SCREW TURBINE IN SMALL HYDROPOWER

Aim of the study The paper presents the areas of small hydropower where screw turbines are used. Aspects in favor of the development and the need for the construction of further small hydropower plants with screw turbine sets were described. A review of selected facilities existing in Poland using this solution is presented, as well as issues related to their operation are described. Variant examples of proprietary solutions of various turbine-passage systems have been shown. Material and methods Based on the available literature and source materials, as well as the inventory of existing small hydropower plants (SHP) with screw turbines, a review of these facilities was prepared. The authors' work on their own solutions is based on observations, knowledge and experience. Concepts of new and innovative solutions combining the objectives of hydropower and environmental protection were presented. The ongoing development and improvement works of the designed turbine-passage systems will soon allow for the implementation of these structures on the planned facilities. Results and conclusions Conducting a wide review of small hydroelectric power plants equipped with screw turbines shows how much interest there is in the development and application of this technology in hydropower. These devices have many environmental advantages. The authors are working on their own solutions based on the classic screw turbine integrated with a helical fish pass.