Discussion: View Thread

Hydroelectric Power Plants

  • 1.  Hydroelectric Power Plants

    Posted 01-30-2017 02:26 PM
    Hello everybody.  I currently work with renewable energy projects in Honduras. Is there anyone who has good material reads for developing a renewable energy project, particularly hydropower.  If anyone is interested in devoloping renewable energy projects in central america, I have some information that might be pretty useful for them.


    Kind regards.

    Eduardo Lobo

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    Eduardo Lobo S.M.ASCE
    GENERA
    Tegucigalpa
    50431909928
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Hydroelectric Power Plants

    Posted 01-31-2017 05:01 PM
    Hi Eduardo,

    I know that the Institue of Electricity in Costa Rica has valuable experience and information. I can put you in contact with colleagues over there if you want.   

    Regards,

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    Ronald Hine C.Eng, M.ASCE, PMP
    Project Manager
    Calgary AB
    1403 5403867
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  • 3.  RE: Hydroelectric Power Plants

    Posted 02-02-2017 06:58 PM
    Greetings everyone!  For years ASCE managed the biennial Waterpower conference series, so I'm sure you could locate much information from their resources.  (BTW, I worked for ASCE about 20 years ago, and I worked in the conferences area for a bit, after being Director of International Affairs.)

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    George L. De Feis Ph.D., EIT, A.M.ASCE
    Professor
    Consult-Ed International Inc
    Edgewater NJ
    (201)741-6010
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  • 4.  RE: Hydroelectric Power Plants

    Posted 02-07-2017 10:32 AM
    Thank you Ronald.  

    I do know some people in the ICE and one of my coworkers worked at that institution for about 5 years.  Never thought of it, thanks for giving me the insight.  One issue I've been trying to quantify  is social and environmental impact.  In Costa Rica, social and environmental impact evaluation is much of a lesser risk in CR than it is here in Honduras, especiallly in the social area.  Several projects have been put on hold and one has been completely shut down because there has been poor management on the issue and negotiating with communities is very difficult.  Would you happen to know about projects that were located in difficult spots and how the developers solved social issues?

    Kind regards,


    Eduardo Lobo

    ------------------------------
    Eduardo Lobo S.M.ASCE
    GENERA
    Tegucigalpa
    50431909928
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: Hydroelectric Power Plants

    Posted 02-01-2017 09:41 AM
    In the 1960's I worked on the Rio Lindo hydroelectric project exploring the possibility of expanding it.  I recall that it was near San Pedro Sula.  You might want to check with the agency responsible for power production.

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    Kim de Rubertis P.E., D.GE, F.ASCE
    Consulting Engineer
    Cashmere WA
    (509) 782-3434
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  • 6.  RE: Hydroelectric Power Plants

    Posted 02-02-2017 06:58 PM
    Eduardo:

    My company helped design and build a 9.7MW hydropower facility in Guatemala about 6 or 7 years ago. Give a call if you want to discuss further.

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    Mark Mitsch P.E., M.ASCE
    McMillen Jacobs Associates
    Burlington MA
    (781) 852-0468
    (978) 621-7154
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  • 7.  RE: Hydroelectric Power Plants

    Posted 02-06-2017 09:45 AM
    Hello Mark,


    Sorry for my late reply.  What's standards or norms were used for design and construction?  In Honduras, if you get a serious firm they would use Corps. of Engineers design manual in combination with other existing material such as ICOLD.  In the case of MEP's they use European Norms such as IP (equivalent of the NEC in the US) and sometimes ISO (ASME for US).  Is there any material you have available?

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    Eduardo Lobo S.M.ASCE
    GENERA
    Tegucigalpa
    50431909928
    ------------------------------



  • 8.  RE: Hydroelectric Power Plants

    Posted 02-02-2017 07:05 PM
    I am interested

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    Dr. Raghuveer Pallepati M.ASCE
    Principal Research Scientist
    Indian Institute of Science
    Bangalore
    9180 23606576
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  • 9.  RE: Hydroelectric Power Plants

    Posted 02-03-2017 02:00 PM
    The ability to construct new dams is Important.  Maintaining existing dam structures is more important. The ability to extend the service life of these valuable assets provides the owners assurance that delivery of commodity, whether electrical generation or water storage for treatment and later consumption, will be delivered with out interruption. Means and methods of repair to concrete infrastructure has been refined over the years. Manufacturers have improved through R&D, products used in repairs and special trade contractors honed their skills to provide construction repairs.


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    Hank Taylor Aff.M.ASCE
    PRESIDENT
    Epoxy Design Systems Inc
    Houston TX
    (713)461-8733
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  • 10.  RE: Hydroelectric Power Plants

    Posted 02-07-2017 10:31 AM
    I agree Hank.  Here in Honduras projects may be feasible during construction phase.  One aspect that owners or project developers might overlook is O+M phase.  This is also a cost that relates directly to the life of the project.  One way people overlook it is by estimating costs without enough information, so what I would do here in Honduras is that if you invest in a project and you are asking for a loan to develop the latter, you should consider 6 months of O+M because the purchasing party (in the case of Honduras is the ENEE) will not pay you the first months after you start operating the power plant.  
    I would consider social and environmental issues part of the O+M as well, since you have to deal with these kinds of activities on a daily basis.

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    Eduardo Lobo S.M.ASCE
    GENERA
    Tegucigalpa
    50431909928
    ------------------------------



  • 11.  RE: Hydroelectric Power Plants

    Posted 02-06-2017 09:45 AM
    Anyway I can help I will.  What's your specific interest.  The info is in spanish but I can translate the basics.

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    Eduardo Lobo S.M.ASCE
    GENERA
    Tegucigalpa
    50431909928
    ------------------------------