THE SELECTION OF A SMALL HYDRO POWER PLANT (SHPP) SOLUTION IN LINE WITH THE ECOSYSTEM
Population growth and new forms of energy use have the effect that the energy demand grows year after year. The harmful influence of the use of fossil and nuclear fuels has influenced the intensive development of renewable energy sources (solar energy, small hydro power plants, wind energy, bio-renewable sources - biomass, geothermal energy). This paper gives an overview of the choice of design solution, technical parameters and the efficiency of small hydro power plants (SHPP) on small watercourses. Special attention in these considerations is dedicated to harmonization of selected solutions with natural resources and protection of ecosystems. In order to define the technical solution of one small HPP on a small watercourse, the following analyzes and studies need to be done: Hydrological study; Analysis of the available hydro potential; Pre-feasibility study of the chosen technical solution; Study on Environmental Impact Assessment; Analysis of the investment value of the elements of the system and the system as a whole; Analysis of annual fees and expenses. In analyzing the available hydro potential, it is necessary to examine in detail the influence of the minimum sustainable flow rate in the watercourse (biological minimum) both from the aspect of environmental protection and from the aspect of the techno-economic justification for SHPP construction. On the basis of the "cross-cutting" of the results of these analyzes, one can see the techno-economically justified solution for the construction of SHPP in line with the ecosystem. The goal of all previous analyzes is to select a technical solution that maximizes the use of hydro power potential and ensures optimum use of renewable energy sources, while paying special attention to ecology, environmental protection and sustainable development.