Hydroelectric Energy Renewable Energy and the Environment By Bikash Pandey and Ajoy Karki

Hydroelectric Energy Renewable Energy and the Environment By Bikash Pandey and Ajoy Karki

Contents:

Chapter 1 Development of Hydropower

Chapter 2 Basics of Hydropower

Chapter 3 Site Selection and Feasibility Study for Hydropower Projects

Chapter 4 Intake and Diversion Works

Chapter 5 Headrace

Chapter 6 Gravel Trap, Settling Basin, and Forebay

Chapter 7 Penstocks

Chapter 8 Powerhouse

Chapter 9 Hydraulic Turbines

Chapter 10 Impulse Turbines

Chapter 11 Reaction Turbines

Chapter 12 Very Low Head and River Current Turbines

Chapter 13 Electrical Power

Chapter 14 Economic Analysis of Infrastructure Projects

Chapter 15 Participatory Processes in Hydropower Development

Preface:

Hydropower generates over 1000 GW globally, producing more than 4000 TWh each year, around 16.5% of the world’s total electricity. This makes it by far the largest source of renewable electric

ity when the world is racing against time to combat climate change by greening its energy supply.

Although water wheels were utilized by humans as a source of energy since antiquity, industrial

scale hydropower required the development of modern turbines starting in the first half of the

nineteenth century, building on fundamentals of hydraulic machines spelled out by the great math

ematician, Euler, half a century earlier. Hydroelectricity saw a period of rapid growth starting late

in the nineteenth century with the discovery and proliferation of alternating current, progress in

manufacturing and metallurgy, and breakthroughs in civil engineering, which enabled the construc

tion of large dams. By 1940, over 1500 dams supplied 40% of the electricity in the United States.

Construction of new hydroelectric projects slowed in the 1960s when concerns began to grow about

the social and environmental challenges associated with large dams.

Together with other renewable energy technologies, hydroelectricity has a critical role to play

in the ongoing global transition to clean energy. Although starting from a small base and currently

contributing only a small fraction to the world’s electricity supply, wind and solar energy are grow

ing rapidly, already adding more gigawatts each year than hydroelectricity does. In addition to its

own generation, hydroelectricity helps the growth of all renewables by providing energy storage

as power grids around the world attempt to integrate ever higher percentages of variable renew

able energy. Investment into pumped storage hydroelectricity is expected to grow alongside other

renewables. Hydroelectricity provides an alternative to new investment in coal-based generation for industrializing countries whose power needs are growing rapidly. Coupled with other renewables, hydroelectricity provides these countries a pathway to low-carbon growth. Increased investment

into small hydropower features prominently in planned climate actions of most countries both for supplying their grids and for providing electricity in regions of the countries that remain under electrified. Where resources exist, micro-hydro often provides the lowest cost source of power to remote communities.

The bulk of this book covers the engineering disciplines of civil engineering, hydrology, hydrau

lics, and mechanical and electrical engineering as they relate to hydroelectricity. The authors, Bikash

Pandey and Ajoy Karki, have written different chapters based on their areas of expertise. In addi

tion to technical subjects, they have explored the economics of hydroelectric projects, social and

environmental considerations, and engagement with communities necessary for their development.

Chapter 1 probes the history of water power, the development of hydroelectricity, and its continu

ing relevance today. Chapter 2 goes into the basic physics of how falling water generates power, and

describes the main types of modern hydroelectric systems in use today and their major components.

Chapter 3 describes how site selection and feasibility studies are carried out. Chapters 4 through 8

explain the principles behind how civil structures of hydroelectric plants are designed, including

the intake, headrace, gravel trap, settling basin, forebay, penstock, and the powerhouse. Chapters 9

through 12 explore the design of different types of hydraulic turbines, which are in use and being

developed. Chapter 13 focuses on the electrical aspects of hydroelectricity including the workings of

generators, controllers, and power transmission and distribution. Chapter 14 discusses the economic

analysis of infrastructure projects. Chapter 15 describes the social and environmental challenges of

hydroelectric project and participatory processes required for sustainable development.