Prospects for the development of low-head micro-hydroelectric power plants as part of hydraulic structures

The article examines the role and prospects of low-head micro-hydropower (up to 100 kW) as a sustainable and reliable energy source for decentralized power supply. An overview of modern technological solutions is presented, including integration schemes for existing hydraulic structures, modular container-based designs, and a range of turbine equipment (orthogonal, screw, rotary, and helical turbines). Using the example of field tests of a domestic development – a micro-hydro power plant with an orthogonal turbine at the Khorobrovsky hydropower facility – pathways to overcoming technical barriers and further prospects for the development of this alternative energy sector are demonstrated. The main objectives of the conducted research are to perform a comparative analysis of various turbine types based on key parameters and to generalize the experience from field tests of the domestic micro-hydro power plant with an orthogonal turbine at the Khorobrovsky facility. This includes assessing its energy efficiency, installation feasibility, and suitability for autonomous operation. A comprehensive comparative analysis of all prospective turbine types for low-head conditions has been conducted, taking into account both traditional parameters (efficiency, head) and factors critical for practical implementation – installation speed, cost of integration into existing infrastructure, and suitability for autonomous operation. It is concluded that low-head micro-hydropower holds significant potential for ensuring energy security in remote areas and achieving low-carbon development goals.

1. Kougias, Ioannis & Aggidis, George & Avellan, François & Deniz, Sabri & Lundin, Urban & Moro, Alberto & Muntean, Sebastian & Novara, Daniele & Pérez-Díaz, Juan & Quaranta, Emanuele & Schild, Philippe & Theodossiou, Nicolaos. (2019). Analysis of emerging technologies in the hydropower sector. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 113. 10.1016/j.rser.2019.109257.

2. Krylov A.P., Bakshtanin A.M. New Concepts in the Development of Micro-Hydropower. Hydraulics in Pressure Conduits of Micro-HPPs // Prirodoobustroystvo. 2017. No. 5, P. 8-12.

3. Bakshtanin A.M., Krylov A.P., Beglyarova E.S. Investment Attractiveness of Tidal Energy and Factors Determining Its Development Globally // Prirodoobustroystvo. 2021. No. 2. P 50-57. EDN: HLHMMF

4. Zubarev M.A. Economic feasibility of using micro-hydroelectric power plants in various regions of Russia // Economy and paradigm of the new time. 2025. No. 8 (41). URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/ekonomicheskaya-tselesoo-braznost-ispolzovaniya-mikro-ges-v-razlichnyh-regionah-rossii.

5. Bakshtanin A.M., Krylov A.P., Beglyarova E.S. Experimental studies of a model and working installation of a portable micro-hydroelectric power plant with a siphon water supply // Prirodoobustrojsto. 2020. No. 3. EDN: HAONND

6. Experimental studies of micro-hydroelectric power plants with a siphon water supply // Hydrotechnical construction. Moscow, 2021. No. 3, P. 22-26. EDN: XYIEHY

7. G.A. Aggidis E. Luchinskaya, R. Rothschild, D.C. Howard, The costs of small-scale hydro power production: Impact on the development of existing potential, Renewable Energy, Volume 35, Issue 12, 2010, Pages 2632-2638, ISSN 0960-1481, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2010.04.008

8. Shaun Waters, George A. Aggidis, Over 2000 years in review: Revival of the Archimedes Screw from Pump to Turbine, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Volume 51, 2015, Pages 497-505, ISSN 1364-0321, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2015.06.028

9. V, Jayaram & Bavanish B. (2022). Design and analysis of gorlov helical hydro turbine on index of revolution. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. 47. 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.07.181.

10. Aiming Zhang, Sen Liu, Yong Ma, Chao Hu, Zhengyu Li, Field tests on model efficiency of twin vertical axis helical hydrokinetic turbines, Energy, Volume 247, 2022, 123376, ISSN 0360-5442, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2022.123376

11. Chalaca, Andrés & Velásquez, Laura & Rubio-Clemente, Ainhoa & Chica, Edwin. (2024). Design and Optimization of a Gorlov-Type Hydrokinetic Turbine Array for Energy Generation Using Response Surface Methodology. Energies. 17. 4870. 10.3390/en17194870.

12. Juliana Guerra, Laura Velásquez, Ainhoa Rubio-Clemente, Leyla Jaramillo, Edwin Chica, Design and optimization of a siphon turbine using the response surface methodology, Results in Engineering, Volume 22, 2024, 102241, ISSN 2590-1230, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2024.102241

13. Historian B.L., Shpolyansky Yu.B. Prospects for the use of an orthogonal turbine at low-pressure hydroelectric facilities. 1993. No 11, P. 28-34..

14. Pribadyo P. & Hadiyanto H. & Jamari J. (2020). Study of low head turbine propellers axial flow for use of micro-hydropower plant (MHP) in Aceh, Indonesia. Journal of Physics: Conference Series. 1524. 012019. 10.1088/1742-6596/1524/1/012019.