Hydro Power Research Articles

Assessing Voltage and Frequency Instability in Renah Kemumu's Micro Hydro Power Plant

The increasing demand for energy and the need for environmental sustainability have led to the adoption of renewable energy sources, such as micro-hydropower plants (PLTMH), in isolated communities in Indonesia. However, voltage and frequency instability issues are commonly encountered in PLTMH systems, which undermine their performance. In 2009, a micro-hydropower plant with a capacity of 30 KW was built in Renah Kemumu village. Ranah Kemumu village is located in Jangkat sub-district, Merangin district, Jambi province. In this study, the voltage and frequency instability of PLTMH in Renah Kemumu Village were investigated. The methodology employed in this study was observational. The voltage and frequency data were measured and recorded during peak load hours from 18.00 to 21.00 over one month. The percentage increase relative to the standard voltage and frequency was calculated. Boxplots were generated to visualize the distributions. The voltage measurements showed maximum and minimum values of 270 V and 264 V, representing increases of 22.72 % and 20.45% from the 220 V (standard set by the power utility (PLN)). The frequency ranged from 66.32 Hz to 57.46 Hz, corresponding to 30.92% and 14.92% deviations from the 50 Hz (standard set by the power utility (PLN)). These values exceeded the tolerance limits of the State Electricity Company of Indonesia. The analysis indicates that the voltage and frequency levels at the PLTMH in Renah Kemumu Village are unstable during peak loads, with fluctuations stemming from changing water flows, load currents, and weather conditions

The critical role of energy transition in addressing climate change at COP28

The paper outlines the urgency and strategies for transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy discussed at the 2023 Climate Change Conference (COP28). It emphasizes the Paris Agreement's role and highlights the environmental harm of fossil fuels, advocating for sustainable alternatives like solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power. This transition is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting economic and health benefits. Key findings reveal advancements in renewable technologies, resulting in job creation, energy independence, and improved health due to reduced pollution. However, the transition faces challenges such as high initial costs and the need for advanced infrastructure, particularly in developing countries. The paper underscores the importance of sustainable mining for essential materials like lithium and cobalt, and references António Guterres's “five-point energy plan” as a strategic approach to address these issues. In conclusion, the paper stresses the necessity of global collaboration among governments, businesses, and civil societies. It asserts that the path to sustainable energy is rich with opportunities for innovation, growth, and equitable progress, providing a comprehensive roadmap for a feasible and just energy transition for all nations.

Techno-economic optimisation of steel supply chains in the clean energy transition: A case study of post-war Ukraine

The steel industry's clean energy transition can enable new market creation and economic growth stimulation. Yet, the most efficient and feasible pathway to decouple the sector from fossil fuels remains unclear, particularly within developing nations and unstable socio-political contexts. Here, a blueprint for reconfiguring plant locations and reallocating resources is developed through a Ukrainian case study under two scenarios, which capture potential post-war conditions. Framed by regrowth of Ukraine's export-oriented steel industry and prospective European Union accession, green iron and steel trade strategies are devised. A steel supply chain optimisation model underpins the techno-economic, spatially granular analysis of energy and material flows, which utilises the inputs from a separate cost-minimised renewable energy, green hydrogen, and green ammonia production model. Results show that optimal supply chain configurations rely on mixed emissions-free energy profiles, the emergence of new steelmaking sites nearby high-quality renewables, regional alliances for green iron and steel market creation, and multi-billion-dollar investment. Mature nuclear and hydro power critically reduce costs in the near-term, whilst the rapid expansion of solar and wind energy infrastructure underpins production system scale-up. To simultaneously rebuild the 22 million-tonnes-a-year Ukrainian steel industry and transition to near-zero emissions by 2050, infrastructure investment surmounts to $62 billion, given full liberation of Ukrainian territory. Near-term investment is necessary to ease the pace of change, and although mobilising capital of this magnitude will be challenging, convincing carbon prices favour decarbonisation efforts.

