offers a preview of 1993 activity. The only operating privately owned hydroelectric project in Texas. The largest hydro plant in the province of Manitoba. The world's largest submersible hydroturbine-generator. These projects and others-completed and placed in service in 1992-can claim a special place in the history books. For each of the 31 hydro projects in North America that began operating in 1992, there's a unique story to tell. Each called upon the time, talent, commitment, ingenuity, and perseverance of those involved in their development. In aggregate, these projects contribute nearly 3,800 MW of clean, renewable electrical capacity that can be used efficiently and cost-effectively to help meet the power demands of customers in the US and Canada. Utilities, state agencies, municipalities, and independent power developers played roles in developing new hydro in 1992. We offer a sampling of their work to illustrate progress made in the past year

Nuclear power at Ontario Hydro

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tapon, F.; Osborne, T.J.

1980-01-01

This case study shows that the diffusion of nuclear power in the electric public utility industry in Canada approximates the logistic growth curve, in agreement with previous results on technological innovation diffusion in the U.S. private sector. Many of the economic variables that affect this diffusion in the private sectors in the U.S. and Canada are also significant in the public sector in Canada. Too few utilities have adopted nuclear technology to permit using regression analysis to study the effect of environmental and regulatory factors on the growth of Ontario Hydro. Thus, cost-benefit analysis for each province might be more effective

Dead battery? Wind power, the spot market, and hydro power interaction in the Nordic electricity market

OpenAIRE

Mauritzen, Johannes

2011-01-01

It is well established within both the economics and power system engineering literature that hydro power can act as a complement to large amounts of intermittent energy. In particular hydro power can act as a "battery" where large amounts of wind power are installed. In this paper I use simple distributed lag models with data from Denmark and Norway. I find that increased wind power in Denmark causes increased marginal exports to Norway and that this effect is larger during periods of net ex...

The role of hydropower in meeting Turkey's electric energy demand

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yuksek, Omer; Komurcu, Murat Ihsan; Yuksel, Ibrahim; Kaygusuz, Kamil

2006-01-01

The inherent technical, economic and environmental benefits of hydroelectric power, make it an important contributor to the future world energy mix, particularly in the developing countries. These countries, such as Turkey, have a great and ever-intensifying need for power and water supplies and they also have the greatest remaining hydro potential. From the viewpoint of energy sources such as petroleum and natural gas, Turkey is not a rich country; but it has an abundant hydropower potential to be used for generation of electricity and must increase hydropower production in the near future. This paper deals with policies to meet the increasing electricity demand for Turkey. Hydropower and especially small hydropower are emphasized as Turkey's renewable energy sources. The results of two case studies, whose results were not taken into consideration in calculating Turkey's hydro electric potential, are presented. Turkey's small hydro power potential is found to be an important energy source, especially in the Eastern Black Sea Region. The results of a study in which Turkey's long-term demand has been predicted are also presented. According to the results of this paper, Turkey's hydro electric potential can meet 33-46% of its electric energy demand in 2020 and this potential may easily and economically be developed

Exploring the impact of reduced hydro capacity and lignite resources on the Macedonian power sector development

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Taseska-Gjorgievskaa Verica

2014-01-01

Full Text Available The reference development pathway of the Macedonian energy sector highlights the important role that lignite and hydro power play in the power sector, each accounting for 40% of total capacity in 2021. In 2030, this dominance continues, although hydro has a higher share due to the retirement of some of the existing lignite plants. Three sensitivity runs of the MARKAL-Macedonia energy system model have been undertaken to explore the importance of these technologies to the system, considering that their resource may be reduced with time: (1 Reducing the availability of lignite from domestic mines by 50% in 2030 (with limited capacity of imports, (2 Removing three large hydro options, which account for 310 MW in the business-as-usual case, and (3 Both of the above restrictions. The reduction in lignite availability is estimated to lead to additional overall system costs of 0.7%, compared to hydro restrictions at only 0.1%. With both restrictions applied, the additional costs rise to over 1%, amounting to 348 M€ over the 25 year planning horizon. In particular, costs are driven up by an increasing reliance on electricity imports. In all cases, the total electricity generation decreases, but import increases, which leads to a drop in capacity requirements. In both, the lignite and the hydro restricted cases, it is primarily gas-fired generation and imports that “fill the gap”. This highlights the importance of an increasingly diversified and efficient supply, which should be promoted through initiatives on renewables, energy efficiency, and lower carbon emissions.

Discussion paper : financial strategies for the use of proceeds from the sale of Brampton Hydro

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2001-11-01

In October 2000, following changes to the structure of Ontario's electricity industry, the City of Brampton negotiated the sale of Brampton Hydro to Hydro One for $260.2 million. The City Council had determined that the sale would offer the best combination of potential operating efficiencies, reliability of service and rate stability for customers and protection of jobs for employees of Brampton Hydro. The proceeds of the sale will have to be carefully managed. The City Council has developed a strategy to ensure the best balance of immediate and long term benefits for its residents. This paper presents several mechanisms for accessing the funds and possible uses of the funds such as asset repair and rehabilitation, special projects, and growth driven projects. 6 tabs., 1 fig

Assessment of renewable energy technologies for charging electric vehicles in Canada

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Verma, Aman; Raj, Ratan; Kumar, Mayank; Ghandehariun, Samane; Kumar, Amit

2015-01-01

Electric vehicle charging by renewable energy can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This paper presents a data-intensive techno-economic model to estimate the cost of charging an electric vehicle with a battery capacity of 16 kW h for an average travel distance of 65 km from small-scale renewable electricity in various jurisdictions in Canada. Six scenarios were developed that encompass scale of operation, charging time, and type of renewable energy system. The costs of charging an electric vehicle from an off-grid wind energy system at a charging time of 8 h is 56.8–58.5 cents/km in Montreal, Quebec, and 58.5–60.0 cents/km in Ottawa, Ontario. However, on integration with a small-scale hydro, the charging costs are 9.4–11.2 cents/km in Montreal, 9.5–11.1 cents/km in Ottawa and 10.2–12.2 cents/km in Vancouver, British Columbia. The results show that electric vehicle charging from small-scale hydro energy integration is cost competitive compared charging from conventional grid electricity in all the chosen jurisdictions. Furthermore, when the electric vehicle charging time decreases from 8 to 4 h, the cost of charging increases by 83% and 11% from wind and hydro energy systems, respectively. - Highlights: • Techno-economic analysis conducted for EV charging from wind and hydro. • EV charging from hydro energy is cost competitive than from wind energy. • GHG mitigation estimated from operation of EV charged from renewable energy. • Sensitivity of key parameters on cost of charging considered

Workshop on the role of enhancement of utilization of primary and secondary hydro potential in the context of environmental protection. Part II

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1997-12-01

The publication has been set up as proceedings of the workshop on the role of enhancement of utilization of primary and secondary hydro potential in the context of environmental protection. The proceedings consist of the following chapters: (1) Use of a part and a secondary hydroenergetic potential of the Slovak Republic for electric energy production and its impact on the environment; (2) Economic problems of utilization of hydroenergetic potential of the Slovak Republic and possibilities for their solution; (3) Modernization of control systems of primary and secondary hydro energetic sources of electricity from the point of view of their fulfillment of important functions in operation of a power engineering system in the Slovak Republic; (4) The most important structures utilizing primary and secondary hydroenergetic potential for electric energy production; (5) Progressive technologies, modernization of hydro power projects aimed at rationalization in a use of hydroenergetic potential and environment protection; (6) Possibilities of further utilization of hydroenergetic potential of the Slovak Republic.

Workshop on the role of enhancement of utilization of primary and secondary hydro potential in the context of environmental protection. Part II

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1997-01-01

The publication has been set up as proceedings of the workshop on the role of enhancement of utilization of primary and secondary hydro potential in the context of environmental protection. The proceedings consist of the following chapters: (1) Use of a part and a secondary hydroenergetic potential of the Slovak Republic for electric energy production and its impact on the environment; (2) Economic problems of utilization of hydroenergetic potential of the Slovak Republic and possibilities for their solution; (3) Modernization of control systems of primary and secondary hydro energetic sources of electricity from the point of view of their fulfillment of important functions in operation of a power engineering system in the Slovak Republic; (4) The most important structures utilizing primary and secondary hydroenergetic potential for electric energy production; (5) Progressive technologies, modernization of hydro power projects aimed at rationalization in a use of hydroenergetic potential and environment protection; (6) Possibilities of further utilization of hydroenergetic potential of the Slovak Republic

Ontario Hydro's nuclear program

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jackson, H.A.

1982-06-01

In 1981 Ontario Hydro generated over 100 billion KWh of electrical energy. Approximately one third of this was from nuclear units. There are ten CANDU units (5 250 MW) currently in operation, and another twelve (8 600 MW) are under construction. The presently committed nuclear expansion program is estimated to involve expenditures of 16 billion dollars over the next 10 years. About 10 000 people are employed in the nuclear design and construction program. All projects are generally on schedule, with the stations coming into service during the following time periods: Pickering B, 1983-85; Bruce B, 1984-87; Darlington, 1988-90. The status of each project is reviewed. Planning is underway for some retubing projects, as early as 1985 for Pickering A

Geographic information systems - tool for evaluation of the hydro-energy performance of water supply systems

OpenAIRE

Aline Christian Pimentel Almeida Santos; José Almir Rodrigues Pereira; Augusto da Gama Rego; Rogério da Silva Santos

2017-01-01

The most relevant challenges in the water supply system (WSS) are high water losses and the waste of electric energy. This paper aimed to assess the capacity of the Geographic Information System (GIS) in the analysis of the hydro-energy performance of WSSs. The Stage 1 comprises the selection of data and the respective hydro-energy indexes are defined; cartographic data are defined in Stage 2 and a geo-referenced database is constructed in Stage 3. In the stage 4, the data of the Central Wate...

Parametric studies and optimisation of pumped thermal electricity storage

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

McTigue, Joshua D.; White, Alexander J.; Markides, Christos N.

