HRV Engineering, a leader in hydroelectric power, has been involved in the design and construction of numerous hydropower plants going back to the 1970's. We have designed and built power plants, hydroelectric dams, spilllways and tunnels in Iceland and Greenland that provide electricity to homes, businesses and industry. This involvement has provided us with almost unparalleled experience and expertise in this field.
Our involvement in these hydroelectric projects include: civil, structural, mechanical and electrical engineering design, feasibility studies, site investigations, cost estimates, contract documents, bid evaluations, environmental impact assessments and reports, project management, construction management, project planning and on-site inspections.
Project Examples
- Kįrahnjśkar Hydroelectric Project
- Vatnsfell Hyproelectric Station
- Greenland - Hydroelectric Station in Tasiilaq - 2000
- Budarhals Hydroelectric Station - 1997
Iceland is blessed with abundant hydropower energy resources much of this coming from a steady stream of glacial runoff. All homes in Iceland are heated with geothermally heated hot water and all energy production for the nation comes from either hydroelectric energy or geothermal power. As a result, Iceland is one of the least polluted countries in the world.
Hydroelectric power is also extensively used as a clean, renewable energy source for Iceland's power intensive industries, such as aluminum smelter plants, ferrosilicon plants and fish processing.
How does hydropower work?
Obviously, one of the first requirements for hydropower is an abundance of water. The second major requirement is finding a location to make the water fall the greatest distance before entering the turbine. After, a location is chosen, a great deal of construction is required to develop the site. For example, large reservoirs are built to collect water and to control the flow of water into the power plant. In order to make a large reservoir, large dams are usually built. In Iceland these are usually rock-filled concrete faced dams. Sometimes, the water is led underground long distances before it enters the plant. When the water enters the plant it goes into a penstock then, it falls in the penstock and gradually reaches the turbine. The turbine turns a shaft that is connected to the rotor. The rotor is a large electromagnet that spins in a coil of wire. The rotor, along with the coil is called a generator, which is actually produces electricity. This electricity is led from the machine to a transformer and from the transformer to a high voltage transmission line.
For more information, we invite you to contact us.