Analyzing inflow to Faye reservoir sensitivity to climate change using CMIP6 and random forest algorithm

ABSTRACT In the era of Climate Change and Climate Variability (CC and CV), renewable energy sources such as Hydropower (HP) have a significant role to play in mitigation. However, inflow to reservoir which is the key fuel for HP generation is vulnerable to CC and CV. Thus, there is a need to investigate the potential impacts of CC and CV on HP systems in the future. This study attempts to assess the potential impacts of CC and CV on the Faye reservoir inflow using the Random Forest (RF) algorithm. For this purpose, bias-adjusted precipitation and temperature data of thirteen climate model outputs and their ensemble mean from Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways scenarios (SSP1-2.6; SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5) were used as predictors. The potential changes in reservoir inflows were evaluated in the near (2025–2049), mid (2050–2074) and far (2075–2099) futures relative to the reference period (1990–2014). The results show the good performance of the RF algorithm in simulating reservoir inflows with Cor > 0.6 for all models. The annual inflows to the Faye reservoir are noted to increase in the future compared to the reference period despite the potential decrease in future precipitation probably due to land use/cover change. For the ensemble mean of models, this projected increase is estimated to around 16%, 23% and 10%, respectively under the SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios for all projection periods. The largest annual increase is noted under the SSP2-4.5 scenario while the lowest increase is noted under the SSP5-8.5 scenario for all projection periods. This study could help the small dam managers better consider the implications of CC and CV on inflow management.

The Macroeconomic Role of New Energy Sources in the Transition of Global Energy Structure

This paper looks into the changing world scene of energy with respect to shifts from traditional to new energy sources. When the trends are examined against the backdrop of rapid industrialization, technological breakthroughs, and globalization, it is noticeable that traditional energy sources have major environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas pollution and various health risks. The study demonstrates that new and renewable energy options such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power could play a leading role in reducing climate change effects and improving air and water quality. The discussion on the macroeconomic influences of these new energy sources, particularly on power generation and the automotive sector, can be seen as having transformative potential in supporting sustainable development objectives. Although the article acknowledges the growth in this sector, it also pinpoints impediments that hinder the new energy technologies, including technological youthfulness, limited infrastructure, and intermittent supply of energy. The strategy recommended as a whole consists of enhanced investment in research and development; a joined approach of politics; edification programs; and public promotion with an aim to solve these difficulties and to hasten the process of global transition into a sustainable energy sphere. The study indicates that while environmental concerns should be balanced against economic development and societal benefits when shaping future global energy systems.

Improving community resilience through distributed solar energy as critical infrastructure – a case study of South Asia

Purpose The analytical framework proposed in this study aims to link the capital portfolio approach to sustaining human well-being, 2015 sustainable development goals and development action ARC-D concepts. Nepal case study is a “tribrid” power generation system that combines distributed solar, hydro and wind power generation capacities for the resilience of a community of around 500 people in a remote village with a total installed capacity of 28 kW. The second case study is about the solarization of 900 health centres in Chhattisgarh, India, with off-grid solar PV with a cumulative capacity of 3 MW. Design/methodology/approach Critical infrastructure at the community scale needs to be resilient to maintain community-level functionality in the face of adverse impacts. The present study provides two case study sites from Nepal and India to demonstrate various elements of resilience building for critical infrastructures, especially for the energy sector. Findings Granular technology and distributed generation in Nepal and India can act as critical infrastructure in providing on-demand electricity service to enhance community-level resilience along with future opportunities of scale up. Originality/value The analytical framework for evaluating community-scale resilience through critical infrastructure design and application of the framework using evidence based on case studies are the original contributions.

Sustainable Renewable Energy Resources in Comoros Islands

Sustainable Renewable Energy Resources in Comoros Islands

Monitoring through AI Based Remote Access Vehicle in Hydro Power Plant

The development of hydroelectric power is essential to the production of sustainable energy. Continuous monitoring and maintenance are necessary to guarantee the safe and effective functioning of hydroelectric plants. A revolutionary method for improving the security, effectiveness, and monitoring capacities of hydroelectric power plants is presented in the project "Monitoring through AI-Based Remote Access Vehicle in Hydro Power Plant."This creative project uses cutting-edge technologies, such as Bluetooth connectivity, artificial intelligence (AI), Raspberry Pi, and sensor systems, to develop a remotely controlled car that is specifically designed to meet the demands of hydroelectric power plant conditions. Real-time object detection and obstacle avoidance are made possible by this configuration, guaranteeing safe passage across the complex industrial infrastructure.Incorporating a temperature sensor also makes it easier to identify fire situations early on, while a water-detecting sensor protects against water leaks. By utilizing AI algorithms for object recognition, vehicles can detect and react to impediments in a proactive manner, hence decreasing the likelihood of accidents. As sentinels, the temperature and water leakage sensors keep an eye on things constantly and send out alarms right once if anything seems out of the ordinary. Reduced reliance on in-person inspections due to remote monitoring capabilities results in lower costs and more dependability. To sum up, this initiative tackles important issues pertaining to hydro power plant maintenance, efficiency, and safety

