1. Northern Energy Developments Ltd Canonbie, Dumfriesshire
Rodney Potts

2. Small Scale Hydro <1MW

3. Power Potential
The power potential in a volume of water (Q), is determined by the following equation:
P(kW) = Q x H x 9.8 x efficiency
Where Q is the rate of flow in m3/s
H is the height of fall or ‘head’ in m
Efficiency is the overall efficiency figure for
the electro-mechanical system

4. Turbines
Many types of turbine have been developed over the years. The water wheel is the simplest and oldest form.
They can be categorised into three main types:
High head – above 75m of fall
(eg Francis, Turgo or Pelton type)
Medium head – 20m to 75m of fall
(eg Francis or Crossflow)
Low head – 2m to 20m of fall
(eg Francis, Crossflow, Kaplan or Water Wheel)

5. Development – Stage 1 – initial feasibility & Scoping
Stage 2 – detailed studies
Stage 3 – secure consents & build

6. Factors Affecting Cost/Viability 1
Purpose of Project
Domestic
Commercial
Scale
Consenting conditions

7. Factors Affecting Cost/Viability 2
Physical characteristics
Environmental constraints *
Location of grid supply *

8. Factors Affecting Cost/Viability 3
Low Head vs High Head
Low head – larger equipment
environmental issues
High head – pipeline construction
often flashy catchments
Run of River and/or Storage