Microcentrales hydroélectriques d'une puissance inférieure à 100 kW

Micro hydroelectric stations with powers under 100 kW

Leroy Samer

Abstract

In order to respond to the growing demand for low-power micro hydroelectric stations, the firm Leroy Somer has developed the HYDROLEC range of micro stations, whose design is original. These hydroelectric sets comply with two essential objectives: simplicity and reliability. Their design simplifies problems of installation, use and maintenance. The range covers heads of 1 to 25 m and turbined flows of 100 to 2,500 1/s ; the electrical powers per unit vary according to the type between 2 and 50 kW. The installed power can be multiplied by placing several micro stations in parallel. In the standard version, the sets deliver three-phase low-voltage AC current: 380 V at 50 Hz or 460 V at 60 Hz. The sets form a single block; their reduced weight and volume simplify transport and installation. They use Kaplan turbines with blades adjustable when stationary. Continuous control of the flow is obtained by manual alteration of blade angle. Series H. (1 to 10 m of head, 2 to 50 kW) These are compact hydroelectric sets that operate submerged in the downstream spillway channel. This arrangement offers numerous advantages ; there is no superstructure and they are unaffected by flood conditions and the prevailing weather. The whole is designed with continuous concern for simplicity and reliability ; the construction is robust using tried technologies; parts are calculated for a working life of 100,000 hours, and maintenance is virtually zero. The set can be installed in any position, behind a power penstock or directly in a water chamber.