WHS can provide you with all your hydrological needs for hydropower schemes:

• Pre-feasibility resource assessment using the LowFlows software
• At-site continuous river gauging
• Resource availability to support licence applications (e.g. CAR) and power generation potential calculations/turbine ratings
• Estimation of resource availability from ungauged impounding reservoirs
• Aquatic environmental impact assessment

We have extensive experience and expertise in resolving the problems associated with the measurement of river flows and the estimation of water resources for the assessment of hydropower generation potential. WHS can provide these services at any point during the resource assessment process, including evaluation and further assessment of existing at-site river flow data. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Pre-feasibility theoretical resource availability

The WHS team includes the authors of the LowFlows software and are recognised experts in resource assessment utilising both modelled and monitored flow data. We continue to develop estimation methods and members of our team have developed all recognised methods published for the UK for the estimation of flow statistics within ungauged catchments.

Using LowFlows we can provide theoretical estimates of flow duration curves through our retrievals service. We have unparalleled expertise in integrating local measured data to further improve the estimation of resource availability.

River gauging

Our dedicated hydrometric monitoring team can provide you with a cost-effective service of continuous river gauging to support your hydropower scheme proposal, including continuous river flow or stage measurement, spot/check gaugings and rain gauges. See our hydrometric services for further details.

Resource availability

Once short-term river flow measurements have been taken, we can provide you with a robust estimate of the long-term flow duration statistics, including a full assessment of resource availability and determination of environmental reserves.

We use the following four steps in deriving these statistics.

• Step 1: Review and quality control of the continuous measured data
  A critical review of data looking for step changes/trends.
• Step 2: For stage data, construct rating curves
  Our experts have a full appreciation of the critical nature of the development of rating curves.
• Step 3: Review and quality control the gauged data
  Following derivation of the short-term gauged flows (using the rating curve), the flows are analysed against hydrologically similar (analogue) long-term gauged flow records.
• Step 4: Analyse the quality-controlled data and provide long-term flow duration curves for the site
  Our reports provide a best estimate of the long-term flow duration curve derived using expert knowledge of a combination of different techniques, and an understanding of the most appropriate applications and associated uncertainties.

Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Estimation of resource availability from ungauged impounding reservoirs

There is a good potential for hydropower schemes using existing public water supply reservoir systems. WHS has developed a conceptual model to determine the likely time available during a complete year when a turbine could operate at maximum design flows, taking into account the primary function of the reservoirs for water supply purposes. Through the customisation of the generic WHS-RESSIM model, we can provide a low cost estimation of the reliability of yield for a reservoir system with little, or no hydrometric data.

Please contact us to discuss your requirements.