2015-01-01

Highlights: • PTES is modelled by cycle analysis and a Schumann-style model of the thermal stores. • Optimised trade-off surfaces show a flat efficiency vs. energy density profile. • Overall roundtrip efficiencies of around 70% are not inconceivable. - Abstract: Several of the emerging technologies for electricity storage are based on some form of thermal energy storage (TES). Examples include liquid air energy storage, pumped heat energy storage and, at least in part, advanced adiabatic compressed air energy storage. Compared to other large-scale storage methods, TES benefits from relatively high energy densities, which should translate into a low cost per MW h of storage capacity and a small installation footprint. TES is also free from the geographic constraints that apply to hydro storage schemes. TES concepts for electricity storage rely on either a heat pump or refrigeration cycle during the charging phase to create a hot or a cold storage space (the thermal stores), or in some cases both. During discharge, the thermal stores are depleted by reversing the cycle such that it acts as a heat engine. The present paper is concerned with a form of TES that has both hot and cold packed-bed thermal stores, and for which the heat pump and heat engine are based on a reciprocating Joule cycle, with argon as the working fluid. A thermodynamic analysis is presented based on traditional cycle calculations coupled with a Schumann-style model of the packed beds. Particular attention is paid to the various loss-generating mechanisms and their effect on roundtrip efficiency and storage density. A parametric study is first presented that examines the sensitivity of results to assumed values of the various loss factors and demonstrates the rather complex influence of the numerous design variables. Results of an optimisation study are then given in the form of trade-off surfaces for roundtrip efficiency, energy density and power density. The optimised designs show a

Method of approximate electric modeling of oil reservoir operation with formation of a gas cap during mixed exploitation regime

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bragin, V A; Lyadkin, V Ya

1969-01-01

A potentiometric model is used to simulate the behavior of a reservoir in which pressure was dropped rapidly and solution gas migrated to the top of the structure forming a gas cap. Behavior of the system was represented by a differential equation, which was solved by an electrointegrator. The potentiometric model was found to closely represent past history of the reservoir, and to predict its future behavior. When this method is used in reservoirs where large pressure drops occur, repeated determination should be made at various time intervals, so that changes in relative permeability are taken into account.

The effect of rock electrical parameters on the calculation of reservoir saturation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li, Xiongyan; Qin, Ruibao; Liu, Chuncheng; Mao, Zhiqiang

2013-01-01

The error in calculating a reservoir saturation caused by the error in the cementation exponent, m, and the saturation exponent, n, should be analysed. In addition, the influence of m and n on the reservoir saturation should be discussed. Based on the Archie formula, the effect of variables m and n on the reservoir saturation is analysed, while the formula for the error in calculating the reservoir saturation, caused by the error in m and n, is deduced, and the main factors affecting the error in reservoir saturation are illustrated. According to the physical meaning of m and n, it can be interpreted that they are two independent parameters, i.e., there is no connection between m and n. When m and n have the same error, the impact of the variables on the calculation of the reservoir saturation should be compared. Therefore, when the errors of m and n are respectively equal to 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6, the distribution range of the errors in calculating the reservoir saturation is analysed. However, in most cases, the error of m and n is about 0.2. When the error of m is 0.2, the error in calculating the reservoir saturation ranges from 0% to 35%. Meanwhile, when the error in n is 0.2, the error in calculating the reservoir saturation is almost always below 5%. On the basis of loose sandstone, medium sandstone, tight sandstone, conglomerate, tuff, breccia, basalt, andesite, dacite and rhyolite, this paper first analyses the distribution range and change amplitude of m and n. Second, the impact of m and n on the calculation of reservoir saturation is elaborated upon. With regard to each lithology, the distribution range and change amplitude of m are greater than those of n. Therefore, compared with n, the effect of m on the reservoir saturation is stronger. The influence of m and n on the reservoir saturation is determined, and the error in calculating the reservoir saturation caused by the error of m and n is calculated. This is theoretically and practically significant for

Production method of hydrogen jet plasma process in hydro machinery

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Amini, F.

2007-01-01

The purpose of present paper is to the process of plasma formation in hydro machinery when a hydro turbine operates at various conditions and load rejection. By investigation the power, shock pressure , and impact effects of hydro machinery, it is revealed that energy and hydrogen are generated by the plasma process. The investigation on several turbines of various hydro power plants reveals that cold fusion process in hydro machinery generates hydrogen. The hypothesis concerning the participation of alkaline metals in river water and the atomic nuclei of the runner blade material in the formation of hydrogen are considered. It is possible to assume hydrogen, deuterium, helium, and tritium atoms (based on Dr. Mizuno and Dr. Kanarev theories) that are formed, diffuse into cavitation bubbles. The plasma is generated during the collapse of the bubble; thus, the quantity of burnt hydrogen determine the volume of generating hydrogen and the impact force caused by hydrogen explosion (noise).There are five main notions, which can determine hydrogen and plasma process: (1) turbine power effect, (2) high shock pressure, (3) crack on turbine parts, (4) impacts effects and (4) the lift of rotating parts. The frequency of the excitation lies in a range from 0.786 to 1.095 Hz.In future, it may be possible to design hydro turbines based on the plasma process that generates hydrogen; or there may exist turbines that rotate with a mixture of hydrogen explosion and water energies

BC Hydro's integrated resource planning : the 2004 IEP and beyond

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Soulsby, R.

2004-01-01

An outline of BC Hydro Integrated Electricity Plan (IEP) was presented in this paper, along with details of its environmental, social and business performance and statistics of its net income and revenue for 2003-2004. The IEP was created to match long term load to supply in the most cost-effective way and is also the basis for resource acquisition plans. In addition, the IEP models performance of portfolios of resources on a system-wide basis, considers uncertainties through sensitivity analysis and measures and evaluates multiple attributes from various portfolios. A flow chart of processes informed by the IEP was presented. Guiding principles behind the creation of the plan include low electricity rates and public ownership; secure, reliable supply; private sector development; environmental responsibility, with no nuclear power sources; ensuring energy self-sufficiency; and maintaining a balanced portfolio of resources. A pie chart of BC Hydro's current portfolio mix was presented as well as a supply and demand outlook and details of plans and new capacity resources required before 2013. Various resource options were presented. Key outcomes of First Nations and stakeholder engagement include the acceptance of BC Hydro as a sustainable energy company; a desire for higher priority on reliability and low cost; an agreement over the Power Smart 10 year plan; a general agreement that the current, balanced approach to resource acquisition was appropriate; and a desire for more rate options. There was an assurance that BC Hydro would continue to engage First Nations and stakeholders in integrated electricity planning. Other outcomes included requests for more information about outage and outage planning and process improvements; support to maintain low rates; a preference for maximizing use of existing facilities; support for wood waste cogeneration. A broad range of options were reviewed, but no superior portfolio was identified within the parameters of this paper

The 'Lehn' small hydro-power station; KWKW Lehn Vorprojekt - Schlussbericht

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ruff, H.; Widmer, P.

2009-02-15

This illustrated final report for the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) takes a look at the refurbishment of a small hydro-power station in the UNESCO biosphere region in the Entlebuch, Switzerland. The five grounds for the refurbishment are examined - repair of the water intake, flood protection, regulation of residual water, reduction of floating debris and sand and optimisation of the system by using automatic control. Figures on the cost of the refurbishment and electricity production are presented and discussed, as is the economic viability of the project. The existing installations are described and the hydrology of the stream is discussed, as are legal requirements and technical basics. Variants for the refurbishment are examined and operational aspects are looked at. A comprehensive appendix provides details on the proposal in graphical and tabular form.

Electrical energy in France in 2009

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2009-12-01

The figures presented on this document account for the electricity flows recorded in Metropolitan France, including Corsica. Contents: national consumption; physical exchanges with foreign countries; electrical energy balance in France in 2009; net generation; noteworthy data for the year 2009 (daily maximum values of national consumption, thermal generation, hydro-electric generation, wind generation and balance of physical exchanges); electricity market: cross-borders contractual exchanges, balance responsible entities (Energy amount exchanged between balance responsible entities through the block exchange notifications), balancing mechanism (global amount of energy activated upwards and downwards), daily market coupling; power facilities: generating facilities in France (Nuclear, Fossil fuel thermal, Hydro-electric, Wind and Other renewable energy sources), transmission lines owned by RTE (circuit length in operation), transmission - transformers owned by RTE (installed capacity in operation); main transmission facilities commissioned during the year 2009 (substations connected to the RTE network and new or refurbished circuits)

Thermal effluents from nuclear power plant influences species distribution and thermal tolerance of fishes in reservoirs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pal, A.K.; Das, T.; Dalvi, R.S.; Bagchi, S.; Manush, S.M.; Ayyappan, S.; Chandrachoodan, P.P.; Apte, S.K.; Ravi, P.M.

2007-01-01

During electricity generation water bodies like reservoir act as a heat sink for thermal effluent discharges from nuclear power plant. We hypothesized that the fish fauna gets distributed according to their temperature preference in the thermal gradient. In a simulated environment using critical thermal methodology (CTM), we assessed thermal tolerance and metabolic profile of fishes (Puntius filamentosus, Parluciosoma daniconius, Ompok malabaricus, Mastacembelus armatus, Labeo calbasu, Horabragrus brachysoma, Etroplus suratensis, Danio aequipinnatus and Gonoproktopterus curmuca) collected from Kadra reservoir in Karnataka state. Results of CTM tests agrees with the species abundance as per the temperature gradient formed in the reservoir due to thermal effluent discharge. E. suratensis and H. brachysoma) appear to be adapted to high temperature (with high CTMax and CTMin values) and are in abundance at point of thermal discharge. Similarly, P. daniconius, appear to be adapted to cold (low CTM values) is in abundance in lower stretches of Kadra reservoir. Overall results indicate that discharge form nuclear power plant influences the species biodiversity in enclosed water bodies. (author)

[Ontario Hydro]. Corporate performance report, 1994

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1995-01-01

Summarizes Ontario Hydro's corporate performance for the year, with actual results being compared against planned values. Also includes additional indicators that illustrate noteworthy trends in corporate performance. Corporate results are reported under the new organizational structure implemented in 1993, beginning with overall results in such areas as customer service, environmental stewardship, human resources, and finance. This is followed by reports from the Generation Business Group, Customer Services Group, Corporate Business Group, General Counsel and Secretary, Ontario Hydro Audit, Strategic Planning, Environment and Communication Group, and Ontario Hydro enterprises (Ontario Hydro Technologies, Ontario Hydro International). The appendix includes summary financial statements

Electric empire

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

McKay, Paul

1983-01-01

The author discusses the economic and political aspects of Ontario Hydro, a provincial crown corporation. He also deals with nuclear safety of the CANDU reactors and the ecological effects of electric power supply. Alternate sources of energy are also mentioned

Application of multi-model control with fuzzy switching to a micro hydro-electrical power plant

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Salhi, Issam; Doubabi, Said [Laboratory of Electric Systems and Telecommunications (LEST), Faculty of Sciences and Technologies of Marrakesh, Cadi Ayyad University, BP 549, Av Abdelkarim Elkhattabi, Gueliz, Marrakesh (Morocco); Essounbouli, Najib; Hamzaoui, Abdelaziz [CReSTIC, Reims University, 9, rue de Quebec B.P. 396, F-10026 Troyes cedex (France)

2010-09-15

Modelling hydraulic turbine generating systems is not an easy task because they are non-linear and uncertain where the operating points are time varying. One way to overcome this problem is to use Takagi-Sugeno (TS) models, which offer the possibility to apply some tools from linear control theory, whereas those models are composed of linear models connected by a fuzzy activation function. This paper presents an approach to model and control a micro hydro power plant considered as a non-linear system using TS fuzzy systems. A TS fuzzy system with local models is used to obtain a global model of the studied plant. Then, to combine efficiency and simplicity of design, PI controllers are synthesised for each considered operating point to be used as conclusion of an electrical load TS Fuzzy controller. The latter ensures the global stability and desired performance despite the change of operating point. The proposed approach (model and controller) is tested on a laboratory prototype, where the obtained results show their efficiency and their capability to ensure good performance despite the non-linear nature of the plant. (author)

Homemade Electricity: An Introduction to Small-Scale Wind, Hydro, and Photovoltaic Systems.