Harvesting Electricity from Water Pipeline in Hydro Power Generator

The purpose of this endeavour is to build a small-scale hydroelectric power plant that can produce energy for household use using water from a storage tank. One trustworthy and efficient kind of clean, green power is picohydroelectricity. It generates electricity with low maintenance and no fuel use. Water moving through residential pipes provides the kinetic energy to generate electricity for storage of energy. The design and construction of a pico-hydro generating system that extracts water from the water tanks of residential buildings are covered in this study. Three unique mechanical arrangements are added for improved operation and energy production: U-tube piping, a big nozzle pipe end, and an air bladder for sustaining water pressure. As a result, we might design a mechanical system which could produce electricity using the potential energy contained in a water storage tank from a water head. Key words: Renewable energy, Hydroelectricity, turbine , diaphragm pump, portable etc.

Modelling and Simulation of 100 kW Pumped Storage Hydro Power System

Renewable energy sources are an attractive alternative option for augmenting the supply that comes from the utility Grid. This is because they are environmentally friendly. However Photovoltaic power generation is intermittent in nature. Hence, it is usually combined with energy storage systems such as batteries. In this study, pumped hydroelectric energy storage is used for supplementing the power produced from the Solar Photovoltaic system especially during peak demands and when the solar irradiance is low especially at night. Thus, the objective of this study is to model and simulate a pumped energy storage hydro system that can provide power supply of up to approximately 100 kW for a 10 hour period to service the night time. The proposed system is modeled using MATLAB Simulink. A total volume of 91836.7 m3 of storage water was calculated to achieve this purpose. Maximum torque of about 90 N/m was attainable when the angular speed of the water turbine was between 1100 and 1200 rpm. Recommendation for further works can be considered to maintain the angular speed of the turbine within this range.

SUN TRACING SOLAR PANEL IN TWO AXIS USING ARDUINO AND SERVO MOTORS

In the contemporary context, the variability in climatic changes has reached critical levels. These changes stem from both natural phenomena and human-induced activities, notably global warming and the emission of greenhouse gases, which are significantly impacting climatic conditions worldwide. Over the past decade, there has been a notable surge in the demand for reliable and abundant electrical energy sourced from renewable energy alternatives. This shift towards renewable energy is pivotal in addressing energy crises faced by many countries. Governments have initiated measures to reduce reliance on conventional energy sources while actively promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources such as hydro and solar power. Solar power, in particular, stands out as a prominent renewable energy source. With the sun being an abundant and inexhaustible source of energy, solar power holds immense potential. The solar energy received by the Earth is estimated to be approximately 1.8*10^11 MW. To harness this energy efficiently, maximizing the absorption of solar power by photovoltaic systems is imperative. Research indicates that employing a dual-axis tracking system, as opposed to a fixed system, can substantially increase power output by 40% to 60%. Solar energy systems have witnessed significant advancements over the past few decades and are now widely utilized for various household and industrial applications. These systems typically rely on solar collectors designed to capture the sun's energy and convert it into either electrical power or thermal energy. The efficacy of such systems hinges on the ability to capture solar energy effectively. Consequently, developing tracking schemes capable of aligning with the sun's trajectory throughout the day, year-round, has garnered considerable attention in research and development initiatives. This emphasis on enhancing solar energy capture underscores the importance of innovation and technological advancements in the renewable energy sector. By harnessing the vast potential of solar power and optimizing its utilization through advanced tracking systems, societies can mitigate reliance on fossil fuels, combat climate change, and foster sustainable development pathways.

Renewable-based microgrid energy management: A comprehensive exploration of techniques, strategies, and long-term viability

Renewable-based microgrid energy management systems have emerged as a promising solution to address energy security, sustainability and resilience concerns. This paper offers a comprehensive exploration of the techniques, strategies and long-term viability of such systems. The purpose of the study delves into the implementation of smart management and control systems, which enable real-time data analysis, grid optimization and effective load management, thus maximizing the utilization of renewable energy and enhancing overall system efficiency. It demonstrates the significance of decentralized energy management and its role in fostering energy independence and sustainability within local communities and small-scale industrial setups. The paper further investigates the resilience and redundancy aspects of microgrids, highlighting the importance of autonomous operation during grid failures and emergencies. Thus, the incorporation of energy-efficient practices, appliances and demand-side management strategies to promote energy conservation and reduce overall energy consumption of solar power, wind power, hydro power, biopower and geothermal. The important outreach and training are creating environmentally friendly energy consumption and improving the long-term sustainability of microgrid energy control systems that rely on energy generated from renewable sources. The study seeks to enhance ecological energy handling techniques and the utilization of clean sources of energy by offering knowledge regarding the promise of the microgrid to become a versatile and environmentally friendly power solution via this examination.

