Future Developments In Micro Hydro example essay topic

Micro - Hydro power schemes - Summary. The objectives of this project was for me to set a background to the reader, to research into the simple advantages and disadvantages of micro-hydro and to look into future developments. All objectives were achieved in the project. I found the simple advantages to be as follows; Micro-hydro's use to third world countries, - Doesn't require a developed infrastructure to develop. - Doesn't make third world countries depend on first world countries for parts, installation and maintenance. - Some installations promote decentralization.

The installation cost of micro hydro is very low, compared to its family of renewable generators. The disadvantages were; - Water is site specific. - In many instances water will not be near the required electricity. - Micro-hydro has a high manta nance cost compared to its peers. Future developments were as follows; - Using different materials for strength and cheapness. - Cheaper manufacturing costs.

- Artificially making the pressure higher on the turbines. - Protecting fish from the system. - Protecting the system from debris flowing down the river. 1.

Introduction The term micro-hydro power can be defined as; 1.1 Hydro power is the generation of electricity by conversion of the energy of running water. Thus Micro-hydro is in the electric output of 10 - 50 kw [1] It is worth looking at the background of micro-hydro to see how developments have led to the modern day workings of a generator. Micro-hydro power was one of the earliest of the small scale renewable energy technologies to be developed. Hydropower started with the wooden waterwheel. Waterwheels of various types had been in use in many parts of Europe and Asia for some 2,000 years, mostly for milling grain. By the time of the Industrial Revolution, waterwheel technology had been developed heavily, and efficiencies approaching 70% were being achieved.

Improved engineering skills during the 19th century led to the development of modern-day turbines. The first hydro-turbine was designed in France in the 1820's by Ben^it Fourneyron. Towards the end of that century many mills were replacing their waterwheels with turbines, and governments were beginning to focus on how they could exploit hydropower for large-scale supply of electricity. The "golden age" of hydropower was the first half of the 20th century, before oil took over as the dominant force in energy provision. Europe and North America built dams and hydropower stations at an extraordinary rate. Since then the large hydro manufacturers have since managed to maintain their business, the small hydro industry has been on the decline since the 1960's.

A micro-hydro system works as follows: 1.2 Water is captured via a filter / intake structure and passes downhill in a pipeline to the turbine. The water exits the pipe under pressure through a nozzle and strikes a water wheel (runner). The force of which spins the runner which is direct coupled to an electricity generating permanent magnet alternator or enhanced performance induction generator. The electricity is then electronically regulated and transmitted via cable for use.

[2] In the report I will be looking at the following areas, the advantages of micro-hydro in comparison to the disadvantages and future developments. 2. Advantages of micro-hydro. The first advantage to list about micro-hydro is its use to third world countries who are not connected to a grid. 2.1 Electrification of the remote and rural areas is a key success factor in achieving sustainable rural development.

Availability of electric energy defines the potential for growth. All kinds of economic activity may start as the result of providing electricity to these areas. However, many rural areas are not connected to the grid, and small hydro projects could provide an electricity supply to these areas. That is why the interest in the development of mini / micro hydro power projects has increased in the recent years. Bringing the electricity to population, especially in the rural and remote areas, is a critical problem to be solved by developing countries.

[2] Another advantage would be that micro-hydro decreases the country's economical and political dependence on 'first world' countries. Some small scale installations promote decentralization, which has proved a recipe for success in many development projects. 2.2 The bringing of electricity to the village was not seen as an end in itself but rather as a means of enhancing the independence and self- reliance of the community as a whole. To this end everyone in the village - men, women and children - was involved in the process and everyone received a benefit and therefore had a stake in ensuring a successful outcome. [3] Further advantages include the generation of continuous and predictable power as streams tend to flow twenty four hours a day and for most / all the year. Cost is a major factor when deciding which renewable system to set up in a country.

The initial cost of micro hydro is much less than many others. 2.3 "Most practical electricity generating micro-hydro systems fall within the range US$1000-4000, and this can be used as a guide in the early stages of a pre-feasibility study. When a few sites are being considered more carefully, budget prices of major components are needed. [4] It is worth noting that the initial costs for similar power renewable systems are, US$10,000 for solar and US$40,000 for wind. 3. Disadvantages of micro-hydro.

One of the disadvantages is the cost per unit KW for running / maintaining /updating micro-hydro systems. The cost is around US$10 for micro-hydro, US$5 for solar and US$1 for wind. Another disadvantage would be the location of fast running water compared to location of needed electricity. 3.1 "it is a site specific technology, and sites that are well suited to the harnessing of water power and are also close to a location where the power can be economically exploited are not very common" Another problem with micro-hydro would be the fact in many third world countries, their climate is the reason they are third world countries, so in many places a river would dry up in the hot season which obviously is a disadvantage. 4. Developments in micro-hydro One of the biggest future developments would be the reduction of cost for a micro-hydro system.

4.1 Although manufacturers rightly pride themselves in the high efficiency and quality of their turbines, these are irrelevant if the machinery is unaffordable. In the final analysis, it is the energy delivered versus the investment cost which is the key parameter. [5] Ways of doing this would be by cutting materials costs and manufacturing costs. The following are non-cost related developments in micro-hydro systems; Weirs: water-filled rubber weir crests are being used to raise the available head on low-head sites; they can also deflate to allow flood waters to pass through. Damage to fish: perhaps the most common objection to new hydro systems is that they may harm fish. Trashracks: innovations such as self-cleaning trashracks or self flushing intakes are being developed to reduce the problem of intake screens becoming clogged with debris.

Conclusion. To conclude, I found the following facts out / Micro-hydro's has a large use to third world countries as it, - Doesn't require a developed infrastructure to develop. - Promotes decentralization. It also has its problems as it is very site specific needing to be near water. Many electrical needs will be no-where near water.

Micro-hydro has a place in first world countries as; The installation cost of micro hydro is very low, compared to its family of renewable generators. Though micro-hydro has a high maintenance cost compared to its peers. Future developments in micro-hydro are as follows; - Using different materials for strength and cheapness. Reference list: 1.

PAISH, O., "Small hydro power: technology and current status", Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Volume 6 Issue 6, 2002,537-556.2. GRAB, H and LEONARDI, J., "Achieving Sustainable Development", Max Plank institute for metrology, MPI report no. 322, 2001, 32.3. (many), "Common Questions on micro-hydro" web accessed on 4th November 2003 4. WADDLE, R and BRYCE, B., "Micro-hydro systems for small communities", Renewable Energy Efficiency, Policy and the Environment, Vol. 16 Issue's 1-4, 1999, 1257-1261 5. PAISH, O., "Small hydro power: technology and current status", Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Volume 6 Issue 6, 2002,537-556.6. Various.

"Micro-hydro power, a guide for development workers", Russell press, Nottingham, p 13 7. Various. "Micro-hydro power, a guide for development workers", Russell press, Nottingham, p 4.