Science.gov (United States)

Smith, Diane

This report consists of three parts. The first part provides advice (in the form of questions and answers) to prospective individual power producers who are considering investing in electricity-producing systems and in generating their own power. A list of Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) regulations is included. This legislation…

Towards an optimal integrated reservoir system management for the Awash River Basin, Ethiopia

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

R. Müller

2016-05-01

Full Text Available Recently, the Kessem–Tendaho project is completed to bring about socioeconomic development and growth in the Awash River Basin, Ethiopia. To support reservoir Koka, two new reservoirs where built together with extensive infrastructure for new irrigation projects. For best possible socioeconomic benefits under conflicting management goals, like energy production at three hydropower stations and basin wide water supply at various sites, an integrated reservoir system management is required. To satisfy the multi-purpose nature of the reservoir system, multi-objective parameterization-simulation-optimization model is applied. Different Pareto-optimal trade-off solutions between water supply and hydro-power generation are provided for two scenarios (i recent conditions and (ii future planned increases for Tendaho and Upper Awash Irrigation projects. Reservoir performance is further assessed under (i rule curves with a high degree of freedom – this allows for best performance, but may result in rules curves to variable for real word operation and (ii smooth rule curves, obtained by artificial neuronal networks. The results show no performance penalty for smooth rule curves under future conditions but a notable penalty under recent conditions.

Optimal operation of a pumped-storage hydro plant that compensates the imbalances of a wind power producer

OpenAIRE

Duque, Álvaro Jaramillo; Castronuovo, Edgardo D.; Sánchez, Ismael; Usaola, Julio

2011-01-01

The participation of wind energy in electricity markets requires providing a forecast for future energy production of a wind generator, whose value will be its scheduled energy. Deviations from this schedule because of prediction errors could imply the payment of imbalance costs. In order to decrease these costs, a joint operation between a wind farm and a hydro-pump plant is proposed; the hydro-pump plant changes its production to compensate wind power prediction errors. In order to optimize...

Summary of thirty years of environmental knowledge acquired by Hydro-Quebec in large hydroelectric projects in northern regions; Synthese de trente annees de connaissances environnementales acquises par Hydro-Quebec reliees aux grands amenagements hydroelectriques en milieu nordique

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Demers, C. [Hydro-Quebec, Montreal, PQ (Canada)

2003-12-01

Power generation in Canada is a provincial responsibility. Since Quebec does not possess petroleum, natural gas or coal deposits, the Quebec government decided, in the 1970s, to develop hydroelectric resources in the northern regions of the province. This paper presents a brief historical overview of the hydroelectric development of the La Grande River project, also referred to as the James Bay project. Located approximately 1000 kilometres north of Montreal, the La Grande project lies in a humid continental climate with an average winter temperature of - 23 Celsius and an average summer temperature of 14 Celsius. The construction of the dam was not preceded by an environmental impact assessment, but environmental data was collected for the first time before construction began. It was an opportunity for all environmental sciences to develop inventory methodologies and analysis techniques specific to northern regions applicable to hydroelectric development. This project also required the signing of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement by the governments of Canada and Quebec, Hydro-Quebec, and the Crees and Inuit of Quebec. The Agreement covers an area of 1 million square kilometres. As a result, Hydro-Quebec has become, over the past 30 years, a leader in environmental assessments and studies in the province. In northern Quebec, a hydroelectric reservoir constitutes an ecosystem whose biological productivity is comparable to a natural lake or ecosystem of equal area. During the first 5 years after flooding, reservoirs possess water quality slightly below that of a natural lake, but still favorable to biological development. The flooding of areas and the subsequent organic degradation promote mercury methylation and its accumulation in the food chain. The emissions of greenhouse gases by northern reservoirs are minimal compared to tropical reservoirs. The fauna in northern Quebec suffered habitat loss, but none became endangered. No Aboriginal community

World Energy Needs and Offshore Potential of hydro energy and pump storage

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lemperiere, F.

2008-09-01

sites in rather desert areas operating between an onshore high reservoir and the sea as low reservoir. - Possibly 50 to 70 TWh from offshore sites operating between a high offshore basin and the sea ('Emerald Lakes'). The relevant total pumping capacity will be in the range of 5.000 GW (40.000 TWh / 8.640 hours). 70% of World future needs of electric power may be renewable at a very acceptable cost. Tidal power was more expensive than oil or gas power in 2000. It will be cost effective in the future in many places. The theoretical Worldwide tidal potential is very high, in the range of 20.000 TWh/year but it is only possible to use a reduced part of it. The future overall Hydropower Investments (2010-2080) will be one per thousand of the future world income. It will be less than 10% of the world investments for energy. In conclusion, renewable (hydro, wind, solar) may supply 60 to 80 % of the world Electricity needs with an acceptable cost and impact. 40 % will be supplied or stored by Hydropower. The hydropower investments may raise from 30 Billion $/year in 2010 up to 200 Billion $/year after 2040. Over half of future hydropower investments will be offshore. These investments will be used a century or more

Pico hydro power for rural electrification in developing countries

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Maher, P.; Smith, N.P.A.; Williams, A.A.

1998-01-01

Pico hydro power is a renewable energy system which has the potential to provide millions of rural people world-wide with a cheap, sustainable source of electricity. The development of new, cost-reducing approaches, including local manufacture and implementation in developing countries, has increased the accessibility of this technology to large numbers of people. The new approaches are investigated and some of the present constraints to wider adoption of this technology are analysed. (Author)

BC Hydro best practices : energy efficiency and integrated planning

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Henriques, D.

2004-01-01

The key elements to success in energy efficiency include integrated energy planning, a review of conservation potential, pursuing a target, risk sharing between all parties, and long term planning when making investments in demand side management (DSM). The barriers to cost effective energy efficiency investment were also outlined along with the scope of the conservation potential review which included 95 per cent of electricity end use applications in all market sectors including residential, commercial, institutional and industrial. BC Hydro's Power Smart program focuses on energy efficiency and load displacement to meet 35 per cent of the utility's forecasted growth by 2012. The sources of savings within each of the market sectors were identified. Key recommendations regarding energy efficiency and conservation were also presented with reference to financial incentives offered by BC Hydro to consumers to encourage a switch to more efficient lighting systems. 10 figs

Analysis of a pico tubular-type hydro turbine performance by runner blade shape using CFD

Science.gov (United States)

Park, J. H.; Lee, N. J.; Wata, J. V.; Hwang, Y. C.; Kim, Y. T.; Lee, Y. H.

2012-11-01

There has been a considerable interest recently in the topic of renewable energy. This is primarily due to concerns about environmental impacts of fossil fuels. Moreover, fluctuating and rising oil prices, increase in demand, supply uncertainties and other factors have led to increased calls for alternative energy sources. Small hydropower, among other renewable energy sources, has been evaluated to have adequate development value because it is a clean, renewable and abundant energy resource. In addition, small hydropower has the advantage of low cost development by using rivers, agricultural reservoirs, sewage treatment plants, waterworks and water resources. The main concept of the tubular-type hydro turbine is based on the difference in water pressure levels in pipe lines, where the energy which was initially wasted by using a reducing valve at the pipeline of waterworks, is collected by turbine in the hydro power generator. In this study, in order to acquire the performance data of a pico tubular-type hydro turbine, the output power, head and efficiency characteristics by different runner blade shapes are examined. The pressure and velocity distributions with the variation of guide vane and runner vane angle on turbine performance are investigated by using a commercial CFD code.

The role of price elastic demand in market power in the Nordic electricity markets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ravn, H.F.

2004-01-01

The paper discusses the modelling and analysis of market power and price elastic demand in the Nordic electricity spot market, Nordpool. The modelling of market power in the electricity sector must take into account a number of features that are specific to the electricity sector. First, electricity cannot be stored, but must be produced simultaneously with consumption. This aspect is, however, modified by the possibility of using hydro reservoirs as an indirect electricity storage. Second, the electricity transmission network plays an important role by breaking the market into several geographically separate sub-markets with different prices. Moreover, the specific bottlenecks may differ from hour to hour, according to the balance between supply and demand in each sub-market. Third, the demand side is presently characterised by very limited experience with hour to-hour-changes in electricity prices and very limited experience with short time adjustments of electricity consumption in response to changes in the electricity price. In the present paper three basic models for supply side competition on the Nordpool spot market will be presented, viz., perfect competition, Cournot competition and Supply Function Equilibrium. The models represent price and quantity settlement, including determination of price areas (bottle necks), in accordance with the way the Nordpool market functions. The models will incorporate electricity demand which is responsive to the electricity price. The paper describes the role of demand response for the determination of the electricity prices in each of the three supply side competition models. (au)

Alberta electric industry annual statistics for 1998

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1999-06-01

Tables containing data on electric energy generation and capacity for Alberta are provided for the following aspects: capacity and generation of power plants for 1998; capacity of power plants by type, unit, and energy resource for 1998; generating units approved for construction for 1998; generating units completed in 1998; transmission additions approved for construction and completed for 1998; net annual generating capacity and generation for 1988-1998; net monthly generation by plant for 1998; net annual generation by energy resource and type for 1988-1998; net monthly generation by energy resource and type for 1998; generation capacity reserve; relative capacity and generation by type of energy resource for 1998; capacity, generation and fuel consumption of isolated plants for 1998; other industrial on-site plant capacity and generation for 1998. Also listed are: energy resource consumption and energy conversion efficiency of thermal power plants for 1998; stack emissions from thermal generating plants for 1998; non-utility electric generators, wind and hydro for 1998; and hydroelectric energy utilization and conversion efficiency for 1998. Tables contain information on electric energy generation and capacity for hydroelectric energy stored in reservoirs in 1998; details of non-coincident net peak generation and load by utility operators for the Alberta electric system for 1998; and Alberta electric system generation and load at peak load hour for 1998. Further tables cover electric energy distribution for interchange and distribution for 1998 and 1981-1998; annual energy distribution to ultimate customers for 1988-1998 and to ultimate customers for 1998; and the number of electric utility customers in 1998. Final tables cover the transmission and distribution systems with data on: circuit km of such lines for 1988-1998; total circuit km of such lines by major electric utility for 1998 and number of rural electric utility customers for 1998

Small hydro

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bennett, K.; Tung, T.

1995-01-01

A small hydro plant in Canada is defined as any project between 1 MW and 15 MW but the international standard is 10 MW. The global market for small hydro development was considered good. There are some 1000 to 2000 MW of generating capacity being added each year. In Canada, growth potential is considered small, primarily in remote areas, but significant growth is anticipated in Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia. Canada with its expertise in engineering, manufacturing and development is considered to have a good chance to take advantage of these growing markets

Use of a part and a secondary hydroenergetic potential of the Slovak Republic for electric energy production and its impact on the environment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dusicka, M.; Ondrusek, V.

