Das Projekt "Rehabilitation and modernisation of SHP Kirnach" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Vereinigte Wertach Elektrizitätswerke GmbH durchgeführt. Objective: Aim of the project is to demonstrate the rehabilitation and modernisation of the existing low head run-of-river SHP Kirnach by replacing two old Francis-turbines by one innovative Kaplan-S-Tube turbine; The new turbine will be equipped with a five-blade-runner which allows to increase the efficiency considerable. The 'new' hydro will run fully automatically. After rehabilitation and modernisation the SHP Kirnach will generate power for decades without polluting the environment. Technical data: number and type of turbines: 1 Kaplan -S-Tube turbine net head: 7,0 m rated discharge: 2,5 m?/s max. capacity: 160kW estimated annual energy production: 801.435 kWh General Information: The existing small hydro-electric power plant was built in 1920. It is equipped with two Francis turbines with an electrical capacity of 110 kW together. Both turbines drive one generator. The whole unit has reached the limit of endurance. The plant was approached by the Beziksamt Marktoberdorf on march 9th. 1920. The approval is not restricted and valid for the rehabilited and modernized plant as well. After rehabilitation and modernisation of SHP Kirnach it will run with a new five-blade Kaplan-S-Tube turbine. the head and the discharge are fixed by the approach of the Bezirkamt Markt Oberdorf from 1920. The five blade impeller is the first used in similar applications. Furthermore an impeller with an improved geometry is used. This new geometry will improve operation in the lower part load condition. By that way the power generating will be essentially increased. the minimum load of the installation will be 10 kW, the maximum 160 KW. An old problem of hydro power is pollution of river water by oil or grease. the new turbine is designed to run with grease free guide vane bearings as well as with oil free impeller hub. By that way pollution of water is avoided. Rehabilitation and modernisation means building a new hydro by restrictions of the old one. By realisation of the project the integration of the new turbine-generator will be done optimal. This is prerequisite for cost reduction. the reduction of the total costs can be expected to be 20-30 per cent . By the estimated energy production of about 800000 kWH about 400 t ROE will be substituted. By using special materials the life expectancy will be extended. Extended life expectancy means less waste and that is to say environmental conservation. Installation of a new technology causes risks. Risks by overcosts compared to conventional techniques. Achievements: The results after realisation of the project are: - Optimized energy production without polluting the environment - Protection of environment and increased lifetime of the equipment by using special material and bearing techniques. - Marketing of proposed technique for the rehabilitation and modernization of numerous existing old small hydro in whole Europe. Prime Contractor: Vereinigte Wertach-Elektrizitätswerke GmbH; Kaufbeuren; Germany.