Study on influences of runoff delay phenomenon on operation efficiency of low- head small hydropower stations in cascade hydropower system

Abstract

    Operating low – head small hydropower stations in cascade hydropower system has recorded a phenomenon of runoff delay among these stations. This phenomenon is the runoff comes to the lower stations of the system unpunctually to generate power as requirement; therefore, it decreases power
generation effect of plants. Two factors reflect influences of this phenomenon: increasing water consumption rate due to decreasing water level in reservoir and decreasing electricity average price due to generation on low electricity price time. In this study, we study influences of the runoff delay time on the income of these stations. Hence, some recommendations are proposed in the planning, design, and operation of low – head small hydropower stations in cascade hydropower system.