Design of run-of-river mini-hydro plants

The project

Construction of a hydroelectric plant in the municipality of Tigliole d’Asti, located along an existing irrigation canal, serving a mill that is now disused.

The project in question, located in an agricultural context, involves the use of existing structures on the left bank of the Triversa stream, without making any significant changes, with particular regard to the existing diversion weir, the Molino canal and the flood relief channel.

The construction of the plant using a hydraulic screw conveyor requires a low economic outlay, relating only to civil works, as there is no need to build underground chambers in which to place the turbine. It follows that the main works can be attributed to:

• rebuilding of the embankment walls
• construction of the central premises
• construction of the overflow structure.

Following a specific topographical survey, it was possible to determine the exact positioning of the existing structures.

The current derivation will be maintained by replacing the existing sluice gate with an automatic one controlled by a PLC, in order to ensure priority release of the DMV.

In summary, the following measures are planned:

• replacement of the existing diversion gate with an automatic one, which always guarantees priority release of the DMV
• reprofiling and reshaping of the irrigation canal bed along the section undergoing works, in order to ensure that water levels are contained in line with the new concession flow rate
• demolition and reconstruction of existing reinforced concrete embankment walls
  construction of a bypass channel with lateral spillway to ensure optimal operation of the structure
• civil engineering works related to the production building
• installation of the hydraulic screw conveyor and necessary ancillary works.

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Project Sheet