Flow Regime Changes: From Impounding a Temperate Lowland River to Small Hydropower Operations

Petras Punys, Antanas Dumbrauskas, Egidijus Kasiulis, Gitana Vyčienė and Linas Šilinis
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Petras Punys: Institute of Water Resources Engineering, Aleksandras Stulginskis University, 10 Universiteto str., Akademija, Kaunas District LT-53361, Lithuania
Antanas Dumbrauskas: Institute of Water Resources Engineering, Aleksandras Stulginskis University, 10 Universiteto str., Akademija, Kaunas District LT-53361, Lithuania
Egidijus Kasiulis: Institute of Water Resources Engineering, Aleksandras Stulginskis University, 10 Universiteto str., Akademija, Kaunas District LT-53361, Lithuania
Gitana Vyčienė: Institute of Water Resources Engineering, Aleksandras Stulginskis University, 10 Universiteto str., Akademija, Kaunas District LT-53361, Lithuania
Linas Šilinis: Institute of Water Resources Engineering, Aleksandras Stulginskis University, 10 Universiteto str., Akademija, Kaunas District LT-53361, Lithuania

Energies, 2015, vol. 8, issue 7, 1-24

Abstract: This article discusses the environmental issues facing small hydropower plants (SHPs) operating in temperate lowland rivers of Lithuania. The research subjects are two medium head reservoir type hydro schemes considered within a context of the global fleet of SHPs in the country. This research considers general abiotic indicators (flow, level, water retention time in the reservoirs) of the stream that may affect the aquatic systems. The main idea was to test whether the hydrologic regime has been altered by small hydropower dams. The analysis of changes in abiotic indicators is a complex process, including both pre- and post-reservoir construction and post commissioning of the SHPs under operation. Downstream hydrograph (flow and stage) ramping is also an issue for operating SHPs that can result in temporary rapid changes in flow and consequently negatively impact aquatic resources. This ramping has been quantitatively evaluated. To avoid the risk of excessive flow ramping, the types of turbines available were evaluated and the most suitable types for the natural river flow regime were identified. The results of this study are to allow for new hydro schemes or upgrades to use water resources in a more sustainable way.

Keywords: small hydropower; small reservoirs; natural and altered flow regime; hydrograph ramping; hydro turbines (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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