1997-01-01

In this paper the hydro energetic potential (HEP), that mean a sum of average yearly productions of built and realized hydroelectric power plants (HPP) and small hydroelectric power plants (SHPP) of the Slovak Republic is discussed. HEP is calculated by a value 7.361 GWh/years at appropriate installed capacity 2.575 MW. If HEP is expressed in the amount of brown coal which would be required for production of the same amount of electric (so called coal equivalent) we get the amount of about 8.4 mil tons of this kind of fuel yearly including all of the negative aspects resulting from burning this amount of coal. About 2.3 mil tons of ash, 176 ktons of sulphur oxides, etc for instance would be produced in a year. Utilization of HEP in the Slovak Republic by the end of 1995 reaches the value 3,918 GWh/year, i.e about 53.2%. In the next part, direct conversion of potential energy of water into electric utilization of a primary HEP and secondary hydroenergetic potential (conversion of electric energy (especially at a time of its excess) into potential energy of water by its re-pumping from a lower reservoir into an upper one. At a time of lack of electric energy, electricity is produced in a turbine mode of operation and water gets into the lower reservoir) - the pumped storage plants in the Slovak Republic are discussed. 7 refs

Use of a part and a secondary hydroenergetic potential of the Slovak Republic for electric energy production and its impact on the environment

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dusicka, M [Slovenske elektrarne, a.s., Vodne elektrarne Trencin, o.z. (Slovakia); Ondrusek, V [Hydroenergia, Bratislava (Slovakia)

1997-12-01

In this paper the hydro energetic potential (HEP), that mean a sum of average yearly productions of built and realized hydroelectric power plants (HPP) and small hydroelectric power plants (SHPP) of the Slovak Republic is discussed. HEP is calculated by a value 7.361 GWh/years at appropriate installed capacity 2.575 MW. If HEP is expressed in the amount of brown coal which would be required for production of the same amount of electric (so called coal equivalent) we get the amount of about 8.4 mil tons of this kind of fuel yearly including all of the negative aspects resulting from burning this amount of coal. About 2.3 mil tons of ash, 176 ktons of sulphur oxides, etc for instance would be produced in a year. Utilization of HEP in the Slovak Republic by the end of 1995 reaches the value 3,918 GWh/year, i.e about 53.2%. In the next part, direct conversion of potential energy of water into electric utilization of a primary HEP and secondary hydroenergetic potential (conversion of electric energy (especially at a time of its excess) into potential energy of water by its re-pumping from a lower reservoir into an upper one. At a time of lack of electric energy, electricity is produced in a turbine mode of operation and water gets into the lower reservoir) - the pumped storage plants in the Slovak Republic are discussed. 7 refs.

Intercomparison of Streamflow Simulations between WRF-Hydro and Hydrology Laboratory-Research Distributed Hydrologic Model Frameworks

Science.gov (United States)

KIM, J.; Smith, M. B.; Koren, V.; Salas, F.; Cui, Z.; Johnson, D.

2017-12-01

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)-National Weather Service (NWS) developed the Hydrology Laboratory-Research Distributed Hydrologic Model (HL-RDHM) framework as an initial step towards spatially distributed modeling at River Forecast Centers (RFCs). Recently, the NOAA/NWS worked with the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) to implement the National Water Model (NWM) for nationally-consistent water resources prediction. The NWM is based on the WRF-Hydro framework and is run at a 1km spatial resolution and 1-hour time step over the contiguous United States (CONUS) and contributing areas in Canada and Mexico. In this study, we compare streamflow simulations from HL-RDHM and WRF-Hydro to observations from 279 USGS stations. For streamflow simulations, HL-RDHM is run on 4km grids with the temporal resolution of 1 hour for a 5-year period (Water Years 2008-2012), using a priori parameters provided by NOAA-NWS. The WRF-Hydro streamflow simulations for the same time period are extracted from NCAR's 23 retrospective run of the NWM (version 1.0) over CONUS based on 1km grids. We choose 279 USGS stations which are relatively less affected by dams or reservoirs, in the domains of six different RFCs. We use the daily average values of simulations and observations for the convenience of comparison. The main purpose of this research is to evaluate how HL-RDHM and WRF-Hydro perform at USGS gauge stations. We compare daily time-series of observations and both simulations, and calculate the error values using a variety of error functions. Using these plots and error values, we evaluate the performances of HL-RDHM and WRF-Hydro models. Our results show a mix of model performance across geographic regions.

Apparatus for electrical-assisted incremental forming and process thereof

Science.gov (United States)

Roth, John; Cao, Jian

2018-04-24

A process and apparatus for forming a sheet metal component using an electric current passing through the component. The process can include providing an incremental forming machine, the machine having at least one arcuate tipped tool and at least electrode spaced a predetermined distance from the arcuate tipped tool. The machine is operable to perform a plurality of incremental deformations on the sheet metal component using the arcuate tipped tool. The machine is also operable to apply an electric direct current through the electrode into the sheet metal component at the predetermined distance from the arcuate tipped tool while the machine is forming the sheet metal component.

Take Advantage of Wasteful Batang Hari Irrigation For Electricity Services Improvement

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Bambang Istijono

2015-03-01

Full Text Available This paper describes the Batang Hari Irrigation prospect to meet the electricity needs in its surrounding area in order to increase the electrical service for every level society. The use of Batang Hari irrigation is far from its capacity. Un-used water and infrastructures from Batang Hari irrigation can be used to generate hydro-electric. Based on  the results of this study, it can be concluded that the Batang Hari Irrigation can be used to generate electricity power up to  1.6 MW. This hydro power service can increase the level of electric service in West Sumatra Province more than 1%

Another year of change for Canadian electric utilities as they continue to meet new challenges

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anon.

1996-01-01

The activities of Canadian electric utilities in the past year were highlighted. The companies reviewed were: B.C. Hydro, Edmonton Power, TransAlta Utilities Corporation, Manitoba Hydro, Ontario Hydro, Hydro-Quebec, New Brunswick Power Corporation, Nova Scotia Power Inc., and Newfoundland Power. Reviews of the industry, economic growth, market trends and forecasts were discussed

The effects of carbon nanotubes on electroactive shape-memory behaviors of hydro-epoxy/carbon black composite

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wei, Kun; Zhu, Guangming; Tang, Yusheng; Liu, Tingting; Li, Ximin

2012-01-01

The objective of this work is to characterize the effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the thermomechanical, electrical and shape-memory properties of hydro-epoxy/carbon black (CB) composite. The shape-memory hydro-epoxy composite is fabricated by adding MWCNTs and CB into shape-memory hydro-epoxy resin. The total amount of the fillers fixed at 1.9 wt%, five different composites are produced by varying the amount of MWCNTs between 0 and 0.8 wt% and the amount of CB between 1.1 and 1.9 wt%. The thermomechanical properties and shape-memory performance of the composites are studied. These results indicate that the glass transition temperature (Tg) and the storage modulus of the composites increases at first and then decreases as MWCNTs content increases. The shape recovery time decreases at first and then increases slightly as MWCNTs content increases. The composite presents good shape-memory behavior, and the shape recovery ratio is around 100%. Due to the synergic effect of CB and MWCNTs, the volume electrical resistivity of the composite could decrease by adding a small amount of MWCNTs. (paper)

Coupling of a reservoir model and of a poro-mechanical model. Application to the study of the compaction of petroleum reservoirs and of the associated subsidence; Couplage d'un modele de gisement et d'un modele mecanique. Application a l'etude de la compaction des reservoirs petroliers et de la subsidence associee

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bevillon, D.

2000-11-30

The aim of this study is to provide a better description of the rock contribution to fluid flows in petroleum reservoirs. The production of oil/gas in soft highly compacting reservoirs induces important reduction of the pore volume, which increases oil productivity. This compaction leads to undesirable effects such as surface subsidence or damage of well equipment. Analysis of compaction and subsidence can be performed using either engineering reservoir models or coupled poro-mechanical models. Poro-mechanical model offers a rigorous mechanical framework, but does not permit a complete description of the fluids. The reservoir model gives a good description of the fluid phases, but the description of the mechanic phenomenon is then simplified. To satisfy the set of equations (mechanical equilibrium and diffusivity equations), two simulators can be used together sequentially. Each of the two simulators solves its own system independently, and information passed both directions between simulators. This technique is usually referred to the partially coupled scheme. In this study, reservoir and hydro-mechanical simulations show that reservoir theory is not a rigorous framework to represent the evolution of the high porous rocks strains. Then, we introduce a partially coupled scheme that is shown to be consistent and unconditionally stable, which permits to describe correctly poro-mechanical theory in reservoir models. (author)

Summary of Ontario Hydro's 1990-91 zebra mussel research program

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Claudi, R.; Wiancko, P.M.

1992-01-01

Ontario Hydro is the principal supplier of electricity to the Province of Ontario. It serves 3.6 million customers, with an inservice capacity of 28,200 MW. Ontario Hydro has seven fossil, five nuclear, and four hydraulic stations in the Great Lakes Basin and surrounding watershed. In addition, there are another 60 inland hydraulic stations and numerous dams. As the largest single user of raw water from the Great Lakes Basin, Ontario Hydro recognized the need to control zebra mussels early in 1989. At that time, very little was known in North America about the zebra mussel life cycle and potential impact. European utilities were consulted, but as we now know, zebra mussels are not perceived to be a problem in Europe at this time. To satisfy the immediate need for control, chlorination was identified as the most effective interim measure to prevent the fouling of systems which draw water from the aquatic environment. Due to the current regulatory environment, this solution is considered short term and Ontario Hydro was compelled to initiate a comprehensive research effort aimed at providing alternative methods of control. Most of the research effort during 1990, was methods of control. Most of the research effort during 1990, was directed towards this goal. Many alternative control measures, both chemical and nonchemical were considered. Also considered were the potential effects of the control measures and zebra mussels on station operations. A multidisciplinary team involving aquatic biologists, chemists, corrosion specialists, and civil and mechanical engineers from the various departments of Ontario Hydro was asked to address the problem. Some of the research also involved collaborative studies with universities, US utilities, American Water Works Association, and Canadian industries. Following is a summary of the research effort in 1990, and a preview of the research underway in 1991

A real-time control framework for urban water reservoirs operation

Science.gov (United States)

Galelli, S.; Goedbloed, A.; Schwanenberg, D.

