FISH FRIENDLY TURBINES USED FOR VERY LOW HEAD SMALL

HYDROPOWER PLANTS

DANIEL ANDREI GAFTOI Assistant, PhD, Technical University of Civil Engineering, Hydrotechnics
Engineering Department
e-mail: daniel_gaftoi@yahoo.com
CATALIN POPESCU - Assistant, PhD, Technical University of Civil Engineering, Hydrotechnics Engineering
Department
e-mail: catalin.popescu@utcb.ro
ANDREEA BELA Student, Technical University of Civil Engineering
e-mail: andreeabela88@gmail.com
DRAGOS FRATILESCU PhD Student, Technical University of Civil Engineering
e-mail: dragos.fratilescu@yahoo.com
Abstract: Hydropower, the major renewable energy source, is a multifunctional technology
which provides services on the electricity sector and also beyond it. Even if the hydropower
development in Europe has attained a relatively mature stage an important potential remains
and a large part of it is represented by very low head sites (new or existing ones) which, in
general, are technically feasible but unprofitable due to major construction works. This fact led
to the development of innovative and fish friendly turbines, which do not need major
infrastructure and can easily be implemented on existing weirs built for other purposes
(navigation, flood control, water supply).
The paper presents a short description of these turbines Archimedes Screw, VLH, Omega S
and Omega D and also some sites where they were successfully used.
Keywords: renewable energy, hydropower, low head SHP, fish friendly turbines

1. Introduction
Hydropower, representing 20% of the global electricity output and 17% of the European one,
is the major renewable energy source and this is not the only favorable aspect of it.
Hydropower is a multifunctional technology which provides services on the electricity sector
and also beyond it: it is able to deliver manifold services to the electricity system, it has the
ability to store energy and to ease imbalances between demand and supply, it plays a prime
role in securing a stable electricity supply and in supporting the increased integration of more
variable renewable energy sources, it provides integrated water management (flood and
drought control) and it has the lowest carbon footprint and highest conversion efficiency of all
electricity generation technologies. This makes hydropower the most competitive reliable
renewable energy sourfce.
According to Eurelectric Synopsis Report [1], hydropower electricity generation in Europe
(installed power: 136GW; energy production: 338TWh/year) represents almost 70% of the
total renewable electricity generation. Although the hydropower development in Europe has
attained a relatively mature stage and the most of the best-suited sites have already been
developed, a significant potential for hydropower remains. At present, according to the same
report [1], only about half of the technically feasible potential has been developed in
EURELECTRIC Europe and this means that there is an additional potential of a 600
TWh/year. A large part of this potential is represented by low head hydropower plants which

can be realized on new sites or on existing weirs built for a different purpose (navigation,
flood control, water supply, irrigation etc.).
According to Stematiu [2], low head Small Hydropower Plants (SHP) are suitable for hill or
plain areas, where the energy is mostly given by the river flow. In these cases there are 2
possibilities to realize the small hydropower plant: to position it directly in the river bed or
along a short diversion channel [2]. The classical solution to build a low head power plant is
to endow it with a vertical shaft Kaplan turbine or with a Bulb. Regarding the sites with a
very low head (under 3.5 m), the classical solution of building the power plant becomes cost
ineffective, due to major construction works required to direct the water from the intake to the
runner and to recover the kinetic energy contained by water at the runner exit [3].
According to ONeil et al. [3], there is a direct link between water head and power plant civil
works. Thus, for a constant output, a reduction of the water head from 3.2 m to 1.4 m leads to
doubling of the runner diameter and to increase by 5 times the civil works. This is why very
low head sites are technically feasible, but unprofitable. This fact led to an important concern
of researchers on developing turbines that do not need major construction works, can easily
be implemented on existing dams that were built for other uses and some of them have the
capacity of being retractable in order not to influence the flow of the river during floods:
Archimedes screw; Very Low Head Turbine (VLH) and Floating turbines (Omega S and
Omega D). Because the environmental impact is a crucial parameter these turbines were
developed in order not to harm fish during operation and this fact makes them fish-friendly.
This paper presents a brief description of some of the available fish-friendly turbines
developed for very low head sites and some examples where they were successfully used.
2.

