ISSN 2232-9080 DOI: 10.47960/2232-9080
Abstract: The purpose of the paper is to assess the hydropower potential of the Bednja River for the construction of hydroelectric power plants using turbines that use the potential energy of water and those that exploit the kinetic energy of the watercourse. The location near Lovrentovec, specifically at the bridge over the Bednja River, is analyzed. Hydropower plants are classified as renewable energy sources and therefore do not have a negative impact on the environment compared to fossil fuels. Small hydropower plants can greatly contribute to the development of rural areas and thus improve the quality of life in such regions. Based on known data at the observed location and field measurements, the output power of hydroelectric power plants is calculated, depending on whether it is potential energy or kinetic energy of the watercourse. The Bednja River is one of the rivers on which it is possible to build a plant that could use the power of water to produce electricity for nearby settlements in Varaždin County. In addition to the measured data obtained through field research and the use of appropriate measuring devices, this paper also contains data related to the neighboring hydrological measuring stations Ključ and Tuhovec. With all the data obtained and the output power calculated, the results can be compared and thus the real potential of the Bednja River can be estimated.
Keywords: turbines, potential energy, kinetic energy, environment, small hydropower plants