Hydroelectric Power Efficiency Testing

Peak unit efficiencies, and the shape of efficiency curves, are critical to the ongoing success of a hydroelectric power plant. Efficiency testing of individual units enables managers to obtain maximum revenue from the system by optimizing operations. Testing is also important when assessing the viability of a rehabilitation program.

Hatch Energy uses a number of different testing techniques, suitable for many sizes and types of hydroelectric plants. Turbines and generators are the units most often tested. Among the parameters measured are discharge, power and inlet head, water levels and other machine operating conditions. Generally, the turbine discharge is the most difficult parameter to measure and depends on the hydroelectric plant layout and penstock length. Hatch Energy offers a wide range of test methods suitable for any hydroelectric station. Index testing can be used to determine the shape of an efficiency curve in situations where the cost of full efficiency testing cannot be justified. It is also used to optimize the relationship between wicket gates and blades on double-regulated machines.

In all cases Hatch Energy also provides necessary engineering support services.