Loss of load probability for power systems based on renewable sources

An increasing number of small and variable power sources, such as wind and solar power plants, are being integrated into power systems, potentially affecting their reliability. This study was aimed at developing a method for evaluating reliability in terms of the loss of load probability. To this end, an algorithm capable of assessing the expanded role of renewable sources in the power system was established, which could take into account the specific roles and features of wind, solar, and hydro power plants, including pumped storage hydro power plants. Various models were developed and tested to closely emulate real power system behavior. A regional power system was evaluated over multiple years. The results indicated that the reliability of power systems fluctuates with the available capacity of renewable resources. These findings provide a foundation for a more precise specification of power reserves in such systems to prevent excessive reduction in reliability.

Comparative analysis of the efficiency of hydro, wind, and solar power plants in Kyrgyzstan

Comparative analysis of the efficiency of hydro, wind, and solar power plants in Kyrgyzstan

Optimal sizing and placement of capacitors in the isolated microgrid throughout the day considering the demand response program

Reactive power compensation (RPC) is a big problem during power system operation. Parenthetically, capacitor allocation and sizing may be the only convenient solution for RPC of power systems. The loss sensitivity factor (LSF) is applied here for finding the optimum capacitor position. This paper presents quasi-oppositional fast convergence evolutionary programming (QOFCEP), fast convergence evolutionary programming (FCEP), and evolutionary programming (EP) for the optimum location and sizing of shunt capacitors in the isolated microgrid (MG) for minimizing total real power loss throughout the day with and without the demand response program (DRP). The 33-node, 69-node, and 118-node isolated MGs have been studied to authenticate the efficacy of the suggested approach. Each MG includes small hydro power plants (SHPPs), solar PV plants (SPVPs), wind turbine generators (WTGs), diesel generators (DGs), and plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs).

Optimization of Micro Hydro Power Plants to Support Community Energy and Indonesian National Army Training in Gunung Halu, West Bandung Regency

Gunung Halu Village, Tangsi Jaya hamlet to reach 250 people in 2023, is faced with significant challenges related to the need for sustainable energy. The energy crisis and environmental issues have encouraged research into alternative energy sources, including Micro Hydro Power Plants (PLTMH), especially in areas with abundant water potential such as Gunung Halu, namely the Ciputri River. The main problem currently being faced is that the PLTMH, which was built in 2007 with a capacity of 18 kW has experienced overload due to population growth and increasing household electronic needs. The aim of the research is to determine the potential of PLTMH in Gunung Halu, develop ways to optimize PLTMH to provide the community's electricity needs and optimize PLTMH as an alternative option for TNI training areas. The method used in this research is a descriptive qualitative method which is carried out in depth so that it is supported by literature studies and then combined with field observation data, interviews and documentation. The research results show that the PLTMH that can be optimized on Gunung Halu is 30 kW by optimizing turbine efficiency and considering changes in height differences according to the characteristics of the area. In conclusion, it was found that optimizing the PLTMH is important to provide adequate electrical energy and support TNI training so that it hopes to become sustainable energy and a practical solution to increase local energy independence and support national defense.

Cascaded Fractional-Order Controller-Based Load Frequency Regulation for Diverse Multigeneration Sources Incorporated with Nuclear Power Plant

