We provide Design, Consultancy, and all Project Services for your Hydropower Scheme
TLS Renewable Consulting can plan, design and implement your micro-/small hydro scheme – and if your location favours using an Archimedean hydro screw, we’ve got the most experienced, professional team in the business. You can cherry-pick the level of investment you wish to commit to at any given time.
Of course we would prefer you to use TLS to take you through the whole process, from the initial study through to the procurement and commissioning of a fully-functional hydroelectric turbine – it’s the most effective means of ensuring best practice and a quality service throughout the evolution of the build. That said, we’re committed to offering the same unrivalled levels of professionalism and friendliness irrespective of our degree of involvement in your project.
Feasibility Study
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At the end of this stage you will have an appraisal of the viability of your scheme, including potential revenue and costs. This will have involved:
- Site visit
- Discussion of client requirements and aspirations
- Carry out detailed measurements of all structures and watercourses
- Desktop estimation of flow data and initial assessment of potential energy capture
- Assessment of suitability of your site for the various types of available equipment. We often find that Archimedean Screw turbines represent the best value-for-money, where the site is suitable – but will always recommend other systems if these would provide a better solution.
- Calculation of system outline cost, likely revenue and economic payback time
Design Study
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At the end of this stage you will have an outline design concept including main parameters of the scheme in terms of size, anticipated output, layout, environmental considerations, necessary consultation and budget costs. Our design study services will include:
- Revisit site and confirm access/environmental issues.
- Option to log tailwater variation to refine performance predictions and to improve evidence for regulators
- Initial discussions with the regulator (EA, SEPA, NRW, NIEA) and/or planners; according to budget.
- Procurement of flow data specific to your site to generate accurate energy capture information and to size equipment.
- Budget quotation/s for the supply and installation of equipment.
- Sketch drawing/s of scheme.
- Establishment of likely project timescale.
Detailed Proposal and Permissions
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At the end of this stage you will have design drawings and an explanation of the scheme suitable for gaining permissions and consents, particularly in terms of environmental considerations, and information to address any other budgeted and agreed aspects of special concern at your site. Our work will typically include:
- Design drawings of scheme for consenting.
- Managing relationship with regulator (EA, SEPA, NRW, NIEA) and planners, usually including application for necessary consents.
- Revisiting site to assess further issues identified during initial design.
- Procurement of agreed evidence from third-party specialist providers.
- Refined quotations for the supply and installation of equipment.
- Outline timescale for the development project.
Commissioning
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In completed projects where we supply or retrofit equipment, we can commission your hydro scheme as part of our handover and warranty package. In addition, we have wide experience of offering related services such as:
- System integration of components supplied by others
- Review and improvement of systems installed by others
- Managing electrical works and G99 connection testing
- Operator training
- Contract maintenance and operation of completed schemes
Construction & Installation
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In construction projects, it is up to you what role you would like TLS to undertake. Our available services include:
- Selection of civil contractor
- Development of final construction drawings
- Project management of system construction
- Procurement of Mechanical and Electrical equipment
- Supply of control systems, hydraulics, fabrications
- Installation and commissioning of Mechanical and Electrical equipment
- Negotiation of suitable Power Purchase Agreement with an electricity trading company
Remote Monitoring & Control
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By their very nature, hydropower turbines tend to be situated away from the comforts of hearth and home…or office for that matter! And while there’s no doubt having invested time, money, energy and passion in getting your scheme up and running, you’ll want to make regular visits to see it in action… it’s good to know that with a TLS control system you also have the option of monitoring and controlling the hydro from your PC.
With our system, you will be able to monitor many aspects of data, including for example:
- Flow rate
- Kilowatt power output
- Turbine efficiency
- Compliance with conditions of your abstraction licence
You can also control the water flow through the turbine remotely – an important capability, particularly in flood conditions.
With our remote monitoring systems, you can not only keep an eye on the operational efficiency of your turbine – you can also monitor the amount of money it is generating for you, every hour of every day. Minute by minute you can watch your investment being repaid.
Aftercare & Maintenance
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Our commitment to our clients doesn’t end when their hydropower scheme is fully commissioned and generating electricity. The success of each and every hydro scheme in which we’re involved is very important to us. We’re dedicated to providing our customers with an unrivalled aftercare service.
Drawing upon our expertise and experience, we’re always there to provide any help or guidance our customers might need regarding the operation and maintenance of their Archimedean Screw turbine. We believe passionately in this technology and it’s important to us that our clients enjoy the full benefits they provide. We also extend this care and concern to other types of hydro trubine.
And, without blowing our own trumpets too much, there is simply no better source of indepedent guidance on Archimedean Screws than our hydropower engineers.