Small and Micro Hydropower Plants

Small and Micro Hydropower Plants: Innovative Design and Engineering is a guidebook for reliable and sustainable solutions relating to the design of small scale hydroelectric systems. It presents the most recent knowledge on all aspects of small hydropower engineering, thus forming a comprehensive collection of modern and innovative technologies and practices. Different types of weir and water intakes are discussed, along with hydrology aspects like discharge estimation and measurement. The book explores the latest advances in turbine, gear boxes, belt drives, generators and remote control, critically assessing and comparing their viability for commercial application.

Finally, the book considers social aspects like community negotiation, environmental aspects like ecological flow, fish bypassing and climate change impacts. Engineering researchers, advanced graduate students and practitioners working in small and micro hydropower will find this book to be a valuable resource on designing and improving these systems.

Presents the latest advances on small and micro hydropower, including the most recently available technologies, engineering concepts, control systems, impact assessment methodologies, economics and policy aspectsExamines real-life design and global implementation casesDiscusses factors for the sustainability of hydropower plants, such as the impact of climate change and community mediation