Enhanced Operational Flexibility of a Small Run-of-River Hydropower Plant

Over the last two decades, public policies for promoting new renewable energies allowed growth of such around world. Due to their success, are changing, forcing producers adapt strategy. For instance, in Switzerland, feed-in tariff system has been modified 2018 promote an electricity production from that matches demand. small hydraulic power plants owners, a change requires increase flexibility fleet. The SmallFLEX project, led by HES-SO Valais, aims at demonstrating on pilot site Gletsch-Oberwald owned Forces Motrices Valaisannes SA, possibilities plant and provide services. paper focuses methodology followed warranty use settling basin, forebay tank, third upper part headrace tunnel as smart storage volume. By combining laboratory tests, numerical simulations, on-site measurements, range operating conditions defined. These data can be used foresee economic gains. outputs project useful performing study other plants.