More than just a tradition: small-scale hydro power plants

They are commonplace among the idyllic freshwater pathways of Austria: more than 2,600 small-scale hydro-electric power plants.
What you might not know: these power plants provide for 9% of the total electricity consumption in Austria - which equates to more than 50% of all domestic requirements.

Small-scale hydro power plants are therefore a practical and environmentally-friendly supplement to large-scale power plants.
The EVN Naturkraft Erzeugungsgesellschaft m.b.H alone operates 60 such plants in Lower Austria.

The Schmidsdorf power plant

The construction and modernisation of the small-scale hydro power plant brings together the concepts of environmental friendliness and economic efficiency.

The small-scale hydro power plant in Schmidsdort/Lower Austria is a classic example: two generators in series produce 330 kW of energy.

Important factors for efficient operation are nearly independent operation of that power plant is able to operate largely independently. Interventions in the case of disruptions – with the exception of maintenance work – are generally undesirable.

In order to ensure trouble-free operation for next decades, Rudolf Berthold Ges.m.b.H has been entrusted with the modernisation of the control system:

Modernisation within a week

While the power electrotechnology remains unchanged, the control system has been adapted from Siemens Simatic S5 to S7. This new control technology is now responsible for all control tasks.

Instead of the “mosaic panel” design previously used, the processes and data are now visualised using a completely graphical monitor with control buttons.

The entire reconstruction work was completed within a week.

As a result of the comparatively low investment costs, this project ensures sustainable, economically efficient operation of the plant.

Please feel free to contact us if you are planning similar modernisation work.
We will gladly advise you: Contact