Hydroenergetic use of hydraulic structures on the Oława River

Abstract

Aim of the study: The purpose of the paper is an inventory of hydraulic structures on the Oława River in terms of construction of hydropower plants and assessment of its hydropower potential. Material and methods: There is no small hydropower plant (SHP) on the Oława River. The authors carried out measurements and calculations of flows and water levels for the period 2005-2015, classification of humidity conditions and the adoption of the average year being the basis for hydropower calculations, inventory of water constructions and calculations of the river's potential. The average year was determined using the RPI indicator. The authors inventoried existing buildings in the field for the construction of SHP and assessed their technical condition and the possibilities of increasing the bleeds. The capacity, potential power of the proposed SHP locations and annual energy production based on the Hoffmann method were estimated. The power was determined from the formula P = 8.2QH, where the capacity Q was assumed at 0.9SSQ, the head H was taken based on the building tests, and energy production was determined from the formula E = TP, where the time of power use T = 6000h / year. Results and conclusions: 14 structures located on the Oława River were analyzed. Its hydropower potential was estimated at 3.24 GWh. It is able to provide clean electricity for 1240 farms. Such use of Oława's potential would contribute to reducing emissions, stabilizing hydrological conditions in the river and guaranteeing better living conditions for people.

Keywords

• energy production
• weir
• archimedes turbine
• hydro power plant