Cost Optimization of High Head Run of River Small Hydropower Projects

Abstract

Small hydropower (SHP) is one of the most reliable and environment friendly source of electrical power among different renewable energy sources. For making a decision regarding development of a SHP project, its financial viability is to be assessed along with technical feasibility. In the present study, a methodology has been developed for cost assessment of high head run of river (ROR) SHP projects in order to determine their techno-economic viability before undergoing detailed investigation. This will enable the planners and developers to carry out detailed investigation and implementation of only those projects which are financially feasible. In the analysis of cost, capacity and head have been considered cost-influencing parameters. The correlations for cost based on different types of head race conduit, penstock materials, types of turbine and types of generator for various layouts have been developed. The project cost determined from the developed correlations is validated by the cost data collected from recently developed projects. It has been found that the developed correlation for cost may be used for reasonable cost estimation of hydropower projects for planning of such projects. The cost analysis of different layouts based on generation cost and installation cost were evaluated. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) based technique has been employed to work out the optimal layout. Based on cost analysis, nomogram has been developed for selection of optimum layout for high head RoR SHP projects.