Hydro energy generation and instrumentation & measurement: hydropower plant efficiency testing

Hydroelectric turbine-generator units are equipped with different types of permanent monitoring sensors mainly for maintenance and safety but not for the efficiency measurement. Acceptance tests such as the efficiency measurement require additional precision instrumentation. Several measurement techniques exist to perform the testing and making the choice depends on the power plant configuration and the instrumentation capability. The best method is the one that is the easiest to implement for the given turbine-generator unit and that gives reliable results. Although performed on site, the accuracy requirements for these tests are very stringent and are key factors for the successful completion of tests and their acceptance from both the manufacturer and the end user. Finally, measuring the efficiency of a hydraulic generating unit is essential for the optimization of its operation, which means more electrical energy and revenue for the same amount of water.