Optimization of the parameters of the object and the equipment of run of river small hydropower plant

Optimization, as a scientific discipline, especially applied in the field of renewable energy, contributes to the development of energy systems, machines and devices. Water, as a renewable energy source for electricity production, is used in hydropower plants. Optimization of individual parameters of the equipment of hydropower plants contributes to a more efficient and more extensive use of water potential, in order to increase production of electricity. The key subsystems of a hydroelectric plant, including the water as a resource, constitute a whole, where the subsystems are closely related, where common parameter is the designed flow of the system. In this thesis, the crucial point was placed on the optimization of small run-of-river hydropower plants on the basis of the designed flow of the plant, with particular reference to the turbine equipment, methods of water exploiting and combinations of parallel operation of the turbines, to obtain more efficient and broader harnessing of the existing potential of the rivers. Also, the feasibility parameters are achieved as a function of the designed flow, to obtain optimization of the flow for the selected 'case study'. (author)