Mini- and Micro-Hydro capability

IT Power is one of few international companies with specialist expertise in mini-hydro projects (projects generally less than 2 MW, and on occasion less than 1 kW). Such projects demand a different engineering approach to the larger schemes in order to keep designs flexible and cost realistic, and require a broad understanding of all the diverse technical and non-technical elements that contribute to a successful scheme.

We can offer an experienced team of independent experts, without affiliation to any project developers or equipment suppliers, capable of providing expert technical consultancy to private and institutional clients in Europe and the developing world. The company also has an active R&D programme, working with UK and European manufacturers to develop innovative designs to meet the needs of the changing marketplace.

Activities

IT Power’s activities in the field of mini-hydro and micro-hydro cover:

Site identification pre-feasibility and feasibility surveys and analyses of mini-hydro projects
Negotiation of environmental permissions
Research and development of innovative solutions to reduce the costs of low-head projects
Implementation of micro-hydro projects for off-grid communities
Technology transfer of appropriate designs to developing country manufacturers
Project formulation and appraisal for national and international aid agencies
Development of specialist analysis software
Training on micro-hydro technology and economics

Example projects in the UK

Siphon Propeller operating at variable speed - The project aim was to research into and evaluate the optimal design, performance and benefits of a variable-speed propeller turbine operated in a siphon arrangement. Key considerations were to minimise civil works required and allow power tacking as flow varies.  A 10kW siphon propeller turbine was designed and a prototype manufactured, a control system was designed and built that allowed the speed of the turbine to be controlled. The output has been an innovative and cost-effective means for exploiting ultra-low head hydropower sites, particularly at existing civil structures.  Click here for further information.

Low head screening - The project aim was to undertake a feasibility study to establish the viability of new screening concepts to exclude both fish and debris from low-head hydro-plant in the range 50-500kW (flows in the range 5 to 25 m3/sec). This project has taken the first steps in developing and evaluating suitable, innovative design concepts from both mini-hydro and fisheries perspectives.

Low Head hydropower technology – A technical study into suitable types of technology currently available for harnessing hydropower at low head sites. This study was commissioned by TV Energy for the as part of their regional techno-enviro-economic assessment of the south east river network.

Hydropak - Working with a UK turbine manufacturer to develop a standardised, modular crossflow turbine package for application on low and medium head sites in the UK and for export through completion of research, conceptual design and economic optimisation. Click here for more information. Click here for Hydropak Full Report (0.9MB)

Vasocompact –IT Power are part of collaborative European team to develop and test a fully-submerged, compact propeller turbine running at variable speed.

Guildford and Gateshead Feasibility Studies – IT Power provided feasibility studies for these Borough councils for re-installing a 50kW hydro system at a former mill site in Guildford and installing a similar sized system on a weir at old coke works in Gateshead.

Fish-Friendly Turbines - The project aims to reduce the impact that small low-head water turbines have on fish. The ideal solution for a hydropower system is one that will screen for sizeable debris and fish large enough to swim away and allow small trash and juvenile fish to pass through unhindered and unharmed.  This is an essential step for the UK to realise its remaining small hydropower resource.

 Feasibility Studies – IT Power recently undertook a feasibility study for Guildford Borough Council at a former mill site in Guildford town centre. It has a scheme potential of 50kW. It Power is currently undertaking a similar study on behalf of Gateshead Council utilising a weir at an old coke works site near Gateshead. Similarly, the Whitchurch Silk Mill Trust have also commissioned a Feasibility Study for their historic Whitchurch Silk Mill site in Hampshire.

Thematic Network on Small Hydro Power - IT Power is a partner in the Steering Group of the TNSHP project coordinated by ESHA. The TNSHP aims to identify future environmental and technical research requirements and market needs within the EU and candidate countries. The objective is to assist the promotion of sustainable, renewable energy through Small Hydro and help overcome the current barriers and constraints to its further development. The network is open to everyone and contributions are welcomed through the e-network. Click here for further information in PDF format.

Vasocompact – IT Power are part of collaborative European team to develop and test a fully submerged, compact propeller turbine running at variable speed.


Example projects in developing countries

Improved Watermills in India – The project is enabling a self-sustaining watermill upgrade industry to become established in the Indian Himalayas, by researching and implementing finance facilities for investing millers and ensuring new systems address the socioeconomic needs to strengthen their communities. Click here to go to our Watermills page. Click here for further information in PDF format.

Pico-hydro under the CDM - This project seeks to extend the use of low-head pico-hydro units in the Philippines by developing a route for Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) financing and investigating the potential for CO2 emission reductions from the wider use of this technology. Click here for further information. Click here for Full Report (4.1MB).

Ecuador pico-hydro – This project is paving the way for making low-head pico-hydro accessible to low-income households in Ecuador, with the view to replicating the process in other developing countries. Click here for further information.


For further information please email: minihydro@itpowergroup.com