People have used the power of water for centuries. One would almost like to believe that the generation of electricity from water has been extensively researched. Nevertheless, there are always the latest findings – also from the Mühlviertel. Hydropower is one of the main pillars of sustainable energy generation worldwide. For this reason alone, the research is worthwhile. In this way, the old technology can be continuously optimized.
At Global Hydro in Niederranna – according to their own statements the world market leader in small hydropower technology – a team of experts is working on the successive improvement of the three turbine types used worldwide, which everyone knows from physics classes: Francis, Pelton, Kaplan. The Hydro Lab set up at the Mühlviertler company last year offers researchers ideal conditions for research and development. “The interdisciplinary team works closely with the mechanical, electrical engineering and software development departments,” explains Thomas Eder, Head of Product Development at Global Hydro. The area of responsibility is diverse: The HydroLab team works intensively on innovative developments in the field of material testing and measurement technology. Efforts that can pay off for Global Hydro in the short term.
Modified systems in use
“The modified turbines perform optimally both when the water level is low and when it is high. In view of the climate development, this is an extremely important point for the power plant operators,” says turbine expert Christian Witti. So far, two different turbines had to be installed in power plants in order to provide the appropriate output at every water level. Witti: “Now we can do this with a turbine, which of course saves our customers high investment costs and increases the profitability of the systems.” The modified turbine type can also be easily installed in existing systems.
Those responsible at Global Hydro also see great potential in a cooperation project with the Technical University of Munich. The Bavarian university developed a shaft power plant whose infrastructure is completely under water. The experts at Global Hydro have developed the ideal type of turbine for this. “This innovative system is perfect for existing weir systems or for irrigation canals with a low head, such as are often found in Asia,” explains Witti. Up to three megawatts of electricity can be generated with such systems, and a first pilot project will be put into operation in Kyrgyzstan in 2024. In the past financial year, Global Hydro generated sales of around 57 million euros with around 210 employees.
Source: Nachrichten
