OPTIMUM COMBINATION OF DESILTING DEVICES FOR SMALL HYDROPOWER

Abstract

India is a developing country with constant energy demand. The country requires serious efforts by the government to bridge the gap between demand and supply. Economic growth, increasing prosperity and urbanization, rise in per capita consumption, and spread of energy access are the key factors that are responsible for substantially increasing the total demand for electricity. Renewable energy can make a considerable contribution in each of the above mentioned areas. It is in this context that the role of renewable energy needs to be seen. It is no longer atternate energy', but is increasingly becoming a vital part of the solution to the nations energy needs. The total potential for renewable power generation in India is estimated at 94125 MW as on March 31, 2013 (Table 1.1). It includes wind energy potential of 49130 MW (52.2%), small hydro power potential of 19750 MW (20.98%), biomass power potential of 17,538 MW (18.63%) and bagasse-based cogeneration potential of 5000 MW (5.3 1%). (Energy Statistics, 2014) Installation of vortex tubes requires minimal civil works and capital. Thus is highly recommended for shp stations having inefficient a desilting device such as settling basin or vortex chamber