2012-04-01

Drinking water demand in urban areas is growing parallel to the worldwide urban population, and it is acquiring an increasing part of the total water consumption. Since the delivery of sufficient water volumes in urban areas represents a difficult logistic and economical problem, different metropolitan areas are evaluating the opportunity of constructing relatively small reservoirs within urban areas. Singapore, for example, is developing the so-called 'Four National Taps Strategies', which detects the maximization of water yields from local, urban catchments as one of the most important water sources. However, the peculiar location of these reservoirs can provide a certain advantage from the logistical point of view, but it can pose serious difficulties in their daily management. Urban catchments are indeed characterized by large impervious areas: this results in a change of the hydrological cycle, with decreased infiltration and groundwater recharge, and increased patterns of surface and river discharges, with higher peak flows, volumes and concentration time. Moreover, the high concentrations of nutrients and sediments characterizing urban discharges can cause further water quality problems. In this critical hydrological context, the effective operation of urban water reservoirs must rely on real-time control techniques, which can exploit hydro-meteorological information available in real-time from hydrological and nowcasting models. This work proposes a novel framework for the real-time control of combined water quality and quantity objectives in urban reservoirs. The core of this framework is a non-linear Model Predictive Control (MPC) scheme, which employs the current state of the system, the future discharges furnished by a predictive model and a further model describing the internal dynamics of the controlled sub-system to determine an optimal control sequence over a finite prediction horizon. The main advantage of this scheme stands in its reduced

Optimal sizing of utility-scale photovoltaic power generation complementarily operating with hydropower: A case study of the world’s largest hydro-photovoltaic plant

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fang, Wei; Huang, Qiang; Huang, Shengzhi; Yang, Jie; Meng, Erhao; Li, Yunyun

2017-01-01

Highlights: • Feasibility of complementary hydro-photovoltaic operation across the world is revealed. • Three scenarios of the novel operation mode are proposed to satisfy different load demand. • A method for optimally sizing a utility-scale photovoltaic plant is developed by maximizing the net revenue during lifetime. • The influence of complementary hydro-photovoltaic operation upon water resources allocation is investigated. - Abstract: The high variability of solar energy makes utility-scale photovoltaic power generation confront huge challenges to penetrate into power system. In this paper, the complementary hydro-photovoltaic operation is explored, aiming at improving the power quality of photovoltaic and promoting the integration of photovoltaic into the system. First, solar-rich and hydro-rich regions across the world are revealed, which are suitable for implementing the complementary hydro-photovoltaic operation. Then, three practical scenarios of the novel operation mode are proposed for better satisfying different types of load demand. Moreover, a method for optimal sizing of a photovoltaic plant integrated into a hydropower plant is developed by maximizing the net revenue during lifetime. Longyangxia complementary hydro-photovoltaic project, the current world’s largest hydro-photovoltaic power plant, is selected as a case study and its optimal photovoltaic capacities of different scenarios are calculated. Results indicate that hydropower installed capacity and annual solar curtailment rate play crucial roles in the size optimization of a photovoltaic plant and complementary hydro-photovoltaic operation exerts little adverse effect upon the water resources allocation of Longyangxia reservoir. The novel operation mode not only improves the penetration of utility-scale photovoltaic power generation but also can provide a valuable reference for the large-scale utilization of other kinds of renewable energy worldwide.

Scheduling of head-dependent cascaded reservoirs considering discharge ramping constraints and start/stop of units

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Catalao, J.P.S.; Pousinho, H.M.I. [Department of Electromechanical Engineering, University of Beira Interior, R. Fonte do Lameiro, 6201-001 Covilha (Portugal); Mendes, V.M.F. [Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, R. Conselheiro Emidio Navarro, 1950-062 Lisbon (Portugal)

2010-10-15

This paper is on the problem of short-term hydro scheduling (STHS), particularly concerning head-dependent reservoirs under competitive environment. We propose a novel method, based on mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP), for optimising power generation efficiency. This method considers hydroelectric power generation as a nonlinear function of water discharge and of the head. The main contribution of this paper is that discharge ramping constraints and start/stop of units are also considered, in order to obtain more realistic and feasible results. The proposed method has been applied successfully to solve two case studies based on Portuguese cascaded hydro systems, providing a higher profit at an acceptable computation time in comparison with classical optimisation methods based on mixed-integer linear programming (MILP). (author)

Fortescue reservoir development and reservoir studies

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Henzell, S.T.; Hicks, G.J.; Horden, M.J.; Irrgang, H.R.; Janssen, E.J.; Kable, C.W.; Mitchell, R.A.H.; Morrell, N.W.; Palmer, I.D.; Seage, N.W.

1985-03-01

The Fortescue field in the Gippsland Basin, offshore southeastern Australia is being developed from two platforms (Fortescue A and Cobia A) by Esso Australia Ltd. (operator) and BHP Petroleum. The Fortescue reservoir is a stratigraphic trap at the top of the Latrobe Group of sediments. It overlies the western flank of the Halibut and Cobia fields and is separated from them by a non-net sequence of shales and coals which form a hydraulic barrier between the two systems. Development drilling into the Fortescue reservoir commenced in April 1983 with production coming onstream in May 1983. Fortescue, with booked reserves of 44 stock tank gigalitres (280 million stock tank barrels) of 43/sup 0/ API oil, is the seventh major oil reservoir to be developed in the offshore Gippsland Basin by Esso/BHP. In mid-1984, after drilling a total of 20 exploration and development wells, and after approximately one year of production, a detailed three-dimensional, two-phase reservoir simulation study was performed to examine the recovery efficiency, drainage patterns, pressure performance and production rate potential of the reservoir. The model was validated by history matching an extensive suite of Repeat Formation Test (RFT) pressure data. The results confirmed the reserves basis, and demonstrated that the ultimate oil recovery from the reservoir is not sensitive to production rate. This result is consistent with studies on other high quality Latrobe Group reservoirs in the Gippsland Basin which contain undersaturated crudes and receive very strong water drive from the Basin-wide aquifer system. With the development of the simulation model during the development phase, it has been possible to more accurately define the optimal well pattern for the remainder of the development.

Study of the use of a micro hydro in knockdown container completed with a cylindrical form housing of francis hydraulic turbine to support the development program of energy self-sustainability for remote and isolated areas in Indonesia

Science.gov (United States)

Kamal, Samsul; Prajitno; Pardadi, Janu

2017-11-01

With an intention to reduce the consumption of energy from fossil fuels and the CO2 emission in relation with the climate change solution, Indonesian Government has targeted that the role of the New and Renewable Energy (NRE) resources reaches at least 23% , or about 27 GW , in 2025 and it is expected to increase to the extent of about 134 GW in 2050 within the scenario of mixed energy supply. Geographically Indonesia has many remote and isolated areas with lack of appropriate infrastructure supports. But in the most of the areas, huge potential of new and renewable energy are available such as hydro energy is about 75 GW, biomass energy is about 32 GW and bio fuel is about 32 GW. The total utilization of the energy from small hydro energy up to this year for example is only about 300 MW. The significant obstacle in optimizing the utilization of small hydro energy in the areas is mainly on the infrastructure conditions and the local manufacture capabilities. Difficulties in mobilization of experts, skill worker , parts and constructions material result in very time consuming and costly for site construction. In this research a hydro turbine built in knock down container completed with a Francis turbine in cylindrical form housing is proposed and reported its performance on implementation. The hydro in a knock down container concept comes from the idea to manufacture hydro power solutions in a knock down container, readymade to be transported to installation sites. It can be easily manufactured in a quality controlled and cost effective environment, transported and installed in remote areas, to operate and maintain with minimal amount of equipment. It shows that the implementation of the unit in a remote area has reduced the total site construction time by 1/3 compared to the predicted one with conventional unit. The performance of the Francis turbine with cylindrical form housing has shown comparable with the conventional one which has volute form housing. The

Impacts of climate change on the food-energy-water nexus in the upper Yellow River Basin: An integrated hydro-economic modeling approach

Science.gov (United States)

Si, Y.; Cai, X.

2017-12-01

The large-scale reservoir system built on the upper Yellow River serves multiple purposes. The generated hydropower supplies over 60% of the entire electricity for the regional power grid while the irrigated crop production feeds almost one-third of the total population throughout the whole river basin. Moreover, the reservoir system also bears the responsibility for controlling ice flood, which occurs during the non-flood season due to winter ice freezing followed by spring thawing process, and could be even more disastrous than the summer flood. The contradiction of water allocation to satisfy multi-sector demands while mitigating ice flood risk has been longstanding. However, few researchers endeavor to employ the nexus thinking to addressing the complexities involved in all the interlinked purposes. In this study, we develop an integrated hydro-economic model that can be used to explore both the tradeoffs and synergies between the multiple purposes, based on which the water infrastructures (e.g., reservoir, diversion canal, pumping well) can be coordinated for maximizing the co-benefits of multiple sectors. The model is based on a node-link schematic of multiple operations including hydropower generation, irrigation scheduling, and the conjunctive use of surface and ground water resources. In particular, the model depicts some details regarding reservoir operation rules during the ice season using two indicators, i.e., flow control period and flow control level. The rules are obtained from historical records using data mining techniques under different climate conditions, and they are added to the model as part of the system constraints. Future reservoir inflow series are generated by a hydrological model with future climate scenarios projected by General Circulation Model (GCM). By analyzing the model results under the various climate scenarios, the future possible shifting trajectory of the food-energy-water system characteristics will be derived compared to

BC Hydro - IPC review : report on the creation of IPC International Power Corporation and its joint venture with the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority for the Raiwind power project

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1997-03-01

BC Hydro is one of the sponsors involved in the construction of a thermal electric power plant in Raiwind, Pakistan. As a Crown corporation, BC Hydro and its participation in the project is subject to the policies and priorities of the provincial government. This document describes the circumstances surrounding the creation of the International Power Corporation (IPC) and its joint venture with BC Hydro for the development of international power projects including the Raiwind project. The project has provoked much public discussion in British Columbia because of the involvement of Cayman Island companies in the project structure. There is concern with the intermingling of public and private interests in the project, including allegations that an IPC share offering benefited insiders of government and BC Hydro. A description of the history and structure of the Raiwind project and detailed information on the British Columbia participants is provided. Directors and shareholders of the principal corporate participants are listed. The development process in Pakistan, the key features of the project and the underlying agreements among the participants are described. An assessment of potential conflicts of interest and a review of public sector standards and guidelines regarding conflicts of interest is presented. 60 refs., 39 tabs., 6 figs

Pulling the plug : how the Liberals' plan to dismantle BC Hydro threatens taxpayers, businesses, communities and jobs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Veerkamp, M.

