Press Releases – ReHydro

Monitoring technology for more efficient hydropower plants

Carina Belusa — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 11:22:45 +0000

In Europe, around 11% of electricity is generated from hydropower every year, but 35% of the potential output is not utilised. As part of the ReHydro research project, Munich University of Applied Sciences is developing new methods for the early methods for the early detection of cavitation, one of the main causes of turbine damage.

Cavitation is a hydrodynamic effect in which vapour bubbles created by a drop in pressure collapse in liquids. If this happens near solid surfaces, such as turbine blades, extreme localised pressures are created that catapult out material like a volcano, leading to material damage. Up to now, cavitation can only be recognised through cost-intensive inspections, during which the turbine has to be completely emptied. If cavitation is detected, the only option left is to limit the damage by increasing the pressures or reducing the flow rate.

To avoid this, operators run the turbines at a large safety distance from critical operating areas where the pressure could drop. However, this limits the operation of the turbine and generates less electrical power than would be possible.

Detecting cavitation at an early stage with the help of AI

As part of the ReHydro project, funded by the EU, Prof. Busboom is working with Voith Hydro and Energias de Portugal (edp) to develop innovative measurement solutions and AI monitoring systems to reliably detect cavitation during operation and reduce expensive inspections. For example, they use ultrasonic sensors that detect the high frequencies generated during the cavitation process.

The technology is being implemented at the Valeira hydropower plant in Portugal and is intended to demonstrate how modern sensor technology and data analysis can optimise the efficiency of hydropower plants. This not only increases the flexibility of the plants, but also supports the stability of the electricity grids by extending the availability and service life of the hydropower plants. ReHydro thus makes a decisive contribution to the ecological and economic optimisation of the European hydropower industry.

How to refurbish and modernise existing hydropower plants across Europe?

Carina Belusa — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 08:19:10 +0000

Data collection has now started at two Norwegian rivers to find out how to improve both power generation and environmental conditions

ReHydro – Demonstration of Sustainable Hydropower Refurbishment, aims to explore innovative solutions to raise the impact of hydropower as an energy source within the European Union.

In September, research scientists from SINTEF Energy Research visited the Norwegian rivers Brattlandsdalsåi and Roalkvamsåi.

“As part of the planned refurbishment, the Brattlandsdalsåi River will receive more water through pumping from the downstream lake, and the Roalkvamsåi River will receive water from a residual-flow power plant. To better understand impacts and how to design water release, we are monitoring flow, water temperature and habitat conditions. We will also use innovative technologies like eDNA to map biodiversity,” said Atle Harby.

He is a Senior Research Scientist at SINTEF Energy Research and ReHydro’s coordinator.

Hydropower plants for the future energy system

ReHydro kicked off in June 2024 and is focused on sustainable refurbishment of hydropower plants across Europe.

ReHydro will show how European hydropower can be refurbished and modernised to be fit for the future market, taking into account sustainability requirements and societal needs in the context of climate change.

Seven countries, five demonstration sites

The project brings together an interdisciplinary consortium from 7 countries, consisting of 2 associations, 7 research institutions, 6 operators, 5 manufacturers and 3 suppliers. Collectively, they provide the expertise, visibility and network required to successfully achieve project objectives and maximise its impact. Numerous refurbishment measures are carried out at 5 different demonstration sites and their effects and added value will be explained in detail through this project.

Equipping plants – many of which were commissioned between the 1960s and 1980s – with new technologies will enhance their flexibility to meet current energy demands and improve their integration with variable renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, within the modern energy grid.

Biodiversity is important

ReHydro proposes new methods and tools to restore, improve and increase European hydropower capacity while taking biodiversity and other societal interests into consideration. The project will demonstrate innovative monitoring solutions for abrasive turbine erosion and power plant health, eel-friendly turbine design;;digital control of hybrid power plants, integrated monitoring system and sediment transport model; multi-market methodology for hydropower scheduling, retrofitting conventional hydropower with pumped hydro; and improve methods within eDNA, Life-cycle assessments and multicriteria decision-making. Thanks to this progress, which goes beyond the state of the art in hydropower technology, ReHydro will introduce a new paradigm to strengthen European leadership and competitiveness in the hydropower industry and offer new sustainable solutions that can be replicated at a European and global level.

vgbe joins ReHydro to drive sustainable hydropower development in Europe

rehydroadmin — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 10:56:01 +0000

EU funded Research Project aims to show how hydropower in Europe can be modernised to play a leading role in the clean energy transition.

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