Author(s): Calogero Picone; Marco Sinagra; Tullio Tucciarelli
Linked Author(s): Tullio Tucciarelli, Calogero Picone
Keywords: Mini-hydropower plants Cross-flow type turbines Power Recovery Systems Pressure regulation Flow-rate regulation
Abstract: Mini-hydropower plants have recently gained much attention from energy providers, compared to traditional turbines installed downstream of artificial hydrological basins. The reason is that mini-hydro plants do not require the construction of dams or weirs with significant environmental impact. In these plants the Cross-flow turbines represent a valuable choice for energy recovery, due to their constructive simplicity and versatility. On the other hand, the variability of the flow-rate is one of the major sources of energy dissipation and efficiency reduction For this reason, a new regulation system for Cross-flow type turbines, able to maintain good efficiencies working within a large range of flow rates, is proposed. New regulator reduce the normal cross flow section of the nozzle with a mobile device. Experimental tests and results are presented.
Year: 2025