[en] Eskom has implemented a 5 kW micro hydropower supply scheme in the Kwazulu-Natal Drakensberg. The scheme supplies electrical power to five schools using a Single Wire Earth Return (SWER) transmission line. This paper describes the implementation of the scheme and covers the social aspects, the mechanical, civil and electrical works, and also scheme economics. The main aim of this project was to obtain experience in the design and implementation of a micro hydro system, both technically and socially, so that the technology could be used with confidence in Eskom's non-grid electrification programme. 5 refs., 3 figs

[en] Great Lakes Power recently constructed a hydroelectric plant on the Magpie River near Wawa, Ontario. The project involved three main elements: construction of a 33 m high dam, a 15.5 MW power station, and a spillway at Steephill Falls; construction of a 3.5 m high overflow weir just above the crest of scenic Magpie Falls, creating a head pond to supply a 15 MW power plant; and construction of a weir and 15 MW power plant at Mission Falls. Although this was a private development and therefore not automatically subject to Ontario's Environmental Assessment Act, Great Lakes Power decided to conform with the act's requirements and undertook a comprehensive environmental assessment (EA). Environmental issues were focused on changes in hydrology and water quality, impacts on fisheries and natural resources, slope stability and erosion, socioeconomic impacts, impacts on heritage resources, and impacts on tourism and recreation. The project was approved subject to conditions which included implementation of mitigation and monitoring requirements outlined in the EA document. Environmental specialists worked closely with the engineers at the detailed design stage of the project, resulting in modifications to the preliminary design to minimize environmental impacts

[en] The micro hydroelectricity is a proven technology which has now reached maturity. Ideal for electrification of remote sites, it also serves a complement to national electric production. A recent study carried out by the ESHA estimates the potential which still available in terms of micro hydraulic power plants at 5939 MW. The small hydro power capacity (>10 MW) installed in European union and the available potential of small hydro power are presented. (A.L.B.)

[en] The application of microscale principles to devices can lead to orders of magnitude increase in area to volume ratios. In fuel cells, where electrochemical reaction, heat and mass transfer are all surface phenomena, the application of microscale principles could lead to significant breakthroughs in power density, efficiency and cost. In this paper we examine the function of fuel cell components that present opportunities for applying microscale design principles. To appreciate the possibilities and state of understanding of microscale phenomena, an overview of the theoretical foundations is presented, followed by a review of microscale fabrication techniques potentially applicable to manufacturing of fuel cell component Examples of progress made in microscale fuel cells and in other relevant applications are presented and a the rational for applying microscale principles to fuel cell design is summarized. Benefits include: increased power density, heat and mass transfer and catalyst utilization; enhanced efficiency; reduced system complexity and opportunities for new fuel cell applications. (author)

[en] The development of a micro-scale hydraulic turbine unit adapted to the specific needs of small rural settlements in the mountainous region of Morocco is described. The Banki turbine was developed by the Agronomic and Veterinarian Institute in Hassan, Morocco. The turbine is designed to be powered by small streams with a flow of 16 litres per second and a head of 3.5 meters. The turbine is linked to an asynchronous cage-type generator which is made by modifying an easily available and low-cost asynchronous motor. Tests have demonstrated an efficiency of 62 per cent at a turbine speed of 250 rpm with an output of 1.1 kW. 2 tabs

[en] PowerPal micro-hydro equipment was developed in Vietnam by Asian Phoenix Resources Ltd. of Victoria, BC; a company who aims to help disadvantaged people in less developed countries by making renewable energy devices available to them. The idea for the micro-hydro system was conceived after mineral exploration parties in Vietnam noted that large numbers of poor quality propeller turbines were being used to supply AC power to individual homes. A plan was developed to improve the quality and reliability of low head turbines with better castings, magnets, superior bearings and electronic load controllers. Funding for the program was initially difficult to obtain. However, PowerPal micro-hydro equipment eventually came to the attention of the World Bank as well as other government and non-governmental organizations. Financing for the purchase and installation of larger numbers of units has now been achieved, and missionary groups in various parts of the world have ordered units. European markets have also opened up, and distributors of the micro-hydro equipment have been appointed in various countries. Sales are now strong in Central America, South America, the Caribbean, Australasia, Oceania, Africa and Europe. It was concluded that the surge of interest has coincided with a steep upturn in oil prices. 8 figs

[en] The research is made with the basic objective of constructing effective stream section of cross-flow turbine. In the research project are presented the results from experimental testing of the cross-flow turbine with various runner. nozzles and draft tubes. The rotational and universal characteristics of the turbine are presented. The experimental results have been analyzed.The results from the research give the possibility to make clear some important aspects of the working process with the cross-flow turbines. The characteristics derived from these tests prove that the stream section of the tested cross-flow turbine can be used as a model in the construction of cross-flow turbines for power electric stations with small capacity

[en] Over 100,000 low-income households living in rural, rice-farming regions of Vietnam and China rely upon family-hydro (between 100 and 200W) as the only affordable means of obtaining electricity. These systems are used for domestic lighting, radio and, in some cases, televisions. The units are small, cheap and are usually installed and owned by a single family. Funding from the CDM could be utilised in order to reduce the cost of good quality equipment to provide low-income households living in isolated off-grid locations with an affordable and sustainable electricity supply which can meet their needs for lighting, educational, productive and recreational uses. Therefore research was needed to determine the level of carbon emission reductions resulting from their use. The successful acceptance by the Prototype Carbon Fund (PCF) of the methodology of establishing the benchmark developed during this project could then be used as a precedent by other project developers in the future, thus being of long-term support to the emerging family-hydro industry. (author)

[en] The article describes the widespread use of an estimated 60,000 low-head pico-hydropower turbines and well-developed networks of supply and support in the Northern part of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). This apparent widespread use is contrasted with the policy narratives of key actors in the government, multilateral organisations and the private sector which show an often simplified and overly negative attitude towards pico-hydropower. Based on empirical research carried out in three upland districts and the capital, Vientiane, the paper critically investigates the apparent disjuncture between policy and practice by placing pico-hydropower within the broader political context of rural electrification in the Lao PDR. It is argued that the neglect of pico-hydropower and other off-grid household electrification technologies is a result of an endemic lack of information on which to base policy decisions, the orientation of the government to facilitate large scale foreign investment in large hydropower dams, the universal applicability of solar home systems, and the broader state agenda of centralisation and control over service provision to remote upland areas.

[en] In the paper an overview of the small-scale hydroelectric power plants is presented. The categorization groups of small to micro hydroelectric power plants by different countries are given. Also, the evaluation models of the projects for realization the small hydroelectric power plants are analysed. The aim of the paper is to stress the advantages of the small hydro projects and their implementation in Macedonia