Archimedes screw type turbine

2.1. Short description

Archimedes screw is a spiral mechanism used to transfer the water to a higher point. Since
recently, this system was used to pump the water, but a few years ago it was discover that by
turning the device and letting the water gravitationally flow, electricity is produced.
From a constructive point of view, Archimedes screw (figure 1) consists of a spiral blade
around a central axis mounted inside a gutter.
Archimedes screw type turbines are suitable for low head sites (1 10 m) and low flow (0,1
6 m3/s). Using these values as parameters, electricity can be obtained at 77% efficiency. From
the output point of view, Archimedes screw type turbines are especially efficient for values
between 10 and 50 kW, with a maximum value of 200 kW [4].
This type of turbine can be used both for developing new small hydropower plants and also
for various small hydropower plants subordinated to other purposes due to the fact that civil
works are reduced.

Fig.1 Archimedes screw type turbine (scheme and example) [4]

The main advantages of this type of turbine are:

-

The efficiency curve is oblate, which means that the turbine runs at high efficiency
even though major flow/head variations appear. These turbines are efficient even at a
20% of the designed maximum flow.
Fish friendly turbine a series of studies showed that due to the slow motions of the
screw (28-30 rpm) and the large water flow space, all fish categories, including big
ones, can cross the turbine without getting hurt. In fact, the Archimedes screw is used
in some regions to move fish from one lake to another.
Trash tolerance due to its screw shape and its movement (mainly moving big
volumes of water) leaves, branches or other waste can cross the system without any
damage to its use.
Robustness it is given by the simple working and construction principles, and also
the waste tolerance. Because of these, Archimedes screw type turbine has a long
lifetime, reaching 40 years with minimum maintenance works.

2.2 Examples of Archimedes screw turbine

2.2.1 Romney Weir on the River Thames (Great Britain)

Fig.2 Two Archimedes screw type turbines at the Romney Weir

In order to power the Windsor Castle with electricity obtained from renewable sources, a
series of studies were realized to add a SHP to the 214 years old Romney weir on the river
Thames (Great Britain). The only economically viable solution was to use two 4 meter
diameter Archimedes screw type turbines, occupying two bays in the Romney Weir (the first
two on the right bank).
Specifications for the site are presented in table 1:
Table 1
Turbine specifications

Parameter
Turbine Type
Head
Flow of water
Installed Capacity
Annual energy output

Description
Two 4 meter diameter Archimedes screw turbines -12 m long
Weight of a turbine: 40 t
Maximum speed: 22 rpm
2m
Between 5 and 20 cubic meters per second depending on river flow
300 kW
1400000 kWh/year

The proposed construction period was the year 2009, but due to unpredictable causes, its
commissioning was postponed until December 2012.

3.

VLH Very low head turbines

VLH turbines are a viable option for low head sites. The VLH turbine (developed by MJ2
Technologies) is made of a single unit consisting of a generator, the turbine directly connected
to the generator, a trash rack and trash rack cleaning machine. The unit can be installed, using
minimum construction works, in the gate bays of the existing spillways dams or in a diversion
channel. This leads to a decreasing of investment costs. As an example, in figure 3 are
presented, for the same head, 3 turbine types and their specific construction works [3]. As it
can be seen, for the VLH turbine, the construction works are insignificant, and this thing is
possible due to the large dimensions of the runner (3.15 5.0 m), which leads to a low speed
of the water through the turbine (less than 2 m/s) [6].

Fig. 3 Structural differences on several types of low head turbines [3]

3.1. Short description

Fig. 4 VLH turbine [7]

The VLH Turbine (figure 4) is an Integrated Generating Set that incorporates an 8 adjustable
blades Kaplan runner, a fix distributor with a trash rack mounted on it, a generator directly
coupled to the runner shaft and an automatic trash rack cleaner.
The VLH Turbine is double regulated adjustable blades and variable speed. This
characteristic allows an efficient and stable operation under variable head/flow. The turbine
can operate on a high efficiency at less than 1/3 from total head.
Another feature of this turbine is that it can be used as a closing gate because the runner
blades are self-closing. This fact allows automatic upstream water level regulation and
eliminates the need for a separate closing gate.
The VLH Turbine is produced in standardized modules with runner diameter between 3.15 m
and 5.00 m. The generated electrical power of these modules oscillates between 100 kW and

500 kW. The head range of these turbines is 1.4 m and 3.2 m and the flow can oscillate
between 10 and 30 cubic meters [www.vlh-turbine.com].
Figure 5 presents the two possible positions of the turbine. The left side of the picture
presents the operating position and the right side presents the inspection/maintenance
position. The fact that the turbine can be lifted up has another major benefit during floods
the flow section is cleared and the flood can pass without any obstruction.

