Small Hydro is nearly endless, ecologically and commercially sustainable
Complete water-to-wire solutions designed and manufactured by Voith.
There is tremendous potential in small hydro sites – thousands of existing low-head hydro sites and underutilized resources waiting for retrofitting or upgrades. Energy recovery, as well as new run-of-river sites, provide outstanding potential. The M-Line product line represents comprehensive solutions for the sustainable generation of electricity from these resources. Standardized products for individual applications offer an attractive blend of high performance, quality and cost efficiency.
Benefits of Small Hydro
- Economically viable
- Available globally with benefits for remote communities
- Low environmental footprint and risks
- Easy to operate and to service
- High-quality energy resource
- Long lifetime of power stations
- Sustainable renewable resource with lowest CO2 footprint
The M-Line product range
In many respects Small Hydro requires smart and innovative as well as holistic concepts to find the best solution for a specific site and save time and cost on all aspects of the project.
M-Line – modular solutions for hydropower stations
The M-Line comprises simplified, highly standardized turbine-generator units and its auxiliary systems. The system is pre-assembled which allows fast and easy erection at site. With integrated controls and actuators, it provides a compact and reliable water-to-wire system.
M-Line Kaplan
Design features
- Vertical Kaplan unit
- Double-regulated (guide vane and runner)
- Directly coupled synchronous generator (gear box as option)
- Highly efficient hydraulic design
- Short erection time due to pre-assembled parts on mounting frame
- Modular and compact concept
Technical Data
- Head range: 2 to 10 m
- Flow range: 2 to 20 m3/s
- Output: Up to 1 000 kW
M-Line Francis
Design features
- Horizontal Francis unit
- Single regulation (guide vanes)
- Directly coupled synchronous generator
- High-quality runner technology
- Optimized and standardized steel parts
- Optimazation of auxiliary systems
Technical Data
- Head range: 20 to 80 m
- Flow range: 0.25 to 3,80 m3/s
- Output: Up to 1 700 kW
M-Line Pelton
Design features
- Vertical Pelton unit
- From 3 to 6 nozzles
- Jet deflector for load rejection
- Directly coupled synchronous generator
- Compact turbine-generator unit
- Optimization of auxiliary systems
- Modular construction
Technical Data
- Head range: 80 to 340 m
- Flow range: 0,4 to 1,6 m3/s
- Output: Up to 4 750 kW
StreamDiver – Low head hydropower applications
The StreamDiver provides an industry-wide unique design which allows a simplification of the entire power house design. The StreamDiver product family covers many applications. Lubrication and cooling water systems are not required, actuation systems for control and start-up are reduced to a minimum. A flexible and modular integration into the civil infrastructure is possible due to the modular line as all assemblies are modularized and standardized. Ease of installation and maintenance allow cost savings throughout the project phase.
Design features
- Highly efficient propeller turbine (runner regulation as option)
- Direct-driven permanent magnet synchronous generator
- River-water lubricated bearing design with outstanding lifetime
- Completely oil- and grease-free operation
- Modular design for sites with high flow (parallel generation of multiple units)
- Civil concepts with flexible integration into existing structures
- Additional options such as variable speed and fail-safe stop mechanisms
Technical Data
- Head range: Up to 12 m (possibility to a higher head range due to InPipe solutions)
- Flow range: Up to 23 m3/s
- Output: Up to 2 000 kW
Automation systems – Low- and medium-voltage platform for all M-Line products
The automation system yields as a standardized low- and medium-voltage platform for all M-Line products. The design concept minimizes complexity by focusing on mandatory systems only. Additional functionality and systems can be added as options to account for local grid codes or customer preferences.
Functions
- Low voltage switchgear assembly
- Unit and line protection and synchronization
- Central plant control (common control functions)
- Automatic voltage regulator (AVR)
- AC/DC auxiliary supply
- Alarm and remote monitoring system
- Additional options for island operation, UPS, variable speed, additional excitation and stand-alone container solutions
The right solutions for every application
M-Line – Benefits making the difference
Economical
Making projects viable
- Shortened project lead and construction time due to standardized and pre-assembled system
- Focusing on total cost of ownership
- Innovative, compact and modular designs
Simply reliable
Proven technology
- Tested and manufactured according to global Voith standards
- Downsized from state-of-the-art designs
- Long-standing expertise with hundreds of references and a global network
Environmentally friendly
In harmony with nature
- Oil-free designs
- Small and compact solutions for remote areas
- Fish-friendly power house designs
- Sustainable renewable energy source
Have a look at our global experiences
Floresti 1 - Unit 3 (Romania)
- Horizontal Francis unit
- Low-head Francis unit
- Complete water-to-wire supply from Voith (mechanical and electrical scope)
| Commissioning | 2015 |
| Plant output | 761 kW |
| Head range | 30.7 m |
| Flow range | 3 m3/s |
| Units | 1 |
Nogueira (Brazil)
- Low head StreamDiver unit
| Commissioning | 2018 |
| Plant output | 770 kW |
| Head range | 8,15 m |
| Units | 7 |
Babino Polje (Montenegro)
- High head turbine-generator with auxillaries
- 3 and 6 nozzle vertical Pelton
- Pelton turbine without jet deflector
| Commissioning | 2017 |
| Plant output | 1 640 kW and 618 kW |
| Head range | 186 m and 174 m |
| Flow range | 1 m3/s and 0.4 m3/s |
| Units | 2 |
Voith is your water-to-wire partner for the whole project duration – and beyond
Your contact for M-Line solutions – how can we help you?
The Voith network of experts makes a difference
Small hydropower plants by Voith are sophisticated and reliable solutions for a sustainable energy supply. Our experts at Voith are here to accompany you from the selection of products to the start of operation all the way to the maintenance and modernization.
Learn more about Small Hydro