Hydropower: Hydroelectricity and Energy Management Dt018

The School of Electrical Engineering Systems
Dublin Institute of Technology
In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree
Bachelor of Science in
Electrical Services and Energy Management
Title: Hydro Power for Micro-Generation
By:Mr. Rónán Padden
Project Supervisor: Mr. Derek Kearney
Date: 11th January 2010
DECLARATION
I hereby certify that the material, which is submitted in this project is entirely my own work and has not been submitted for any academic assessment other than as part fulfilment of the assessment procedures for the programme Bachelor of Science in
Electrical Services and Energy Management (BSc) (DT 018).
Signature of Student:
Date:
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Services and Energy Management DT018 (08-10) i Preface
The main aim of this Thesis was to develop a case study for use by others as a reference guide for the development of small and micro scale hydro - schemes. It was envisaged that this research shall provide a real life look at the inhibiting and the enabling factors for the development of small scale hydro in Ireland.
The site chosen as the focus for this case study required significant refurbishment work to be completed at an estimated cost of approximately €55,000 as quoted by one manufacturer in March 2009. This investment would render the hydro turbine fit for operation for years to come and equip the installation with an import/export metering arrangement which would permit the sale of surplus power not required on site, to be sold to the ESB.
There are hundreds of old hydro sites in Ireland that could potentially be refurbished to such an operational standard and it is intended that this document can serve as a reference for those wishing to refurbish existing hydro plant or to determine the feasibility of investing in a new site.
My interest in hydropower (and the reason for writing this Thesis) stemmed from a field trip to the ESB hydroelectric power plant in Leixlip, Co. Kildare

References: (2002) Electronic Governor And Control System Of A Mini-Hydro Power Plant [online] ABS-Energy-Research (2009) Hydropower Report. Large and Small Hydropower [online] Absoluteastronomy.com (2009) Francis turbine [online]. Absoluteastronomy.com, no date Bates, B.C., Z.W. Kundzewicz, S. Wu and J.P. Palutikof, Eds. (2008) Climate change and water [online]. Geneva: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, [accessed 25 October, 2009] Bellis, M. (2009) Lester Allan Pelton - Water Turbines and the Beginnings of Hydroelectricity [online] BHA (2005) A Guide to UK Mini Hydro Developments [online]. UK: BHA: [accessed 13 December, 2009] Bloomberg.com (2009) Berkshire Buys Burlington in Buffett’s Biggest Deal (Update 5) [online] BMF (2009) 6 in McQuade, O. Series (eds.) Renewable and Indigenous Energy & CHP BOI (2009) Business Bulletin May 2009. Think green for positive investment [online]. Dublin: Bank of Ireland, May 2009. [accessed 28 November, 2009]. Available from: . Bourke, S. (2009) Water Wheel Development. Dublin: [7 November, 2009]. Boyle, G., Everett, B. and Ramage, J (2004) Energy Systems and Sustainability. Boyle, G. (2004) Renewable Energy – Power for a Sustainable Future. 2nd ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press. Brikowski, T. (2007) GEOS 3110 Professor 's Notes, Summer 2007 [online]. Dallas: University of Texas, 2007 Brouwer, M. (2007) Pension funds and cluster-bomb makers [online]. Amsterdam: Radio Netherlands Worldwide, 19 March, 2007 Bulu, A. (2009) Lecture Notes – IX. Dublin: [13 December, 2009]. Canyonhydro (2009) Hydro Systems Overview - System Control [online]. Deming: Canyon Industries, Inc., 2009 CER (2009) ESBCS Domestic Micro-generator Export Tariff Decision Paper [online] Columbiaencylopaedia.com (2008) Industrial Revolution. [online]. Columbia University Press [accessed 11 October, 2009] CorkCity.ie (2007) Planning Exemption for Microrenewables 2007 [online]. Cork: Cork City Council, no date Cullberg, J., Negnevitsky, M. and Kashem, M.A. (2006) Hydro Turbine Governor Control: Theory, Techniques and Limitations [online] Tasmania, School of Engineering, [accessed 12 December, 2009]. DCENR (2007) Guidelines on the planning, design, construction & operation of small-scale hydro-electric schemes and fisheries DCENR (2009) People power - Minister Ryan announces incentives for microgeneration [online] Resources, no date. [accessed 25 October, 2009]. Available from: . DCENR (2009) Renewable Energy Division [online]. Dublin: Department of Communicatons, Energy and Natural Resources, no date DCMNR (2007) Delivering a sustainable energy future for Ireland – the energy policy framework 2007-2020 DCMNR (2006) Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff. Dublin: Government Publications Office. DEHLG (2008) Planning and Development Regulations 2007. S.I. No. 235 of 2008. DEHLG (2007) Planning and Development Regulations 2007. S.I. No. 83 of 2007. DEHLG (1999) European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Amendment) Regulations, 1999 DEI (1985) Small-Scale Hydro-Electric Potential of Ireland. Dublin: Government Publications Office. DIE (1982) The Development of Small Scale Hydro-Schemes – Part 1 – Rapid Assessment DIE (1982) The Development of Small Scale Hydro-Schemes – Part 2 – Guide to Development DIT (2006) Booklet of Collected Formulae For Electrical Services Engineering. DoF (2004) Carbon taxation consultation process. Report on submissions received. Duffy, P. (2009) The Shannon Scheme: 80 Years of Service to the Nation. Engineers Ireland, 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 [accessed 1 November, 2009]. DWEA (2003) Asynchronous (Induction) Generators [online]. Frederiksberg Danish Wind Energy Association, 19 September 2003