OPTIMUM SELECTION OF TURBINES FOR MICRO HYDRO

Abstract

Climate change is undeniably an accelerating adversity, one that may cost serious repercussions if not tackled early. According to a report from International Energy Agency, the global electricity demand has increased by 5% in 2021 after the impact of the pandemic in 2020 and further estimated that it will increase by 4% in 2022. More than 50% of this increased demand has been met by fossil fuel thereby pushing the CO2 emission from the power sector. Global energy demand is expected to increase by 47% in 2050. Without the implementation of renewable energy at the same pace, energy from fossil fuel will continue to increase the CO2 emission. Humans have been capturing the energy of moving water for thousands of years now. Harnessing the power of moving water to generate electricity is one of the largest source of emission free and renewable electricity in the world. Although hydropower generation does not emit global warming gases or other air pollutants, construction of large dams for hydropower has various environmental and societal consequences. As a result, micro hydro power is a preferable alternative in the hydropower business since it utilizes the natural flow of water and eliminates the requirement of large dams. This gives micro hydropower the benefit to install and harness the potential of hydropower at locations with minimal flow economically. The main objective of this thesis work is the selection of suitable hydro turbine for micro hydropower projects to maximize the efficiency and cost effectiveness. Based on literature reviewed, due to the availability of very limited studies related to micro hydropower turbine selection, inclination towards this study is preferred. A brief of the research gaps analyzed during the analysis is also presented. This study focuses on the redesign and cost estimation of civil components for six hydropower sites located in Arunachal Pradesh, India. The Department of Hydro Power Development of Arunachal Pradesh provided Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for these sites, which were revised and utilized as a basis for the redesign process. The original cross-flow turbines were replaced with Francis and Pelton turbines, and the associated cost estimates for the newly designed components were prepared and compared. This study aims to provide valuable insights into the potential cost implications of adopting different turbine technologies in the hydropower sector. The findings of this study have the potential to contribute to informed decision-making processes concerning the selection of turbine types for future hydropower projects.