Optimisation of a Small Hydropower Plant Intake Structure: A Case Study from Lower-Austria

Hydropower is a sustainable mean of energy production and the backbone of renewable electricity generation. Small hydropower plants, i.e. those with the capacity of up to 10 MW, make a considerable contribution to the sum of generated electricity in Austria. They have a high priority for the security of supply through decentralized energy supply and for the regional economy through the creation and securing of jobs in the construction, expansion, and modernisation of plants. Regular modernisation projects consist of turbines upgrade and improve efficiency as well as lifespan of existing hydropower facilities. In the course of the upgrade procedure, slight changes in flow geometry, i.e. approach channel, intake structures and etc., is unavoidable. This could lead to operational problems in small plants’ operation. Here, based on a case study, an intake optimisation process based on suggested modification alternatives is considered. Calibrated 3D numerical simulations provide an economically efficient solution which can be achieved in a short time-span. In the case of small hydropower plants, the explained mythology is found to be competent, however, the limitations and shortcomings are discussed in this article.