Lost Energy of Water Spilled over Hydropower Dams

Abstract

The present paper presents a view of water spilled over hydropower plants as an energy loss. In the current climate conditions, flood events are becoming more frequent due to human impact on the environment; water spills are also more frequent, which means more and more energy is lost. How much water is spilled and, consequently, how much energy is lost is shown in the present article on the chain of power plants on the Sava River in the five years from 2015 to 2019. An analytical assessment of the current situation in the lock was carried out, which showed that the available water through the locks could be used efficiently. The paper presents a case study of one overflow event lasting 48 h. The calculated theoretical losses of energy (of spilled water) and possible technical implementation for capturing losses are given. The proposed technical implementation is based on established technology, so we could expect that the approach is feasible. The results show that the estimated spilled water energy potential reaches about 40% of the actual spilled water or energy lost.