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Computer-based tools for assessment of small-scale hydropower resources and project feasibility: a review

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  • Punys, Petras

Abstract

This article analyses and compares computer-based tools designed for small hydropower (SHP) potential assessment, site planning, and design, focusing on the initial assessment phase of project evaluation. The review draws from various sources, including open-access publications, research papers and projects, data repositories, and web resources. This paper presents more than 40 software tools currently in use, their main features, comparative analysis, and research studies using them, including a brief reminder of historic software tools. These tools can provide simple initial estimates or be sophisticated software considering unconventional (in-conduit) hydro. They are categorised into four groups: i) Hydraulic turbine selection (4 software), ii) Site feasibility assessment (18), iii) Environmental flow assessment (5), iv) Web-based hydropower atlases (9), and v) Multicriteria analysis (3).

Suggested Citation

  • Punys, Petras, 2025. "Computer-based tools for assessment of small-scale hydropower resources and project feasibility: a review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 216(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:216:y:2025:i:c:s1364032125003909
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2025.115717
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    14. Punys, Petras & Kvaraciejus, Algis & Dumbrauskas, Antanas & Šilinis, Linas & Popa, Bogdan, 2019. "An assessment of micro-hydropower potential at historic watermill, weir, and non-powered dam sites in selected EU countries," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 133(C), pages 1108-1123.
    15. Rudimar Caricimi & Géremi Gilson Dranka & Dalmarino Setti & Paula Ferreira, 2022. "Reframing the Selection of Hydraulic Turbines Integrating Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy VIKOR Multi-Criteria Methods," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-26, October.
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