Small hydropower plants (SHPs) play an important role in ensuring reliable electric energy production and contribute significantly to the electrification of rural areas. The aim of this thesis was to analyze the operation of the Hubelj small hydropower plant and to evaluate different methods of dual-unit operation control. The theoretical part first presents the fundamental characteristics of hydropower plants and their classification according to power, layout, head, and operational mode. A detailed explanation of individual SHP components is also provided, covering both hydraulic and electromechanical parts. Particular emphasis is placed on hydraulic losses, which have a major impact on the overall efficiency of the system. The final section of the theoretical part focuses on the operation of SHPs in dual-unit regimes and reviews the literature on recommended control methods.
The practical part addresses the construction of a simulation model and the simulation of dual-unit operation at the Hubelj SHP. The development process, explained at the beginning of the practical section, focuses primarily on achieving the most accurate possible calculation of head losses in the system. In addition, the simulation model of the turbines is described in detail, as these differ from standard Francis turbines due to their age. Within the thesis, three dual-unit control methods were analyzed through simulations: the hierarchical method, the classical synergistic method, and a newly proposed optimized synergistic method. These methods were optimized and adjusted to the characteristics of the Hubelj SHP. Their comparison was primarily based on energy efficiency, but also included economic and construction-related criteria. The results show that the hierarchical method is simpler and more cost-effective, while the synergistic methods achieve higher energy efficiency. Among them, the optimized synergistic method proved to be the most effective, although also the most complex and less favorable in economic terms.
The key findings of the thesis contribute to a better understanding of SHP operation, addressing both its fundamental structure and elements, as well as the management of dual-unit systems. The results aim to provide better support for decision-making regarding the choice of dual-unit control methods, which is important from the perspective of both energy efficiency and cost optimization.
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