Evaluation and Application of Regulating Capacity of Small Hydropower Operated in Conjunction with Distributed Photovoltaic

As the installed capacity of small hydropower projects gradually increases in China, research on their regulation capabilities and performance has become a focal point. This paper aims to explore the regulation capabilities of small hydropower when operating in conjunction with distributed photovoltaic systems and to develop evaluation methods for this integration. The paper provides a detailed discussion of the characteristics of combined operation of small hydropower and distributed photovoltaic systems, with a particular focus on the various ways different types of small hydropower stations can participate in this joint operation and their respective regulation capabilities. The objective is to design and validate an effective evaluation method to comprehensively assess the regulation capabilities of small hydropower and provide scientific basis and decision support for their integration with distributed photovoltaic power stations. This method emphasizes the relationship between small hydropower regulation capacity, storage capacity and inflow, and provides a reference for subsequent improvement and transformation of small hydropower regulation capacity. The effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed evaluation method have been demonstrated through practical application at the Gusu and Jinyan power stations.