The Development of Civil Components of a Small Hydropower System

Abstract

This study aims at developing design charts for sizing of the water channelling system of SHP, using both theoretical and empirical relations. The focus is to make the design of SHP civil features quick, devoid of under or over design, and to minimize capital cost without compromising safety. A low head range of 0-20 m and channel flow velocities of 1.2 m/s, 1.3 m/s and 1.4 m/s will be utilised. The range of flowrate considered for both orifice and headrace channel is 0-1.5 m/s2. Linear relations were used to make the design and evaluation of SHP components for water transportation to the turbine station at certain flowrates simple. The study observed that it would be more economical to use the theoretical relations than the empirical ones in the design of penstocks and other water channelling components. However, the components perform less in terms of safety and lifetime to those designed with empirical relations.