OPTIMUM DESIGN OF LOW HEAD SMALL HYDRO POWER PLANTS

Abstract

Hydropower is one of the most widely used methods of power generation in the world. With the prospect of rapidly depleting fossil fuels and increasing power demand, more attention is concentrating towards hydro power, particularly smaller sites, under low head which are untapped till now. As the cost of construction is increasing rapidly, special attention has to be given to the development of low cost and more efficient turbines to make the SHP developments economically viable. Out of these turbines, the best possible turbine should be selected to harness the maximum power at low cost and efficient manner. The selection of turbine is a critical process as it depends upon a number of factors. Under the present study an attempt has been made to discuss various parameters affecting the cost of the scheme. Different types of turbines under different operating conditions have been discussed. The cost of the scheme has been worked out for alternative layouts based on type of turbine, specific speed and setting, and an optimum layout has been suggested. iii