To sustain a system frequency within acceptable limits, it is widely conceded that retaining a power balance between generation and demand is necessary. In order to regulate the frequency of power systems (PSs) this article proposes a novel cascaded based fractional-order controller termed as fractional-order integer- (FOI-) fractional-order proportional integral with double derivative (FOPIDD2). In addition to redox flow batteries and capacitive energy storage, the recommended control strategy has been validated with gas, thermal reheat, hydro, and nuclear power systems. Additionally, a newly designed algorithm known as squid game optimizer (SGO) optimizes the gains of the new FOI-FOPIDD2 controller. The squid game optimizer technique is inspired by the fundamental principles of a conventional Korean sport. It employs a population of candidate solutions and iteratively adjusts the control parameters to discover the optimal set that reduces frequency abnormalities and improves system stability. A comparison is also made between the controller’s performance and benchmarks, including the jellyfish search algorithm, the firefly algorithm, the grey wolf optimizer, and the particle swarm algorithm. The proposed algorithms reduced peak overshoot as compared to grey wolf optimizer algorithm by 35.34%, 46.78%, and 76.89%; jellyfish search optimization algorithm by 34.76%, 77.22%, and 82.56%; and firefly algorithm by 82.67%, 89.23%, and 29.67% for frequency variations in area 1, area 2 and tie line power, respectively. Furthermore, SGO-FOI-FOPIDD2 controllers under different loading circumstances and conditions were evaluated and endorsed for their ability to withstand uncertainties in power system parameters.

Forecasting the power generation at renewable power plants in Sri Lanka using regression trees

This paper presents the application of regression trees as a versatile alternative to other machine learning and statistical modelling techniques to forecast the power generation at five renewable power plants: one large hydropower plant, two mini hydropower plants, and two wind farms in Sri Lanka. The prediction models for each power station were developed by varying the depth of the regression tree. The regression tree model with the lowest depth that forecasts the output (power) in terms of all the predictor variables was selected for each power station and the accuracy of the models was evaluated by means of the Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), and the Coefficient of Determination (R2). According to the degree of the above performance indicators, i.e. very low values of MAE, MAPE, and RMSE supplemented by R2 of 0.95 or more, the regression tree method proved to be a convenient forecasting technique to predict the power generation at both hydro and wind power plants. Further, it could be found that a good correlation between the input and output variables paves the way for a smaller depth in the regression tree. Moreover, regression trees presented here could accurately identify the relationship between the power generated and the most influential weather factors, without being affected by potential outliers or missing values while managing collinearity too. Extension of this study would enable to generalize the prediction of renewable power generation based on the regression tree method, leading towards minimizing the use of fossil fuel.

Hydropower Politics in Northeast India: Dam Development Contestations, Electoral Politics and Power Reconfigurations in Sikkim

Around the world, the development of large dams has been increasingly contested. India is no exception and has seen the mobilisation of powerful domestic and transnational socio-environmental movements against dams over more than four decades. In this context, the State of Sikkim in northeast India has been entangled in prolonged hydropower development conflicts since the late 1990s. This article analyses these conflictive entanglements between the Government of India, the State Government of Sikkim, power companies and Sikkim’s autochthonous tribe, the Lepchas. It zooms in on the period of 2011–2017, which saw an abrupt escalation of the conflicts to analyse the messy, deeply political and often unpredictable and contradictory world of dam construction and its contestations. Our analysis is informed by the power cube framework developed by John Gaventa. Our analysis shows how hydropower development is deeply intertwined with local patronage relationships. We show how local elections bring out dam conflict and the operation of power into the open, sometimes leading to abrupt and unexpected switches in positions in relation to hydropower development. We show that these switches should be seen not only as “strategic electoral tactics” but also and importantly as contentious political struggles that (re)configure power in the region. We show how in this process, powerful political actors continuously seek to stabilise power relations among the governing and the governed, choreographing a specific socio-hydraulic order that stretches way beyond simple pro- and anti-dam actors and coalitions as it is embedded in deep hydro(-electro) politics and power plays.

POTENSI PLTMH DI BENDUNGAN SIDAN, DESA BELOK SIDAN, KABUPATEN BADUNG

The potential of new renewable energy is highly needed to support Clean Energy Bali, and one of the viable energy sources is Micro Hydro Power Plant (PLTMH). The design of the Sidan Dam PLTMH is based on the construction of the Sidan Dam area in Belok Sidan Village, Badung Regency. The planning of the Sidan Dam PLTMH only extends to the construction of the penstock. In this Capstone Project, the design of the Sidan Dam PLTMH utilizes water discharge and head height data from the Sidan Dam planning. This data is used to determine the design, type of water turbine, dimensions of the water turbine, and to determine the appropriate generator capacity. The calculation results indicate that the Sidan Dam PLTMH has a potential capacity of 290.83 kW with a Francis turbine type and a generator capacity of 472.59 Kva. It is estimated to generate an annual energy output of 1,783,396 kWh with a capacity factor 70%.