Small Hydroelectric Engineering Practice - Hardcover

We are a group of individual investors who are trying to tap into the small hydro space. At the moment we are working on two small hydro schemes. None of us are engineers by trade, so our strategy has been to lean heavily on a reputable consultant with experience and know-how. 
(...) Now that the consultant is entering into the tender drawings phase, We are trying to raise many of the design considerations highlighted in this book to them. As we debate each item, I cannot help but feel extremely relieved to have bought and read this book. At the very least, even though we are led by our consultant on the designs, we are not completely blind and have working knowledge to influence the designs.
This book has been invaluable to our business. The contents in the book are having a real life impact here in our projects.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is about to enter into the small hydro space.
Alan Jenviphakul

The book takes you from start to finish through the evolution of a hydro scheme.  From initial site assessment, hydrology, environmental, banking and finance through the many layers of detailed design work  to detailed analysis of the many types and configurations of turbine plant and generators available.
Small Hydroelectric Engineering Practice is a thoroughly readable and enjoyable book for anyone interested in small hydro.  It is an essential book for anyone working with small hydro whether a first time developer or an experienced hydro engineer.
Dave MacKay, Inchbonnie Hydro, New Zealand

A book, based on tradition, full of experience and  presenting recent developments. Supported by many pictures, sketches and tables it is very comfortable to read and to learn in one run. Several pages dedicated to "learning from failures" and operational recommendations should be highlighted. A "must" in the library of a hydropower engineer!
Prof. Dr  Bernhard Pelikan,  University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria;
Vice President of the  European Small Hydropower Association

This is a unique and comprehensive collection of practical engineering advice that should be essential reading for anyone involved in the development of a small to medium sized hydro-electricity resource. It covers all engineering disciplines and is based on a lifetime of involvement in this industry by the author. He should be commended for sharing both ingenious design solutions and the sometimes painful lessons learned, with others who might be fortunate enough to also be involved in harnessing these often overlooked renewable energy resources.
Ir. W.L. Mandeno, FIPENZ, CPEng, Int.PE.
Wellington, NZ

By systematically explaining the different scheme components, Mr Leyland’s book caters to a range of readers and keeps the book highly readable. He explained logically about the important decisions required when developing a scheme and suggests how to avoid repeating past mistakes. This lays the foundation for the subsequent detailed discussions including job specifications, contracts for procurement and installation.
The book also includes a CD of eight spreadsheets to assist consultants, engineers, owners and development of small hydro electricity schemes. It reads well using clear, conversational language to explain a complex subject without a lot of jargon. As a fellow hydropower enthusiast, I believe this book is an excellent reference.
Robert Shelton, MIPENZ

Small Hydroelectric Engineering Practice is a comprehensive reference book covering all aspects of identifying, building, and operating hydroelectric schemes between 500 kW and 50 MW. In this range of outputs there are many options for all aspects of the scheme and it is very important that the best options are chosen.

As small hydroelectric schemes are usually built against a limited budget it is extremely important that the concept design is optimum and every component is designed to maximise the benefi t and minimise the cost. As operating costs are often a high proportion of the income it is very important to make sure that everything is designed to be simple, reliable and long lasting.

The book is based on the experience gained over 45 years on the overall and detailed design, construction and commissioning of more than 30 small hydropower schemes. It includes contributions from experts in the field of intakes, water diversion structures, geology, canals, painting and other aspects of hydropower development. It is intensely practical with many drawings and photographs of schemes designed and commissioned by Leyland Consultants and others. There are also sections on preparing specifi cations, tender assessment and operation and maintenance.

The book includes a CD with spreadsheet programs for analysing aspects of small hydropower development and many arrangement drawings and detail designs for gates, penstocks, electrical systems and control systems. Typical specifi cations for generating plant are also included. The spreadsheets will be useful during the feasibility stage and the drawings will enable designers to scale the designs as needed for their own projects. Consultants, developers, designers, builders and operators of small hydroelectric schemes will find this book invaluable..