2002-06-01

The British Columbia government is planning to sell-off and deregulate the province's integrated, publicly-owned electric utilities despite election promises not to do so. The author argues that the consequences will be catastrophic with massive price increasing, rolling brownouts and service cuts. A recent poll indicates that 76 per cent of British Columbians oppose the decision to sell, 68 per cent do not support deregulation, and 83 per cent support a full public consultation before any changes are made. In response, the BC Citizens for Public Power Society was formed to give voice to British Columbians demand that their power system remain in public hands. This report presents a chronology of events for BC Hydro, and describes the experience of other jurisdictions with electricity deregulation. The BC Task Force on Energy Policy has released a report which claims that a fully competitive energy market will attract private capital and bring more energy supply, thereby lowering energy costs and increasing energy security. British Columbians condemn that report, arguing that it is too ideological and poorly substantiated. This paper discusses the impact that deregulation would have on the transmission system, the environment, and on local governments and small communities. It was noted that if the public electricity resources are removed from public ownership and control, the province's future options will be restricted under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). The BC Citizens for Public Power Society argues that the future power needs of the province are best met by public investment and energy conservation using BC Hydro. 65 refs

Assessing the full costs of electricity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Keppler, Jan Horst

2016-01-01

For decades, economists, energy specialists and policy-makers have been satisfied with assessing the comparative costs of electricity generation on the basis of discounted average costs over the lifetime and the total output of a generating plant. As a standardised form of cost-benefit accounting (CBA), these levelised costs of electricity (LCOE) indicate the required expenditures in terms of capital, fuel, and operations and management (O and M), adjusted for their incidence in time or the different technology options per unit of output (i.e. a MWh of electricity). This straightforward, transparent and comparatively simple metric worked well in a context of regulated markets where generators were centrally dispatched according to system requirements, tariffs were set by regulators and load factors could be predicted with confidence. In order to satisfy a given demand for electricity, the technology with the lowest LCOE was usually chosen, thus minimising the costs of the electricity system. Nuclear energy thus competed with hydro, where available, and coal and gas on the basis of their respective capital, labour and fuel costs at the level of the individual plant. (author)

Externalities of fuel cycles 'ExternE' project. Hydro fuel cycle. Estimation of physical impacts and monetary valuation for priority impact pathways

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Navrud, S.; Riise, J.; Strand, J.

1994-01-01

projects consists of four power stations, out of which two are new. To summarize, SHDP has the following characteristics: No. of power stations: Capacity (at average total head) in total: Average annual electricity production: Full-load hours per year: Catchment area in total Total length of underground tunnels for transportation of water: Reservoirs: - total volume: - impounded area in total: 4 (out of which 2 are new) 517.2 MW 1,308 GWh/year (In addition to the current production of 1,060 GWh/year) 3,000 - 4,000 hours/year 586 km 2 100 km Extention of 2 existing reservoirs 257.3 million m3 2.6 km 2 SHDP is situated in a mountainous area in the municipalities of Sauda and Suldal in the county of Rogaland in Southwestern Norway. However, the catchment area also covers parts of Etna and Odda municipalities in the county of Hordaland. The catchment area is very sparsely populated. Differences from previous ExternE analyses There are four main differences between this national implementation of the hydro fuel cycle and the previous fuel cycle analyses: 1. A new site- and project-specific valuation study was performed 2. Expert estimates of impacts are used as basis for economic valuation 3. A method for economic valuation of employment effects have been developed 4. Local income effects of the project have been calculated, and the social benefits of these effects are discussed. New valuation study Since the impacts from hydro electricity development are very site- and project- specific and inter linked we decided to conduct a new, state-of-the art Contingent Valuation (CV) survey of the impacts on recreational activities, cultural objects and terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of SHDP. This CV study reduces the need for transferring values from previous studies and aggregating separately valued impacts, which has been the standard procedure in previous fuel cycle exercises and which might give biased results. The CV study also makes it possible to estimate non-use values of

Modelling CO2 emissions from water surface of a boreal hydroelectric reservoir.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Weifeng; Roulet, Nigel T; Kim, Youngil; Strachan, Ian B; Del Giorgio, Paul; Prairie, Yves T; Tremblay, Alain

2018-01-15

To quantify CO 2 emissions from water surface of a reservoir that was shaped by flooding the boreal landscape, we developed a daily time-step reservoir biogeochemistry model. We calibrated the model using the measured concentrations of dissolved organic and inorganic carbon (C) in a young boreal hydroelectric reservoir, Eastmain-1 (EM-1), in northern Quebec, Canada. We validated the model against observed CO 2 fluxes from an eddy covariance tower in the middle of EM-1. The model predicted the variability of CO 2 emissions reasonably well compared to the observations (root mean square error: 0.4-1.3gCm -2 day -1 , revised Willmott index: 0.16-0.55). In particular, we demonstrated that the annual reservoir surface effluxes were initially high, steeply declined in the first three years, and then steadily decreased to ~115gCm -2 yr -1 with increasing reservoir age over the estimated "engineering" reservoir lifetime (i.e., 100years). Sensitivity analyses revealed that increasing air temperature stimulated CO 2 emissions by enhancing CO 2 production in the water column and sediment, and extending the duration of open water period over which emissions occur. Increasing the amount of terrestrial organic C flooded can enhance benthic CO 2 fluxes and CO 2 emissions from the reservoir water surface, but the effects were not significant over the simulation period. The model is useful for the understanding of the mechanism of C dynamics in reservoirs and could be used to assist the hydro-power industry and others interested in the role of boreal hydroelectric reservoirs as sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of a finite element code to solve thermo-hydro-mechanical coupling and simulate induced seismicity.

Science.gov (United States)

María Gómez Castro, Berta; De Simone, Silvia; Rossi, Riccardo; Larese De Tetto, Antonia; Carrera Ramírez, Jesús

2015-04-01

Coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical modeling is essential for CO2 storage because of (1) large amounts of CO2 will be injected, which will cause large pressure buildups and might compromise the mechanical stability of the caprock seal, (2) the most efficient technique to inject CO2 is the cold injection, which induces thermal stress changes in the reservoir and seal. These stress variations can cause mechanical failure in the caprock and can also trigger induced earthquakes. To properly assess these effects, numerical models that take into account the short and long-term thermo-hydro-mechanical coupling are an important tool. For this purpose, there is a growing need of codes that couple these processes efficiently and accurately. This work involves the development of an open-source, finite element code written in C ++ for correctly modeling the effects of thermo-hydro-mechanical coupling in the field of CO2 storage and in others fields related to these processes (geothermal energy systems, fracking, nuclear waste disposal, etc.), and capable to simulate induced seismicity. In order to be able to simulate earthquakes, a new lower dimensional interface element will be implemented in the code to represent preexisting fractures, where pressure continuity will be imposed across the fractures.

Climate conditions of the “El Niño” phenomenon for a hydro-eolic complementarity project in peru

Science.gov (United States)

Castillo N, Leonardo; Ortega M, Arturo; Luyo, Jaime E.

2018-05-01

Northern Peru is threatened by the consequences of a natural phenomenon called “El Niño”, mainly during the months of December to April. In the summer of 2017, this event reported strong climatic variations with intense rains, increasing the water levels of the Chira and Piura rivers, filling the Poechos reservoir, together with flooding and mudding. However, from an energetic perspective, these climatic alterations have a strong potential to increase the availability of the wind and hydro renewable energies in northern Peru. This work performs an evaluation of the hydro-eolic complementarity as part of the sustainability of energy systems. The study includes evaluation of historical records of wind velocity and water flow rates. It then evaluates correlation, analysis, and estimates the hydro and wind energy potentials generated by this phenomenon. The implications of the "El Niño" phenomenon are mostly negative. Nonetheless, it is possible to take advantage of higher wind and water flow rates with a hybrid energy system. The results obtained show a high degree of complementarity both normal and "El Niño" phenomenon condition in northern Peru.

Developing teaching kit on the use of micro-hydro generator in remote area

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Desak Made Megawati

2017-04-01

Full Text Available The study aimed at: (1 identifying the criteria of teaching kit feasibility for the advantages of micro-hydro generator in remote area; and (2 identifying the effectiveness of teaching kit implementation on the use of micro-hydro generator in remote area in order to improve the students’ concept mastery on SMP Negeri 1 Rampi South Sulawesi. The study was a research and development that adapted the 4D model, which consisted of define, design, develop, and disseminate. The teaching kit that had been developed was a syllabus, lesson plans, student’s worksheet, and assessment instrument. For the data gathering, the researcher implemented the non-test technique, in the form of product validation sheet, student’s worksheet readability questionnaire sheet, teaching implementation sheet, and test technique, in the form of concept mastery test item sheet. The results of the study show that: (1 the teaching kit on the use of micro-hydro generator in remote area that has been developed falls into the “Very Good” category for syllabus, lesson plan, and student’s worksheet; and (2 the implementation of the teaching kit on the use of micro-hydro generator in remote area has been effective to improve the students’ concept mastery in SMP Negeri 1 Rampi South Sulawesi.

Optimising reservoir operation

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Ngo, Long le

Anvendelse af optimeringsteknik til drift af reservoirer er blevet et væsentligt element i vandressource-planlægning og -forvaltning. Traditionelt har reservoirer været styret af heuristiske procedurer for udtag af vand, suppleret i en vis udstrækning af subjektive beslutninger. Udnyttelse af...... reservoirer involverer en lang række interessenter med meget forskellige formål (f.eks. kunstig vanding, vandkraft, vandforsyning mv.), og optimeringsteknik kan langt bedre lede frem til afbalancerede løsninger af de ofte modstridende interesser. Afhandlingen foreslår en række tiltag, hvormed traditionelle...

Environmental evaluation of different forms of electric energy generation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Guena, Ana Maria de Oliveira

2007-01-01

Electric energy has an important function in the modem world; it is fundamental for progress and development. The electricity discovery allowed improvements in several areas: health, water and food supply, quality of life and sanitary conditions, and contributed also to the establishment of the capitalist and consumption society. The use of oil as an energy generation source was the impulse for the industrial revolution and machines, motors and generators were developed contributing to the progress This also brought the pollutant gases emission (CO 2 , CO, SO x and NO x ) and other substances that had contributed to the greenhouse effect, the ozone hole and the acid rain, modifying the balance of the planet. The development and implementation of other forms of energy generation caused local changes, where they were installed, giving rise to environmental impacts. This work presents an evaluation about different forms of electrical energy generation and the environmental impacts relative to each one of them. Five forms of electric energy generation were considered: thermoelectric, nuclear, hydroelectric, wind and solar energy. The implementation and the development of the petroleum industry in the world and in Brazil are presented. The geology of the oil, its extraction and quality improvement, besides details of the functioning of three types of thermoelectric power plants - coal, gas and oil - are also discussed. The specific as well as the environmental impacts they have in common are highlighted. The impacts originated from the deactivation of each one of them are also pointed out. The discovery and the development of nuclear energy in Brazil and in the world as well as the functioning of a nuclear power plant, the impacts generated by its operation and decommissioning are presented. The history, functioning and development of hydroelectric energy generation in Brazil, characterized by the great plants, are related to environmental aspects The environmental

Canadian electricity trends and issues : an energy market assessment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2001-05-01

This report examines the supply and demand of electricity in Canada and provides a province by province analysis of trade, regulatory developments and electricity prices. The Canadian electricity market is regionally diverse, as evidenced by the variety of fuels used for power generation and the differences in market structure, regulation and pricing. Hydro accounts for 61 per cent of Canadian electricity generation. Other sources include coal (18 per cent), nuclear (13 per cent), natural gas (4 per cent) and oil and renewables (4 per cent). Most new power generation projects in Canada are expected to be gas-fired leading to a convergence between natural gas and electricity markets. Most provincial electricity markets are being adequately supplied, even with rising power demands. Alberta restructured its electricity market over a five year period culminating in full retail access on 1 January 2001. While power supply has been relatively tight in Alberta, new generation capacity is expected to become available over the next few years. Ontario plans to implement full retail access in May 2002. Most other provinces are implementing wholesale access. Canadian residential electricity prices are among the lowest of the industrialized countries, and tend to be lowest in hydro-rich provinces. Most hydro-rich provinces have surplus energy available for domestic and international trade. Some provinces are undergoing basic changes with respect to the restructuring of their markets through the unbundling of power generation, transmission and distribution services. 53 figs

Tricks of the trade: Sharing ideas about independent hydro development in Canada

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Collins, S.J.

