TECHNO-ECONOMIC STUDY FOR MICRO HYDRO TURBINE GOVERNING SYSTEMS

Abstract

Micro hydropower (MHP) typically stand-alone system in the range of 1-100 kW has been proved useful in powering remote domestic loads. The utilization of micro hydro electricity for small-scale industry and productive processes can often reduce the payback period on capital investment from over 20 years to less than five years. Hydro-powered agro-industrial projects frequently involve a wide range of practical end-uses, often in milling, crop drying, carpentry, lighting, refrigeration or light engineering. However, such potential exploitation may not be economically viable as the capacity of hydro power plant decreases, the generating cost per unit increases. Hence to make it economically more viable, the methodology and technology applied must be different from that applied to larger hydro plant. In view of this, various approaches of governing of micro hydro plants have been studied. Hydro turbine is considered one of the most critical component of a micro hydro scheme, -which require governing. Governing of any hydro plant specially micro hydro plant is essential as ungoverned system may cause damage to consumer directly connected to them and turbine and generator as well as. As far as governing of MHP concerned the system must be cost effective because as these plants acquire high per unit cost.