Small Hydro – We Are Your Partner throughout the Entire Project Lifecycle
Small hydropower plants are sophisticated and reliable solutions for a sustainable energy supply. Our experts at Voith are here to accompany you throughout the entire lifecycle of your project. From selection of products and services all the way to the operation, service, and modernization of your plants.
150
150
years of experience in the development of high-performance technologies for small hydropower.
60
60
countries in which Voith Hydro has delivered and commissioned small hydropower plants.
1000
1000
small hydropower plants have been delivered and put into operation by Voith Hydro.
Discover Our Broad Portfolio of Products and Services
By perfectly aligning electric, hydraulic, and control components and developing them in an integrated manner, we are able to optimize the energy production and lifecycle of your plant. For us, efficient power supply means reconciling economic efficiency with environmental friendliness: we consciously and sparingly use natural resources for high-capacity utilization to increase earnings.
Understanding the Powerhouse – a Deep Dive into the Layers
As a special type of run-of-river, low-head hydropower has a tremendous potential on waterways around the world. More than 85% of existing dams are not yet electrified, and the majority of them have low heads. An economic and ecological solution is needed to make these sites bankable. Voith’s answer is the StreamDiver.
Our portfolio of turbines offers an economical solution for all requirements. For smaller hydropower plants, Voith delivers attractively priced systems in a standardized design – and individually adjusts them to accommodate their environment. Choose from our wide range of turbines, including the pump turbines Francis, Kaplan, and Pelton
For more than 100 years, Voith Hydro has developed, built, and installed hydraulic machines for the development of hydropower. During this time, Voith Hydro has contributed significantly to the advancement of many types of hydropower turbines. Thousands of installed hydropower plants worldwide were provided with turbines made by Voith Hydro. The foundation of Voith Hydro’s expertise is the accumulation of operating results from the plants over time.
Our Pelton turbines are particularly well suited to larger heads, allowing an excellent partial-load operation – to ensure high efficiency at a wide flow range.
Technical Data
Shaft
Horizontal or vertical
Nozzles
1–6 nozzles
Regulation
Inner and outer regulated nozzles
Bearings
Overhung 2-bearings, 3- or 4-bearings arrangement of turbine generator unit
Range of application
Up to 1,000 m head and 30 MW Standardized solutions possible up to 700 m head and 10 MW
Hy2Grid is a modular, full-service solution for small hydropower plants. It covers the entire product range of electrical systems for connecting a hydropower plant to the grid and offers an automation solution from a single source. In addition, Hy2Grid gives our customers a competitive edge.
Technical Data – Base-Line
Power units
1–2 turbines, each with up to 1.2 MW output
Power train
Low-voltage generator and bus bar
Plant setup
All auxiliary systems close to power unit on the same level
IIoT
Base supervision and optional cloud-based apps
Technical Data – Compact-Line
Power units
As standard up to 4 units with up to 12 MW output per turbine
Power train
Medium-voltage generator and bus bar (connected to high-voltage grid)
Plant setup
Connects distributed auxiliary systems with standardized interfaces
IIoT
IIoT-ready for next generation with all cloud-based apps for optimization, supervision, and comfortable control of the hydropower plant
Technical Data – Flex-Line
Power units
Unlimited units up to 30 MW output per turbine
Power train
Medium-voltage generator and bus bar (connected to high-voltage grid)
Plant setup
Connects distributed auxiliary systems with standardized interfaces
IIoT
IIoT-ready for next generation with all cloud-based apps for optimization, supervision, and comfortable control of the hydropower plant
Additional features
Primary frequency control, voltage stabilizer, island mode operation, and additional functionality available
Hy2Grid is a modular, full-service solution for small hydropower plants. It covers the entire product range of electrical systems for connecting a hydropower plant to the grid and offers an automation solution from a single source. In addition, Hy2Grid gives our customers a competitive edge.
The compact standard is the best fit for most small hydropower plants. This product line connects decentralized auxiliary systems that are no longer next to each other or on the same floor level.
Range
Power units
As standard up to 4 units with up to 12 MW output per turbine
Power train
Medium-voltage generator and bus bar (connected to high-voltage grid)
Plant setup
Connects distributed auxiliary systems with standardized interfaces
IIoT
IIoT-ready for next generation with all cloud-based apps for optimization, supervision, and comfortable control of the hydropower plant
This product line is based on the Compact Line; however, it includes further functionality for larger-sized small hydropower plants or special applications.
Range
Power units
Unlimited units up to 30 MW output per turbine
Power train
Medium-voltage generator and bus bar (connected to high-voltage grid)
Plant setup
Connects distributed auxiliary systems with standardized interfaces
IIoT
IIoT-ready for next generation with all cloud-based apps for optimization, supervision, and comfortable control of the hydropower plant
Additional features
Primary frequency control, voltage stabilizer, island mode operation, and additional functionality available
Hydro Pocket is an intuitive, simple, cloud-based application that allows plant owners and operators to monitor, analyze and optimize hydropower stations.
Voith Hydro has long-term experience in generator design, manufacturing, and servicing. This expertise allows us to manage and integrate the most suitable generator for your specific project and provide you with the full service in your hydropower plant. Contact our experts for further information or learn about our integrated plant solutions or service offerings.
Our mechanical and electrical systems for power plant equipment are also planned in an integrated manner, with a tailored overall system. This includes cooling water, dewatering and drainage systems, hydraulic power units, compressed-air supply, crane equipment, and fire protection, as well as heating, ventilation air conditioning, and an electrical substation with electrical protection and control cabinets, UPS, DC/AC, and SCADA.
You can rely on our on-site experts – around the world. We can support you with individual, tailored solutions for your plant throughout its entire lifecycle from planning to maintenance and modernisation.
Industry, technology and finance experts work side by side – to make sure that you receive the advice and support you need in each phase of your hydropower project to take you to the next level.
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512
Voith experts support you worldwide
Advice, planning, financing: We accompany you for the duration of your project
Voith is the partner at your side – from the planning phase to the construction of your plant. We combine technological know-how with expertise in the development and financing of small hydropower plants to make sure that your project comes to life. We will share our knowledge and expertise with you and support you on the road to the realisation of your small hydropower plant.
Maintaining the maximum efficiency of your system is our goal – which is why we offer individual, affordable service solutions. Whether for regular maintenance or emergencies: our HyService Team is available around the world, day and night.
Modernization: an advantage for operators and the environment
Hydropower plants are systems that last for generations. That’s why modernization is one of our key business areas. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, performance and energy yield can be significantly increased. That also benefits the environment.
Having reached a century or more in operation, many of the plants utilizing Camelback turbines are in constant need of repairs and modernization. As the Francis-type turbines and generators reach the end of their useful life, plant owners are faced with continuous, labor intensive and often very costly repairs. Failures are unpredictable and often result in lengthy, unplanned outages, which are difficult to mitigate. Working in close collaboration with Voith, you benefit from a reliable solution with a focus on the economic viability for your specific site.
HydroSchool delivers training solutions for all hydropower-related topics, thus, bridging the gap between technology and industry experience. It provides an exchange of knowledge for the individual training needs of our customers and partners. Participants benefit from Voith’s long-term experience in the hydropower industry.
Voith Small Hydro embraces over 1.000 projects worldwide. With our Voith Hydro reference world map you get access to detailed information on a selection of dedicated projects.
1000
1000
Small hydropower plants have been delivered and put in operation by Voith Hydro.
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Successful projects around the world
In close collaboration with our customers on site, we develop tailored solutions for small hydropower systems. Before the start of operation, we are able to master the most diverse local challenges together.