Fig. 5 VLH Turbine positioning - operating (a) and inspection/flooding (b) [3]

The fish survival tests carried out in 2008 and in 2010 demonstrated that this type of turbine is
a fish friendly one the survival rate of the tested fishes (catfish spawn and eels) for the latest
test was 100%.
3.2 Examples
3.2.1. Millau, France pilot site
The testing of the turbine took place in Millau, France. There, the existing dam that assured
the water for a pumping station was equipped with a 4,5 meters diameter VLH turbine which
was placed at the end of a short, 6 m wide headrace channel. The commissioning took place in
March 2007. [5]
The development characteristics are the following [5]:
-

Head: 2,5 m
Installed flow: 22,5 m3/s
Plant capacity: 410 kW
Energy: 2 GWh/year

The following figures present the layout plan and the longitudinal profile of the development
and a series of suggestive images.

Fig. 6 Layout plan and longitudinal profile Millau development, France [3]

Fig. 7 The intake structure and the headrace channel Millau development, France[13]

Fig. 8 VLH turbine (a) empty headrace channel (b) during operating time [13]

3.2.1. Marcinelle, Belgium Sambre River

The primary function of the Marcinelle dam is the fine regulation of water levels for
navigation purpose of the Mayenne River located in France. The existing water level and
flood regulation dam has been fitted with two VLH turbines of 325 kW capacity each, located
immediately downstream of the left bank regulating gates. The power plant was
commissioned on the 25th of November 2011 and the total cost of the investment reached
1.000.000 [8, 9].
The two turbines have a 3,55 runner diameter and are installed one next to the other on a
metallic structure that allows lifting them up in case of flooding/maintenance. The total time
of lifting/ descending the turbines is about 20 minutes.
The development characteristics are [8]:
-

Head: 3 m
Installed flow: 2 x 15 m3/s
Plant capacity: 650 kW (2 x 325 kW)

Energy: 2000000 kWh/year

The main criterion for choosing this type of turbine was its fish friendly characteristics.

Fig. 9 3D view of the turbine [8]

Fig. 10 The installing of the second turbine and the turbines in operating position [9]

Fig. 11 Turbines in inspection/flooding position [9]

4.

Rutten floating turbines Omega S and Omega D

The next two types of power plants that are presented are produced by the Belgian company
Rutten. The main interest of the company was to develop floating units (turbine + generator)
that dont need major construction works and can be installed on existing weirs. The head
range of these units is from 1.80 m to 4 m. The economic objective of the company was to
create them so the investment on a hydropower plant to be approximately 3300 / installed
kW [11].
The fact that these power plants are floating leads to an important advantage they can be
transported on water to the commissioning location and in case of flooding the module can be
removed and transported to a safe, previously, established location.
4.1. Omega S
Omega S module, presented in figure 12, represents a fish friendly siphon turbine which has
been developed for existing fixed weirs (stone weirs, needle weirs, etc.) and is recommended
for low head (2 3 m) and significant water flow.

Fig. 12 Omega S Turbine - floating siphon turbine scheme ( RUTTEN)

The Omega S unit is equipped with a 4 blades Kaplan turbine with adjustable pitch, a
generator and an automatic screen rake. The additional weight of the module in order to be
weighted is represented by the turbinated water.
The turbine was first tested at the Grosses Battes Dam in Liege on Ourthe River and it
produced green energy for 2 years (2006 and 2007). The energy production was 2.36 GWh
and 2.34 GWh.
The characteristics of the installed turbine were:
-

Head: 3 m
Installed flow: 27.5 m3/s
Minimum rate of flow: 14 m3/s
Plant capacity: 486 kW
Estimated energy production: 2.6 GWh/year

Runner diameter: 3.25 m (92 rot/min)

Figure 13 presents the turbine before the installing and after its commissioning:

Fig. 13 The floating siphon turbine from Grosses Battes Dam, Liege (before install and in operating mode) (
RUTTEN)

4.2. Omega D
The second type of power plant developed by Rutten is Omega D which is made from a direct
flow Kaplan turbine embedded in a floating structure consisting of modules placed side by
side. Each module is also equipped with a trash rack and for the entire power plant is
available a trash rack cleaner which can be moved from a module to another.
This structure has been developed for existing mobile weirs (it can be mounted downstream
of one of the gates, between the piles) but it can be used also for new low head dams by
mounting it on a diversion channel.
The Omega Turbine is not a regulated one and is working on the principle everything or
nothing so the number of working turbines varies according to the existing rate of flow.
Each module can directly be removed from the structure for inspection or maintenance and
the concerned gate is closed with a metal cofferdam [10].
As mentioned before, the structure is floating and in figure 14 it is presented a unit schematic
operating mode. First image presents the unit transport, the second image presents the unit
weighted and anchored and the third presents the last step the plants operating mode.

