To be held on 21 November 2002, the Hydropower Developments: Projects, Rehabilitation and Power Recovery seminar - run by the Fluid Machinery Group of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (ImechE) - has been designed to address the key issues which concern everyone involved in hydro power today, covering both rehabilitation and new power activities.

The fourth in a successful series, it has been developed to provide a useful forum for designers, manufacturers, consultants, contractors and operators.

The seminar starts with an overview from George Aggidis of Gilkes International. He will detail the manufacturer’s view on the current situation including technological advances and developments. Improvements in the quality of manufacture and the control of small hydroelectric stations will be discussed, giving application examples of these technological developments.

A specific UK perspective is given by the next speaker, David Williams of Hydropower Trade Partners UK. He will address key questions of competitiveness, looking at the importance of quality, price and the effects of globalisation. The viability of intervention by the British government will be discussed as will international co-operation and pressure from the NGOs and World Commission on Dams.

Designing for the Environment is the focus of the third paper of the day given by Archie Wilson of Weir Engineering. Design improvements aimed at improving fish friendliness, as well as improvements in drainage systems that eliminate harmful discharges and mineral oil/grease will be discussed.

Steve Cryer and Kieron Hanson of Hydroplan will present their conclusions relating to the critical issues involved in integration of water turbines within water treatment works systems. Potential resources available within the water industry supply network will be addressed as will surge effects in long water mains and business transfer between works control and turbine control.

Harnessing the power of several small turbines instead of a few large ones is a relatively new concept, which combines feasibility, practicality and fast implementation. Harald Schmid and John Epps of va-tech-hydro GmbH & Co explore Hydromatrix, describing this standardised modular concept whose simple and robust design and few moving parts gives high plant availability. They examine the economic and environmental case to assess whether it is a feasible alternative in hydro power generation.

A different set of solutions was needed to combat the difficulties of working in Northeast India on the Likim Ro new high head pelton application. Tony Watson describes the challenges of working in a remote region where the threat of insurgents was as great as the technological demands. Training and post-installation support issues were also critical to the success of the project and the experiences of Likim Ro may provide useful insight for engineers faced with similar challenges.

The afternoon session opens with a trio of technology papers. Retrofitting the magnetic thrust bearing at Dinorwig Power Station is outlined by Burgess Hatem and William Moss of First Hydro Company. They will outline the objectives, the methodology and the benefits involved in the project. A similar approach to a hydro power plant hydraulic survey will be taken by Mary Drury of ge-hydro while Janendra Tellsinghe of Oxford University will present a detailed loss analysis of a dual seal lattice blade butterfly valve.

The day’s final session ranges from Scotland to Indonesia and Ethiopia. Mike Wynd of Scottish Power will address the assessment process involved in refurbishing and upgrading Units 1 and 2 of Cruachan Power Station. PB Power’s Tom Kirk will describe the design of the Upper Cisokan Pumped Storage Project in Indonesia while John Wichall who works for the same company will describe Tis Abay II in Ethiopia. Situated in a sensitive location, this last project is one of major national significance for its country.

For further information and a registration form please contact Gilda Ereira or Stephanie Love at the IMechE on 020 7973 1317 or 020 7973 1312. Alternatively you can e-mail: g_ereira@imeche.org.uk or s_love@imeche.org.uk.