Bespoke monitoring systems for micro-generation systems.
Features include
(Click image to open live output in a new tab)
based on open source technology from the Open Energy Monitor and Raspberry Pi
| Hydromatch Consulting | Case Study 9 | Site Name: | Dragon’s Teeth |
| System type: | Crossflow Turbine | Maximum Power: | 20 kW |
| Manufacturer: | Ossberger | Typical Generation: | 90 MWh p.a. |
| Client: | Torfaen County Borough Council |
Design Conditions: | H = 25.00 m Q = 0.1 m3/s |
| Location: | Blaenavon, S. Wales | Commissioned: | September 2011 |
| Power: | 0 | kW |
| Energy (Since 19/10/11): | 0 | kWh |
| CO2 Saving: | 0 | tonnes |
This scheme was commissioned by the Forgotten Landscapes Partnership; a project celebrating heritage and industry in the landscape around the former colliery town of Blaenavon in South Wales.
Use is made of water channelled into a river diversion originally designed to prevent landscape erosion. The series of cascading concrete weirs controlling the flow are known locally as the ‘Dragon’s Teeth!’ The hydropower scheme diverts water from the top of the channel into a penstock pipe which is connected to a crossflow turbine at the foot of the hill 280 metres away.
The existing channel was adapted to form the intake sump and includes a ‘coanda’ type screen to filter out debris. The scheme is fully automated and designed to minimise maintenance. A data logging system in the powerhouse enables scheme operation can be monitored via the internet (see live output data).
The generator is connected to the national grid via a buried cable to Blaenavon World Heritage Centre 450 metres away. The electricity produced is used directly and reduces the running costs of the building. Income from the Feed in Tariff is used to support further initiatives in the local community.
Details of the proposed scheme:
| System type: | Crossflow Turbine | Power output: | 11 kW |
| Developer: | Dean Forest Railway Co. Ltd | Design Conditions: | H = 4.5 m Q = 0.40 m3/s |
| Location: | Lydney, Gloucestershire | Expected Generation: | 68 MWh p.a. |
This micro-hydro scheme is proposed on the site of the Dean Forest Railway at Norchard Drift. The station is run by the volunteers of the Dean Forest Railway Society who’s objective is to preserve the last remaining section of the Severn & Wye Railway.
The scheme is to be constructed at the outfall of a culvert which runs under the railway into the River Lyd. Pico Energy have designed a scheme to fit in with the existing topology and modelled it using 3D CAD, shown in the montage above. Consents are currently under way with abstraction license and planning permission already obtained by Pico Energy.
The scheme is planned to connect with the supply for the station, helping to meet its electricity demand and improve the railways long term viability.
If you have a similar project in mind, then please get in touch for an informal discussion about how we may be able to assist with the scheme implementation info@picoenergy.co.uk
Hydromatch Ltd worked with Monmouthshire County Council to identify potential hydropower sites in the county. There are several stages to this process:
Please get in touch if you are interested in discussing a similar scoping study or know of a potential hydropower opportunity which you think should be considered in Monmouthshire.
