More information about the VERBUND run-of-river power plants on the Danube
VERBUND making flood preparations on the Danube
13.09.2024Vienna
As the operator of the Danube power plants in Austria, VERBUND is preparing itself for the expected downpours. All control rooms are manned around the clock so that the power plants can be controlled locally. In accordance with the officially prescribed weir operating regulations, the water is being diverted over the weir fields.
Run-of-river power plants do not have reservoirs to hold back floodwaters. So it has to be ensured that the prescribed levels are maintained. The local power plant employees have to be able to react quickly. Any faults, especially in the weir fields, must be rectified as quickly as possible to ensure that the water volume control systems work precisely.
To prevent blockages due to flotsam, driftwood has to be removed around the clock before the turbines run. This means that the power plants will also have to operate in shifts at the weekend until the water levels drop again.
This raises the water level below the power plant. The gradient required for electricity generation decreases. The difference in height between the top and bottom of the power plant becomes smaller. The turbines spin less and less and finally come to a stop. Electricity generation gradually comes to a standstill. Storage power plants and gas power plants are used instead.
While a power plant is being backed up from below, the water level drops as a result of the weir fields above the power plant being opened. A phenomenon takes place throughout the power plant’s reservoir: the water level drops, seemingly “sinking”. Boats on the banks are suddenly left high and dry. All this is deceptive: in reality, there is much more water flowing in the river, but it is flowing much faster.
To prevent blockages due to flotsam, driftwood has to be removed around the clock before the turbines run. This means that the power plants will also have to operate in shifts at the weekend until the water levels drop again.
How does a run-of-river power plant work?
A run-of-river power plant always releases the same amount of water as flows in from above. The amount of water is usually too large and the available space too small for a reservoir. During high water events, the power plant has to release the excess water over the weir fields.This raises the water level below the power plant. The gradient required for electricity generation decreases. The difference in height between the top and bottom of the power plant becomes smaller. The turbines spin less and less and finally come to a stop. Electricity generation gradually comes to a standstill. Storage power plants and gas power plants are used instead.
While a power plant is being backed up from below, the water level drops as a result of the weir fields above the power plant being opened. A phenomenon takes place throughout the power plant’s reservoir: the water level drops, seemingly “sinking”. Boats on the banks are suddenly left high and dry. All this is deceptive: in reality, there is much more water flowing in the river, but it is flowing much faster.
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