A system includes first and second dam modules, a power generation unit, and first and second turbine modules. The first dam module can be secured to a foundation of a dam site and redirect a first flow of water. The second dam module can be secured to the first dam module opposite the foundation and redirect a second flow of water. The first turbine module can be secured to the foundation. The second turbine module can be secured to the first turbine module opposite the foundation. The power generation unit includes a turbine to be driven by a third flow of water at least partially including at least one of the first flow of water or the second flow of water. The first turbine module includes a draft tube having an inlet to receive water from the turbine and an outlet to discharge water from the first turbine module.

The invention that relates to the field of hydropower scheduling presents a method for long-tens optimal operations of interprovincial hydropower system considering peak-shaving demands. It can take full advantage of the differences of hydrological characteristics among hydropower plants on different rivers to implement compensation operations of interprovincial hydropower system. In this operation, typical daily load demands during dry season are considered to optimize the allocation of hydropower production over one year. The purpose is to increase the dispatchable generation capacity for peak demands of power grids. The technology scheme of the invention can be summarized as follows. A multi-objective model of hydropower system operations is established with maximizing generation production and minimizing the difference rate between peak and valley load during dry period. The difference of hydrological characteristics and regulation performance between rivers and plants are utilized to divide all power plants into several groups and their calculation order. A hybrid algorithm that integrating progressive optimality algorithm and discrete differential dynamic programming is presented to optimize monthly reservoir levels of hydropower plants. During optimization, a load reconstruction-based strategy is used to handle time-coupled network security constraints so that feasible hourly generation schedules far peak-shaving are easily obtained. An iterative procedure is executed to obtain the optimal monthly generation schedules and hourly power curves at the typical day of each month. The invention can make full use of the compensation operation characteristics of hydropower plants to meet the demands of coordinating monthly generation production and daily peak power. It is capable of providing the support for interprovincial power transmission and joint operations of China's huge hydropower plants such as Xiluodu and Jinping.

The invention that relates to the field of hydropower scheduling presents a method for long-tens optimal operations of interprovincial hydropower system considering peak-shaving demands. It can take full advantage of the differences of hydrological characteristics among hydropower plants on different rivers to implement compensation operations of interprovincial hydropower system. In this operation, typical daily load demands during dry season are considered to optimize the allocation of hydropower production over one year. The purpose is to increase the dispatchable generation capacity for peak demands of power grids. The technology scheme of the invention can be summarized as follows. A multi-objective model of hydropower system operations is established with maximizing generation production and minimizing the difference rate between peak and valley load during dry period. The difference of hydrological characteristics and regulation performance between rivers and plants are utilized to divide all power plants into several groups and their calculation order. A hybrid algorithm that integrating progressive optimality algorithm and discrete differential dynamic programming is presented to optimize monthly reservoir levels of hydropower plants. During optimization, a load reconstruction-based strategy is used to handle time-coupled network security constraints so that feasible hourly generation schedules far peak-shaving are easily obtained. An iterative procedure is executed to obtain the optimal monthly generation schedules and hourly power curves at the typical day of each month. The invention can make full use of the compensation operation characteristics of hydropower plants to meet the demands of coordinating monthly generation production and daily peak power. It is capable of providing the support for interprovincial power transmission and joint operations of China's huge hydropower plants such as Xiluodu and Jinping.

The present disclosure relates to a method for constructing a penstock. A path of the penstock to be dug along a central axis of a hydro-electric site within a rock mass is planned. A lower shaft is excavated, the lower shaft intersecting the path of the penstock. A starting station extending from the lower shaft and from a bottom of the path of the penstock is excavated. The penstock is excavated. An arrival station is excavated and is overhanging above a top of the penstock. An expansion chamber broadening a width of the penstock and broadening a width of the lower shaft near the bottom of the path of the penstock is excavated. A hydro-electric site comprising the penstock is also disclosed.

The present disclosure relates to a method for constructing a penstock. A path of the penstock to be dug along a central axis of a hydro-electric site within a rock mass is planned. A lower shaft is excavated, the lower shaft intersecting the path of the penstock. A starting station extending from the lower shaft and from a bottom of the path of the penstock is excavated. The penstock is excavated. An arrival station is excavated and is overhanging above a top of the penstock. An expansion chamber broadening a width of the penstock and broadening a width of the lower shaft near the bottom of the path of the penstock is excavated. A hydro-electric site comprising the penstock is also disclosed.

A hydroelectric power system includes a fluid channel having a bottom surface and side walls configured to form a fluid passage, a upraised curved lip integral with the bottom surface and configured to form a cavity, and a turbine in fluid communication with the fluid channel, the turbine being configured to fit at least partially within the cavity of the upraised curved lip. A method includes creating a spatial fluid flow of the fluid traveling through the fluid channel with the upraised curved lip and creating electrical power via the turbine with the fluid passing over the upraised curved lip.

A growing unit for biological hydrosynthesis, energy generation and storage and/or topsoil restoration, the growing unit comprising: a container configured for growing plants and containing a growth media located therein; a reservoir located in a lower portion of the container and associated with an outlet portion of the container, and a substantially vertical liquid inlet pipe associated with the reservoir, wherein the growth media comprises a mixture including a first catalyst, wherein the first catalyst stimulates formation of a humified soil and wherein the growth media is amended with an irrigation liquid which stimulates biological activity in the growth media and in and adjacent to the reservoir.

A growing unit for biological hydrosynthesis, energy generation and storage and/or topsoil restoration, the growing unit comprising: a container configured for growing plants and containing a growth media located therein; a reservoir located in a lower portion of the container and associated with an outlet portion of the container, and a substantially vertical liquid inlet pipe associated with the reservoir, wherein the growth media comprises a mixture including a first catalyst, wherein the first catalyst stimulates formation of a humified soil and wherein the growth media is amended with an irrigation liquid which stimulates biological activity in the growth media and in and adjacent to the reservoir.

A portable hydropower module is provided for the generation of economical hydroelectric power at low-head sites, such as dams and weirs. More particularly, the portable hydropower modules are able to streamline the construction of power generation facilities and improve the economics of hydropower development for low-head sites. The portable hydropower modules may be produced off-site and then transported, such as by floating, to the designated low-head site. The portable hydropower modules may be specifically designed to efficiently facilitate the energy capabilities at the chosen low-head sites.

A portable hydropower module is provided for the generation of economical hydroelectric power at low-head sites, such as dams and weirs. More particularly, the portable hydropower modules are able to streamline the construction of power generation facilities and improve the economics of hydropower development for low-head sites. The portable hydropower modules may be produced off-site and then transported, such as by floating, to the designated low-head site. The portable hydropower modules may be specifically designed to efficiently facilitate the energy capabilities at the chosen low-head sites.