This paper describes how the need for more skilled professionals in the hydroelectric sector led to the formation of the Hydro Power Engineering Masters Programme at Lulea University of Technology, Sweden. The goal of the Masters program is to allow students to obtain an overall picture of the field, to answer the need of the industry without neglecting the content. Such a program aims to give the student a choice between a position as a specialist within a specific area and a management position where discussions with specialists are required
An interdisciplinary research group was created at the Lulea University of Technology in Sweden to help develop world leading competencies and knowledge for cutting-edge technologies in hydro power generation. Based on the studies of this Swedish research group, this paper provides a description of the power system from a dynamic point of view to obtain an overall picture, and is completed with a detailed description of the bearings and turbines. The state-of-the-art in each field is presented, together with suggestions for further development
The deregulation of electric markets as well as the introduction of renewable sources of energy such as wind and wave power in several countries has lead to a demand for different operating patterns of hydro power plants. Hydro plants are more frequently operated away from best efficiency, at part-load or full-load, and with an increased number of start-ups and shutdowns. These new market conditions involve new constraints for the hydro machines, which can lead to an overall un-optimised utilisation. An example of this is Sweden, where hydro plants mainly operate Francis and Kaplan turbines built between 1950 and 1970. As a result, an extensive period of renovation has started in the country. New machines need to be designed to take into account the new market conditions.
With the increasing growth of the hydro power industry through the world, the need for education and skilled personnel in this field is on the rise. This paper presents a study undertaken by Luleå University of Technology which demonstrates the importance of higher education in hydro. The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the hydro power education and training programmes around the world.