| Small hydro Harnessing hydropower for


sustainable energy An AUMA electric actuation solution has been implemented to achieve precise guide vane adjustments for a fully-submersible hydro turbine developed by Natel Energy at the Sauerbrunn hydropower plant near Graz, Austria. This innovation contributes to the enhancement of renewable energy sources. Natel Energy, a turbine manufacturer based in California, sought an actuator capable of continuous underwater operation, accurate positioning to effectively manage water supply to the turbine, and the ability to send feedback signals to a higher-level PLC. Until then, their sole choice was a hydraulic actuator. In response, AUMA proposed an electric actuation solution that not only offers superior control and feedback but also boasts a significantly lower overall cost. The AUMA SARV-UW actuator, designed for uninterrupted underwater utilization, emerged as the perfect fit for this specific application. It ensures remarkable positioning precision (≤0.2%) with continuous feedback to the higher-level PLC. Notably, the actuator is mounted above the shaft, independent from the main actuator. This added advantage empowers end-users to operate the actuator locally in case of PLC malfunctions. Moreover, the SARV’s low power consumption permits the utilization of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) as a backup in scenarios where the primary power source is compromised.


Since its implementation in autumn 2022, the


AUMA solution has been successfully operating in the Sauerbrunn facility. This small hydropower plant has been seamlessly integrated into the Muehlgang, an existing bypass channel to the River Mur. Partnered with the 15 kW RHT turbine from Natel Energy, the plant’s operator, Energie Steiermark, aspires to generate eco- friendly electricity for the community of Großsulz.


Norwegian small-scale hydropower The Rendalselva small-scale power plant, situated


in Meløy municipality in Norway, has been acquired by Cadre AS, a notable hydropower producer in the country with a focus on owning, operating, and developing small power plants nationwide. “We have had a good dialogue with both the current owners of Rendalselva power plant, both about the sale and our larger ambitions,” said Carl-Fredrik Lehland, general manager of Cadre. The company has taken over the power plant, but Meløy Energi is not completely out of the picture. Via an agreement with Nordkraft, which is responsible for the operation of all Cadre’s power plants, Meløy Energi is leased for day-to-day operations. “Our power plant operation is based on local


presence. For Rendalselva, it is only natural that both Meløy Energi and landowner Arnt Jørgensen are involved in the further operation of the power plant. We have also entered into a cooperation agreement with Meløy Energi for this region, which involves more than this power plant,” explained Marius Larsen, production director at Nordkraft. The sellers, chairman of the board of Rendalselva


AS, Arnt Jørgensen, and chairman of the board of Meløy Energi AS, Rolf-Inge Sleipnes, are satisfied with the cooperation and process with Cadre and Nordkraft in recent months. A process which ultimately


resulted in the boards of all the companies concerned unanimously agreeing to the sale. Both the river and the creation of value will continue


to be safeguarded. Jørgensen and Sleipnes emphasize that they are confident that Nordkraft and Cadre will look after Rendalselva and the value creation from the small power plant in a good way. “For Meløy Energi, it is important to operate commercially profitably and contribute to securing and developing new skilled workplaces in the municipality. We do that best through the total package we have now created with Cadre and Nordkraft,” said Sleipnes. For Meløy Energi, this is the start of a new and


exciting collaboration, which will create increased activity in the area. In addition to the share purchase agreement, Meløy Energi also signs a cooperation agreement with Cadre. “The agreements also involve collaboration on new


projects,” said CEO of Meløy Energi AS, Børge Selstad. Rendalselva has an annual production of 8.5 GWh, which corresponds to the consumption of around 415 average households in Norway. Cadre has ambitions to deliver 2 TWh of hydropower


to Norway within a few years. Enough for 100,000 households. “We have employed leading expertise, and have offices in both the south and the north. We are close to each project and each landowner throughout the entire operating period. That and our combined experience means that we can get more out of each and every river, without taking more from the river,” said Lehland. Norway is steering towards a power deficit in a few years. Norway has the opportunity to build out twice as much small-scale power as today, which will then amount to a full ten percent of electricity production in the country. “That is why we say that small power is a large part of the solution. Several types of energy production are now being considered and discussed, which will cause major disadvantages. We are concerned that Norway first utilizes the sustainable opportunities that are ready for development around us,” added Lehland. Cadre AS owns and manages small power plants and has a portfolio of 13 power plants (365 GWh).


Efficient hydropower for essential


services Hydro engineers from Gilkes have recently returned from the US, successfully completing the commissioning of the company’s latest hydropower turbine in North America. The installation of the 867kW Vertical Four Jet Pelton took place at Sherard Water Treatment Plant in Wyoming. The project aims to utilize the existing raw water


pressure to power the City of Cheyenne’s water treatment facility. The groundwork for this project began two years ago with the construction of a dedicated powerhouse. The turbine operates using water flows from Cheyenne’s water supply as it enters the plant. The main purpose of this hydropower system


is to provide energy for the treatment plant, which typically consumes 200 to 400kW. Any surplus power generated will be channeled back to the grid, potentially benefiting the community by contributing clean energy resources.


www.waterpowermagazine.com | September 2023 | 37


Above: A fully submersible AUMA SARV-UW actuator with GS part-turn gearbox and custom lever arm assembly ensures optimum guide vane adjustment for an RHT turbine supplied by Natel Energy to Sauerbrunn hydropower plant, Graz, Austria


Below: Cadre AS has acquired the Rendalselva small-scale power plant, situated in Meløy municipality in Norway


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