For many years humanity endeavours to use the power of water for power generation. After many stages of development (waterwheel, …) todays latest technologies are used.
Run-of-river plants transform the power of running water into electrical energy.
Depending on fall height and flow rate, different types of power plants and turbines are used. This type of power plant produces electricity constantly and is used to cover the base load.
Storage power plants are hydroelectric power plants equipped with dams. The advantage of such plants is that in case of increased electricity requirement they can be taken into operation within few minutes. As a result of the quick set into operation phase storage power plants are used for periods of peak power demand. Stored electricity which can be released at peak periods is extremely valuable, because it can be produced according to requirements.
Pelton-Turbine |
Cross-Flow Turbine |
Francis-Turbine |
Kaplan-Turbine |
|
Volume flow |
relative slight |
slight |
medium |
high |
Drop height |
very high |
low |
medium |
low |
Field of application |
Storage power plant, Hydraulic power plant |
Hydraulic power plant |
allround operativ |
Hydraulic power plant |
Efficiency factor |
up to 90 % |
ca. 80 % |
ca. 90 % |
up to 96 % |