1992-01-01

Preparation and patience are the keys to developing independent hydropower projects in Canada. Several individuals who have experience breaking into the business share their advice. Opportunities for independent hydro developers to contribute to electricity production in Canada are increasing, thanks to government and utility support. Site selection, costs, environmental regulations, native rights issues, project approval processes, and time lines are all important issues

Electric Form Factor of the Neutron

Science.gov (United States)

Feuerbach, Robert

2007-10-01

Recent polarization-based precision measurements of the nucleons' elastic electric form factors have led to surprising results. The measurement of the ratio of the proton's electromagnetic form factors, μpGE^p/GM^p, was found to drop nearly linearly with Q^2 out to at least 5 GeV^2, inconsistent with the older Rosenbluth-type experiments. A recent measurement of GE^n, the neutron's electric form-factor saw GE^n does not fall off as quickly as commonly expected up to Q^2 1.5 GeV^2. Extending this study, a precision measurement of GE^n up to Q^2=3.5 GeV^2 was completed in Hall A at Jefferson Lab. The ratio GE^n/GM^n was measured through the beam-target asymmetry A of electrons quasi-elastically scattered off polarized neutrons in the reaction ^3He(e,e' n). The experiment took full advantage of the electron beam, recent target developments, as well as two detectors new to Jefferson Lab. The measurement used the accelerator's 100% duty-cycle high-polarization (typically 84%) electron beam and a new, hybrid optically-pumped polarized ^3He target which achieved in-beam polarizations in excess of 50%. A medium acceptance (80msr) open-geometry magnetic spectrometer (BigBite) detected the scattered electron, while a geometrically matched neutron detector observed the struck neutron. Preliminary results from this measurement will be discussed and compared to modern calculations of GE^n.

CDM pilot project to stimulate market for family-hydro for low-income households

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2004-01-01

Over 100,000 low-income households living in rural, rice-farming regions of Vietnam and China rely upon family-hydro (between 100 and 200W) as the only affordable means of obtaining electricity. These systems are used for domestic lighting, radio and, in some cases, televisions. The units are small, cheap and are usually installed and owned by a single family. Funding from the CDM could be utilised in order to reduce the cost of good quality equipment to provide low-income households living in isolated off-grid locations with an affordable and sustainable electricity supply which can meet their needs for lighting, educational, productive and recreational uses. Therefore research was needed to determine the level of carbon emission reductions resulting from their use. The successful acceptance by the Prototype Carbon Fund (PCF) of the methodology of establishing the benchmark developed during this project could then be used as a precedent by other project developers in the future, thus being of long-term support to the emerging family-hydro industry. (author)

Uncertainty analysis of hydro-meteorological forecasts

OpenAIRE

Grythe, Karl Kristian; Gao, Yukun

2010-01-01

Masteroppgave i informasjons- og kommunikasjonsteknologi 2010 – Universitetet i Agder, Grimstad Meteorological and hydrological forecasts are very important to human’s life which concerns agriculture, industry, transport, etc. The Nordic hydropower industry use and develop hydrological forecasting models to make predictions of rivers steam flow. The quantity of incoming stream flow is important to the electricity production because excessive water in reservoir will cause flood ...

Hydro electric scheme on the Forestay river. Communes of Chexbres and Rivaz. Feasibility study; Turbinage du Forestay. Communes de Chexbres et Rivaz. Etude d'avant-projet

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2007-06-15

This illustrated final report for the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) is a feasibility study of the retrofitting of the small hydro electric scheme located in Rivaz, Switzerland on the shore of the lake of Geneva. Water of the Forestay river, which crosses a steep wine region, is used in a 89 kW Pelton turbine with a water head of 63 m and a maximum flow rate of 180 litre/s, producing about 350,000 kWh/year for now more than 50 years. After retrofitting the maximum electric power produced should be 707 kW, generating 2,500,000 kWh/y by using a water head of 184 m and a maximum flow rate of 500 litre/s. Part of the new equipment would be mounted underground in order to respect the aesthetics of the beautiful site. Electricity production cost is estimated to be 0.109 CHF/kWh.

Small-scale hydro power plant on the main drinking water line La Rippaz in Bex, Switzerland - Feasibility study; Petite centrale hydraulique. Aduction d'eau potable La Rippaz. Etude de faisabilite

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chapallaz, J.-M. [Jean-Marc Chapallaz, Ingenieur EPFL/SIA, Baulmes (Switzerland); Meylan, D. [Perret-Gentil et Rey et Associes SA, Ingenieurs civils et Ingenieurs Conseil EPF/SIA, Lausanne (Switzerland)

2008-04-15

This report for the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) is a feasibility study for the replacement work of the drinking-water supply line from the location of the spring water collection to a water reservoir belonging to the rock-salt mining company 'Hotel des Salines' in Bex, Switzerland. Built 1887 and following years this water supply system has already been designed for power generation as well. However, a 40 kW micro-scale turbine has only been installed 2005 in the lower part of the water supply system (hydraulic head: 115 m). The new project includes the replacement of the existing piping by a penstock, the construction of a new water collection reservoir at the highest point, the construction of a new 300 kW hydro power plant using the upper part of the water supply system (hydraulic head: 520 m), and some improvements of the existing lower power plant. The available water flow rate lies in the range 57-70 l/s, all the year round. The question arising is whether this construction project could be financed by the benefit from the sale of electricity that could be produced by the two power plants. The authors of the study estimate the power production to be 2.5 kWh/y. If the electricity can be sold at least at CHF 0.20/kWh for 25 years this could finance the whole project that has an estimated cost of CHF 7,000,000.

Strategic Analysis of an Electricity Deficit in British Columbia

OpenAIRE

Adam Brooks

2015-01-01

The British Columbia (BC) Government introduced the Clean Energy Act in 2010. With the new legislation, BC Hydro has been mandated to be electricity self sufficient by 2016. BC Hydro may not have enough generation capacity to meet the regulatory requirement in time. This project explores three potential options for Teck’s Zinc Smelter to provide made-in-BC generation capacity to BC Hydro. After evaluating the options, this author recommends for Teck to make an offer to swap BC Hydro’s imports...

Optimal control systems in hydro power plants

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Babunski, Darko L.

2012-01-01

The aim of the research done in this work is focused on obtaining the optimal models of hydro turbine including auxiliary equipment, analysis of governors for hydro power plants and analysis and design of optimal control laws that can be easily applicable in real hydro power plants. The methodology of the research and realization of the set goals consist of the following steps: scope of the models of hydro turbine, and their modification using experimental data; verification of analyzed models and comparison of advantages and disadvantages of analyzed models, with proposal of turbine model for design of control low; analysis of proportional-integral-derivative control with fixed parameters and gain scheduling and nonlinear control; analysis of dynamic characteristics of turbine model including control and comparison of parameters of simulated system with experimental data; design of optimal control of hydro power plant considering proposed cost function and verification of optimal control law with load rejection measured data. The hydro power plant models, including model of power grid are simulated in case of island ing and restoration after breakup and load rejection with consideration of real loading and unloading of hydro power plant. Finally, simulations provide optimal values of control parameters, stability boundaries and results easily applicable to real hydro power plants. (author)

Impact of Sedimentation hazard at Jor Reservoir, Batang Padang Hydroelectric Scheme in Malaysia

Science.gov (United States)

Luis, Jansen; Mohd Sidek, Lariyah; Jajarmizadeh, Milad

2016-03-01

Sedimentation in reservoir can be treated as a hazard because it affects the overall safety of the dam. It is a growing concern for reservoir operators throughout the world as it impacts the operability of the hydropower plant and its function as flood control. The objective of the study is to carry out reservoir bathymetric survey to determine the storage volume available at Jor reservoir. The paper intends to discuss the results of two successive surveys carried out in year 2007 and 2010 and comparison with historical data in1968 owing to analyse of sedimentation trend. The result showed that the total storage loss is approximately 43% with an estimated deposited sediment volume of 1.4 million m3 in year 2010. The sedimentation rate is estimated at 3.3% for the years surveyed which is greater than the world average of 0.93%. The findings from the survey are used to develop a revised elevation-storage curve which could be used by the operator and engineers to carry out future power generation planning and flood study predictions. The findings are also expected to be used to determine the optimum method for sediment management and hydro-mechanical protection.

Genome Sequence of Aeribacillus pallidus Strain GS3372, an Endospore-Forming Bacterium Isolated in a Deep Geothermal Reservoir

OpenAIRE

Sevasti Filippidou; Marion Jaussi; Thomas Junier; Tina Wunderlin; Nicole Jeanneret; Simona Regenspurg; Po-E Li; Chien-Chi Lo; Shannon Johnson; Kim McMurry; Cheryl D. Gleasner; Momchilo Vuyisich; Patrick S. Chain; Pilar Junier

2015-01-01

The genome of strain GS3372 is the first publicly available strain of Aeribacillus pallidus. This endospore-forming thermophilic strain was isolated from a deep geothermal reservoir. The availability of this genome can contribute to the clarification of the taxonomy of the closely related Anoxybacillus, Geobacillus, and Aeribacillus genera.

Using climate response functions in analyzing electricity production variables. A case study from Norway.

Science.gov (United States)

Tøfte, Lena S.; Martino, Sara; Mo, Birger

2016-04-01

This study analyses whether and to which extent today's hydropower system and reservoirs in Mid-Norway are able to balance new intermittent energy sources in the region, in both today's and tomorrow's climate. We also investigate if the electricity marked model EMPS gives us reasonable results also when run in a multi simulation mode without recalibration. Climate related energy (CRE) is influenced by the weather, the system for energy production and transport, and by market mechanisms. In the region of Mid-Norway, nearly all power demand is generated by hydro-electric facilities. Due to energy deficiency and limitations in the power grid the region experiences a deficit of electricity. The region is likely to experience considerable investments in wind power and small-scale hydropower and the transmission grid within and out of the region will probably be extended, so this situation might change. In addition climate change scenarios for the region agree on higher temperatures, more precipitation in total and a larger portion of the precipitation coming as rain instead of snow, as well as we expect slightly higher wind speed and more storms during the winter. Changing temperatures will also change the electricity demand. EMPS is a tool for forecasting and planning in electricity markets, developed for optimization and simulation of hydrothermal power systems with a considerable share of hydro power. It takes into account transport constraints and hydrological differences between major areas or regional subsystems. During optimization the objective is to minimize the expected cost in the whole system subject to all constraints. Incremental water values (marginal costs for hydropower) are computed for each area using stochastic dynamic programming. A heuristic approach is used to treat the interaction between areas. In the simulation part of the model total system costs are minimized week by week for each climate scenario in a linear problem formulation. A detailed

77 FR 77070 - Black Bear Hydro Partners, LLC;

Science.gov (United States)

2012-12-31

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. 2727-086] Black Bear Hydro...: October 24, 2012. d. Submitted By: Black Bear Hydro Partners, LLC (Black Bear Hydro). e. Name of Project... designating Black Bear Hydro as the Commission's non-federal representative for carrying out informal...

