Review of Ice Effects on Hydropower Systems

Abstract

Hydropower is a major power source in cold region countries. It is also the largest renewable energy source offering significant potential for reduction in carbon emissions. In Norway, hydropower accounts for nearly 99% of the total electricity production. To meet winter demand, storage schemes are implemented in tandem with run-of-river schemes to a large extent in cold region hydropower systems. In these systems, ice creates operational constraints during winter that can lead to reductions in power production. The problems occur in the various phases of the ice regime, mainly due to frazil ice, ice runs, and ice jams. Counteracting these ice problems is usually a difficult task that involves expensive measures and possibly lost production. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the effects of freshwater ice on hydropower systems. It has been shown that ice in freshwater systems poses a number of operational constraints on the various components of a hydropower system at a time when energy demand is at its peak. The literature review presents a useful baseline for operators of power plants as well as showing problem areas for future research. The trends in the northern areas toward warmer and unstable winters could both alleviate and exacerbate the current challenges for cold climate hydropower operation and the findings of this paper should provide useful background for assessments of future ice impacts.