We have recently completed work on a hydro powered generating turbine plant at J2 Business Park, Bury in conjunction with B&E Boys and Hallidays Hydropower Limited.
The site, a former dye works dating back to 1756, is situated on the River Roche between Rochdale and Radcliffe, Greater Manchester.
The first stage of the works involved re-grading of the river bed and building cofferdams to segregate the construction zone from the river flow. The foundations of the turbine housing where constructed below the level of the river so water tightness and therefore safety were of paramount importance.
Although one structure, the reinforced in-situ construction comprises three main elements:
- The water inlet area that takes a controlled flow from the river. This section incorporates a debris screen to stop items from entering and potentially damaging the turbine.
- The turbine house contains the electrical and control equipment to take the power generated by the turbine and distribute it. Numerous electronic and mechanical features help to ensure the safe and efficient running of the plant.
- The turbine housing is home to the Archimedes screw that is used to harnesses the flow of the river. Here the ‘used’ water is safely returned back to the natural flow of the river.
Following construction, work then involved securing and grouting the Archimedes screw, installation of services and the installation of safety screens.
The final stage of the project was to reinstate landscaping to the surrounding areas to blend in with the new development.
The turbine installed at J2 Hydro is capable or generating around 70kw (kilowatts), enough green electricity to power approximately 30 homes. It is estimated to produce 195Mwh per year. In this instance, most of the power produced will be used to power the adjacent industrial premises with the remainder being fed back into the national grid.
Following this successful project, DTM Groundworks Ltd is already looking to commence work on their next hydro electricity project.
More about Hydro Power
Hydropower is the renewable energy contained in flowing water. DTM Groundworks Ltd have carried out or are currently advising on several run-of-river hydro electricity projects where the natural flow of a river is used to drive a turbine.
Hydropower is a key element of the aspiration to generate more sustainable energy in the UK. Recent concern around pollution and energy security has led to a renewed interest in Hydropower as a truly renewable and clean source of green energy.
Hydroelectric power provides the following benefits:
- Hydropower is a continuously renewable electrical energy source generating consistent and clean electricity.
- Hydropower is non-polluting and no heat or noxious gases are released during energy production.
- Hydropower reduces the UK’s dependency on burning fossil fuels.
- Hydropower is truly renewable and produces energy continuously 24 hours per day with no intermittency problems often associated with other renewable solutions.
- A well designed hydro scheme will result in almost zero noise pollution or visual impact.
- Due to the fact that Hydropower has no operating fuel cost and extremely low operating and maintenance costs, it is an essentially inflation proof method of generating power.
- Hydroelectric stations have a long life and many existing stations have been in operation for more than half a century and are still operating efficiently.
- Hydropower station efficiencies of over 90% are achieved making it the most efficient of energy conversion technologies.
If you need our expert advice on your hydro project please do not hesitate to contact us.