Reservoir characteristics and control factors of Carboniferous volcanic gas reservoirs in the Dixi area of Junggar Basin, China

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ji'an Shi

2017-02-01

Full Text Available Field outcrop observation, drilling core description, thin-section analysis, SEM analysis, and geochemistry, indicate that Dixi area of Carboniferous volcanic rock gas reservoir belongs to the volcanic rock oil reservoir of the authigenic gas reservoir. The source rocks make contact with volcanic rock reservoir directly or by fault, and having the characteristics of near source accumulation. The volcanic rock reservoir rocks mainly consist of acidic rhyolite and dacite, intermediate andesite, basic basalt and volcanic breccia: (1 Acidic rhyolite and dacite reservoirs are developed in the middle-lower part of the structure, have suffered strong denudation effect, and the secondary pores have formed in the weathering and tectonic burial stages, but primary pores are not developed within the early diagenesis stage. Average porosity is only at 8%, and the maximum porosity is at 13.5%, with oil and gas accumulation showing poor performance. (2 Intermediate andesite and basic basalt reservoirs are mainly distributed near the crater, which resembles the size of and suggests a volcanic eruption. Primary pores are formed in the early diagenetic stage, secondary pores developed in weathering and erosion transformation stage, and secondary fractures formed in the tectonic burial stage. The average porosity is at 9.2%, and the maximum porosity is at 21.9%: it is of the high-quality reservoir types in Dixi area. (3 The volcanic breccia reservoir has the same diagenetic features with sedimentary rocks, but also has the same mineral composition with volcanic rock; rigid components can keep the primary porosity without being affected by compaction during the burial process. At the same time, the brittleness of volcanic breccia reservoir makes it easily fracture under the stress; internal fracture was developmental. Volcanic breccia developed in the structural high part and suffered a long-term leaching effect. The original pore-fracture combination also made

Fluid jet electric discharge source

Science.gov (United States)

Bender, Howard A [Ripon, CA

2006-04-25

A fluid jet or filament source and a pair of coaxial high voltage electrodes, in combination, comprise an electrical discharge system to produce radiation and, in particular, EUV radiation. The fluid jet source is composed of at least two serially connected reservoirs, a first reservoir into which a fluid, that can be either a liquid or a gas, can be fed at some pressure higher than atmospheric and a second reservoir maintained at a lower pressure than the first. The fluid is allowed to expand through an aperture into a high vacuum region between a pair of coaxial electrodes. This second expansion produces a narrow well-directed fluid jet whose size is dependent on the size and configuration of the apertures and the pressure used in the reservoir. At some time during the flow of the fluid filament, a high voltage pulse is applied to the electrodes to excite the fluid to form a plasma which provides the desired radiation; the wavelength of the radiation being determined by the composition of the fluid.

Comparative economics of the principal forms of electricity generation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wong, S.; Hewlett, M.

1977-10-15

It is assumed that sometime in the 1990's it will be necessary to install base load plant in increments of about 600 MW per year in New Zealand. Practical alternatives and their relative economics are discussed. Efforts in building hydro and geothermal, and reduction in rate of load growth demand will postpone this need for some years, but not to such an extent that the magnitude of the problem will alter materially. It is concluded that as far as the first nuclear station is concerned, its only competitors are large coal or oil-fired stations. The long-term fuel supplies for all three have various degrees of uncertainty. Specifically, the present main sources of energy are hydro, coal, natural gas, geothermal, and oil, and may include nuclear in the future.

Hydrologic Modeling at the National Water Center: Operational Implementation of the WRF-Hydro Model to support National Weather Service Hydrology

Science.gov (United States)

Cosgrove, B.; Gochis, D.; Clark, E. P.; Cui, Z.; Dugger, A. L.; Fall, G. M.; Feng, X.; Fresch, M. A.; Gourley, J. J.; Khan, S.; Kitzmiller, D.; Lee, H. S.; Liu, Y.; McCreight, J. L.; Newman, A. J.; Oubeidillah, A.; Pan, L.; Pham, C.; Salas, F.; Sampson, K. M.; Smith, M.; Sood, G.; Wood, A.; Yates, D. N.; Yu, W.; Zhang, Y.

2015-12-01

The National Weather Service (NWS) National Water Center(NWC) is collaborating with the NWS National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) and the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) to implement a first-of-its-kind operational instance of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF)-Hydro model over the Continental United States (CONUS) and contributing drainage areas on the NWS Weather and Climate Operational Supercomputing System (WCOSS) supercomputer. The system will provide seamless, high-resolution, continuously cycling forecasts of streamflow and other hydrologic outputs of value from both deterministic- and ensemble-type runs. WRF-Hydro will form the core of the NWC national water modeling strategy, supporting NWS hydrologic forecast operations along with emergency response and water management efforts of partner agencies. Input and output from the system will be comprehensively verified via the NWC Water Resource Evaluation Service. Hydrologic events occur on a wide range of temporal scales, from fast acting flash floods, to long-term flow events impacting water supply. In order to capture this range of events, the initial operational WRF-Hydro configuration will feature 1) hourly analysis runs, 2) short-and medium-range deterministic forecasts out to two day and ten day horizons and 3) long-range ensemble forecasts out to 30 days. All three of these configurations are underpinned by a 1km execution of the NoahMP land surface model, with channel routing taking place on 2.67 million NHDPlusV2 catchments covering the CONUS and contributing areas. Additionally, the short- and medium-range forecasts runs will feature surface and sub-surface routing on a 250m grid, while the hourly analyses will feature this same 250m routing in addition to nudging-based assimilation of US Geological Survey (USGS) streamflow observations. A limited number of major reservoirs will be configured within the model to begin to represent the first-order impacts of

Standardized CSR and climate performance: why is Shell willing, but Hydro reluctant?; Shell; Hydro

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Boasson, Elin Lerum; Wettestad, Joergen

2007-06-15

This report aims to contribute to the ongoing discussion concerning whether CSR merely serves to streamline company rhetoric or also has an influence on actual efforts. We discuss the tangible effects of CSR instruments on the climate-related rules and performances of the two different oil companies Hydro and Shell. First we explore whether similar CSR instruments lead to similar climate-related rules and practices in the two companies. Both Hydro and Shell adhere to the Global Compact (GC), the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and the Global Gas Flaring Reduction Public-Private Partnership (GGFR). The report concludes that the GC has not rendered any tangible effects in either of the companies. Concerning the other instruments, Hydro has only followed the instrument requirements that fit their initial approach, and refrained from all deviating requirements. Shell has been more malleable, but we have noted few effects on the actual emissions and business portfolio resulting from the instrument adherence. Second, we assess how the differing results of the similar CSR portfolio may be explained. The reluctant attitude of the leaders in Hydro and the strong CSR motivation of Shell's executives result in significant differences. Hydro executives are able to constrain the effects of the instrument adherence. With Shell we note the opposite pattern: Its leaders promoted the instruments to be translated into internal rules, but a general lack of hierarchical structures hinders them from governing the conduct of various sub-organisations. The very diversity of the Shell culture helps to explain why the efforts of its executives have resulted in limited impact. The strength of the Hydro culture makes the corporation resistant to the instruments. Moreover, Hydro is strikingly shielded by virtue of its strong position in Norway. In contrast, Shell is more strongly affected by the global field of petroleum and the global field of CSR

The most important structures utilizing primary and secondary hydroenergetic potential for electric energy production

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zacharovsky, M [Slovenske elektrarne, a.s., Vodne elektrarne Trencin (Slovakia)

1997-12-01

In this paper the construction, technological parameters and operation of Gabcikovo (primary hydro energy power) and Cierny Vah (secondary hydro energy power) are described. Construction of the hydroelectric power plant (HPP) Gabcikovo started in 1978 as a part of a system of hydro power projects Gabcikovo-Nagymaros. Basic technical data are: installed capacity 8 x 90 MW, production in an average aqueous year 2.650 GWh, number of hydroelectric generating sets (HGS) 8, turbine flow 8 x 413-636 m{sup 3}/s, head 12.9-24 m.The Gabcikovo plant produced 9.163 GWh of electricity from the beginning of its operation till the end of 1966. The construction of the pumped storage plant (PSP) Cierny Vah started in 1976 and it was put into operation at the end of 1980. The main goal of the PSP Cierny Vah is to meet the control functions of an electrification system of the Slovak Republic, a substitute function in the cases of unexpected power outages and a planned electricity production from re-pumping. Technological parts are: six re-pumping vertical HGS in a three machine arrangement - a motor-generator, a turbine, a pump - are located in three double-blocks. Basic technical data: installed capacity 6 x 122.4 MW + 0.768 MW, yearly production 1,281 GWh, number of HGS 6, number of domestic hydroelectric generating sets 1, turbine flow 3 x 30 m{sup /}s, pump flow 6 x 22 m{sup 3}/s, upper reservoir volume 3.7 mil. m{sup 3}, max. head 434 m, peak time 5.71 hour, pumping time 7.78 hour, re-pumping cycle efficiency 74.36%. From putting the PSP into operation till the end of 1996, the HGS in operation 145,269 hours in total, including 53,332 hours in a turbine mode of operation, 70,293 hours in a pumping mode operation and 21,644 hours in a compensation mode operation. Whereas they supplied 5,346 GWh in the mains and the consumed 6,933 GWh of electricity for pumping. Hydroenergetic potential is a primary source of energy which is recyclable, i.e. unexhaustible and also ecologically the

Cost evolution of electric energy in Brazil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Oliveira, A. de; Contreras, E.C.A.

1981-01-01

An analysis of electric energy costs in Brazil is presented. Hydro, coal and nuclear costs are analysed and the final conclusion seems to indicate that nuclear power plants are not economically interesting untill the Brazilian electric capacity attains 110 GW average power. (Author) [pt

Master plan envisions multi-billion-dollar expansion of Vietnam's electricity monopoly

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2001-12-01

Massive investment in Vietnam's electricity monopoly by Western aid and export credit agencies form part of the ten-year master plan developed for Vietnam. Central planning and political patronage, instead of market assessments and customer choice form the basis for monopoly investments in a centralized grid linking big hydro, gas, coal, and nuclear power projects. Western aid agencies might effectively crowd out viable private-sector energy investments by financing power projects considered too large and risky by the private sector. These investments by Western aid agencies would assist in winning contracts for favoured exporters of engineering services and equipment. It would be a breeding ground for corruption in Vietnam if market discipline, public oversight, and enforceable property rights are not present in the face of power sector aid. There is a real possibility that damages to the environment could result from electricity investments, and some communities might be victimized, electricity costs might increase, the indebtedness level of the population might increase