Fig. 14 Rutten floating turbine principle ( RUTTEN)

The characteristics of one module are:

-

Head: 1.80 4.00 m

Installed flow: 10 18 m3/s
Installed power: 120 560 kW

Runner diameter: 2.00 m

The development of this turbine was part of a project that consisted of the endowing of 9
navigation dams on the Haute-Meuse River with hydropower plants. Rutten Company
installed the first power plant made from Omega D modules at the Hun (Anhee) Dam on the
Haute-Meuse River. The purpose of the installation was the testing of the equipment and the
analysis of the turbine effects on the aquatic fauna.
The installed plant is made of 6 identical modules put together, with an installed flow for each
unit of 17 m3/s. The head available for the power plant is 2.8 m, which leads to an installed
capacity of approximately 2 MW. The estimated energy production of the power plant is 10
GWh/year.

Fig. 15 The floating turbine at the Hun Dam (Haute-Meuse) (Renouvelle nr 24, may 2010)

5.

Conclusions

Even if the hydropower development in Europe has attained a relatively mature stage an
important potential remains approximately half from the feasible technical one. An
important part of this potential is represented by the existing very low head sites which were
built for other purposes than hydropower (irrigation, navigation, water supply, etc).
Low head dams (new ones, and also the existing ones) have as a big disadvantage the fact that
the building of the power station in a classic manner implies major construction works which
leads to the unprofitability of the project. Due to this inconvenience, in order to reduce the
costs, hydro mechanic equipment constructors developed turbines which dont need major
civil works.
Some examples of new types of turbines for low head dams are presented: Archimedes screw,
VLH, Omega S and Omega D. The present paper presents a short description of them and
some examples of places where they were used. The advantage for these types of turbines is
that they can be used for new dams and also for the existing constructions.
Fish friendly hydraulic turbines (Archimedes screw, VLH, Omega S and Omega D) are
becoming more and more appreciated due to the fact that they protect icthyofauna, a main
condition imposed by most of the investors lately.
6. Acknowledgements
We would like to show our greatest appreciation to our supervisors, Prof. Dr. R. Sarghiuta
from TUCEB and Prof. Dr. Ph. Rigo from ULg, who were extremely helpful and offered
invaluable assistance, support and guidance and we would also like to convey thanks to the
Wallonie-Bruxelles International and the University of Liege for providing the financial
means and laboratory facilities for this study.
References
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]

Hydro in Europe: Powering Renewables Synopsis Report. EURELECTRIC, Septembre 2011

Stematiu, D. Amenajari hidroenergetice, Conspress Bucuresti, 2008
ONeil, C., Leclerc, M., Deschene, C. A new turbine for very low head applications. www.vlh-turbine.com
***, Small hydropower plant with Archimedes screw turbines. Dannex presentation brochure
Leclerc, M. The very low head turbine enters into industrial phase and confirms its extremely low
environmental impact. MJ2 Technologies, www.vlh-turbine.com
[6] Lautier, Ph., Ndjana, N., Leclerc, M., ONeil, C. Improved operation and power production of a very low
head hydraulic turbine. www.vlh-turbine.com
[7] ***, Very Low Head (VLH).OWA 11th Annual Power of Water Conference Presentation, October 2011
[8] ***, Energy recovery in existing infrastructures with small hydropower plants. Multipurpose schemes
Overview and examples
[9] MJ2 Technologies, Turbine de tres basses chutes, very low head turbine: letter dinformation no 11, October
2011
[10] Ministere de lEcologie, du Developpement durable, des Transports et du Logement, Departement
Multimodalite, Rapport Microcentrales Hydroelectriques, fevrier 2012
[11] Vervack G. Les systemes de production denergie renouvelable: application au sein dune commune,
Universite Libre de Bruxelles, Institut de Gestion de lEnvironnement du Territoire, Faculte de Science,
Master en sciences et gestion de lenvironnement, 2007-2008
[12] MannPower Consulting Limited and Eco Evolution presentation, Archimedes Screw. Hydropower Systems,
January 2010
[13] ***, Groupe Turbo Gnrateur pour trs basse chute - Prsentation, Energia, 06.12.2007