Utility Plants and Renewable Sources - Energy Conversion and Management - page 37

Fig. 4.2 Ranges of application of various types of hydraulic turbine units (100-3,000 kW)

The same relationship can be used in pumping mode by introducing the total
head H H static + H losses and the pump efficiency (see Sect. 10.2 ).

In choosing small and mini plants one must consider that:
￿ the useful available inflow may fluctuate during the year or the day;
￿ usually, such plants are economically viable only if fully automated and free
from maintenance;

¼

￿ the lower the installed capacity, the higher the capital and operating costs per kW

installed. Notice that the only operating costs are those for maintenance, which
are generally low in terms of kWh cost;