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Microhydro: Cost-effective, modular systems for low heads

Author

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  • Alexander, K.V.
  • Giddens, E.P.

Abstract

This paper is an overview of a program that is in the final stages of developing a modular set of cost-effective microhydro schemes for site heads below those currently serviced by Pelton Wheels. The rationale has been that there is a multitude of viable low-head sites in isolated areas where microhydro is a realistic energy option, and where conventional economics are not appropriate, especially in Third World countries. The goals of this project have been to provide low-cost, soundly based turbine design solutions that systematically cover the 0.2–20kW supply, that are uniquely resistant to debris blockage and are easily built by tradesmen of medium skills in regional workshops. The paper presents the results as a matrix of the most cost-effective penstocks matched to modular turbines using established electronic controls. It discusses practical issues of site selection and options for sites where exact matches are not achieved. It has been an object of the program to establish a benchmark for cost-effectiveness in the microhydro field.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexander, K.V. & Giddens, E.P., 2008. "Microhydro: Cost-effective, modular systems for low heads," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 33(6), pages 1379-1391.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:33:y:2008:i:6:p:1379-1391
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2007.06.026
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Zhou, Daqing & Gui, Jia & Deng, Zhiqun Daniel & Chen, Huixiang & Yu, Yunyun & Yu, An & Yang, Chunxia, 2019. "Development of an ultra-low head siphon hydro turbine using computational fluid dynamics," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 181(C), pages 43-50.
    2. Şerban, I. & Marinescu, C., 2011. "Aggregate load-frequency control of a wind-hydro autonomous microgrid," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(12), pages 3345-3354.
    3. Vinod, J. & Sarkar, Bikash K. & Sanyal, Dipankar, 2022. "Flow control in a small Francis turbine by system identification and fuzzy adaptation of PID and deadband controllers," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 201(P2), pages 87-99.
    4. Stark, B.H. & Andò, E. & Hartley, G., 2011. "Modelling and performance of a small siphonic hydropower system," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(9), pages 2451-2464.
    5. Cobb, Bryan R. & Sharp, Kendra V., 2013. "Impulse (Turgo and Pelton) turbine performance characteristics and their impact on pico-hydro installations," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 50(C), pages 959-964.
    6. Jiaxin Yu & Jun Wang, 2020. "Optimization Design of a Rain-Power Utilization System Based on a Siphon and Its Application in a High-Rise Building," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-18, September.
    7. Williamson, S.J. & Stark, B.H. & Booker, J.D., 2014. "Low head pico hydro turbine selection using a multi-criteria analysis," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 43-50.
    8. Zhou, Daqing & Deng, Zhiqun (Daniel), 2017. "Ultra-low-head hydroelectric technology: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 23-30.
    9. Giosio, D.R. & Henderson, A.D. & Walker, J.M. & Brandner, P.A. & Sargison, J.E. & Gautam, P., 2015. "Design and performance evaluation of a pump-as-turbine micro-hydro test facility with incorporated inlet flow control," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 1-6.
    10. Alexander, K.V. & Giddens, E.P. & Fuller, A.M., 2009. "Axial-flow turbines for low head microhydro systems," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 34(1), pages 35-47.
    11. Laghari, J.A. & Mokhlis, H. & Bakar, A.H.A. & Mohammad, Hasmaini, 2013. "A comprehensive overview of new designs in the hydraulic, electrical equipments and controllers of mini hydro power plants making it cost effective technology," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 20(C), pages 279-293.
    12. Payambarpour, S. Abdolkarim & Najafi, Amir F. & Magagnato, Franco, 2020. "Investigation of deflector geometry and turbine aspect ratio effect on 3D modified in-pipe hydro Savonius turbine: Parametric study," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 148(C), pages 44-59.
    13. Tapia, A. & R. del Nozal, A. & Reina, D.G. & Millán, P., 2021. "Three-dimensional optimization of penstock layouts for micro-hydropower plants using genetic algorithms," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 301(C).
    14. Mandelli, Stefano & Barbieri, Jacopo & Mereu, Riccardo & Colombo, Emanuela, 2016. "Off-grid systems for rural electrification in developing countries: Definitions, classification and a comprehensive literature review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 1621-1646.
    15. Tapia, A. & Millán, P. & Gómez-Estern, F., 2018. "Integer programming to optimize Micro-Hydro Power Plants for generic river profiles," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 126(C), pages 905-914.
    16. Alejandro Tapia Córdoba & Daniel Gutiérrez Reina & Pablo Millán Gata, 2019. "An Evolutionary Computational Approach for Designing Micro Hydro Power Plants," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-25, March.

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