Micro-hydro Power Research Articles

Optimizing an equitable micro‐hydropower deployment: Application of a multi‐objective method for rural Indonesia

AbstractMuch of the developing world is still struggling to provide electricity to rural populations. Extending the grid is frequently not feasible or too expensive in rural and remote areas. In such situations, micro‐hydropower (MHP) can be a cost‐effective source of renewable off‐grid electricity and can be easier to implement and more reliable than a number of other generation technologies. This study employs multi‐objective mixed‐integer‐linear programming (MOMILP) to identify nondominated MHP portfolios to meet rural electricity needs across Indonesia. Besides maximizing the new MHP generation capacity within a fixed budget, this study also incorporates equity as an objective. The equity issue becomes crucial to ensure that government resources are deployed in a manner that considers impacts for the entire population. The MOMILP optimizes a weighted objective function that applies different relative weights to the objectives of generation capacity and equity, subject to several constraints on resource availability and capacity shortfall, as well as budget. In this way, we identify solutions on the Pareto frontier for investment in MHP generation in remote Indonesian rural communities. We illustrate the tradeoffs involved in meeting capacity shortfalls with and without considering equity across provinces and identify non‐dominated MHP portfolios that the Indonesian government could implement to increase rural electrification efficiently.

The Potential of Micro-hydro Power Cascade in Irrigation Channel of Kalibawang, Indonesia

Indonesia's program and regulation on the national New and Renewable Energy Policy mix target are at least 23% by 2025 and 31% by 2050 to increase the role of NRE to energy security and self-sufficiency in energy. The government's plan Energy sourced from hydropower, mini micro-hydro installed 20,960 MW in 2030 and 45,379 MW in 2050. The construction of dams on the river can have an impact on the backwater and the environment. Construction of micro-hydro in existing irrigation channels is an environmentally friendly solution. In this study, Identification of Potential Head (∆H) in Irrigation Channels used an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) DJI Phantom 4. DEM data processing was to produce contours at 7 potential micro-hydro location points. Data Flow Duration Curve (FDC) determined the mainstay discharge of 5 m3/s with a probability of 85%. Discharge analysis from secondary irrigation data for 11 years (2009-2019). The results of this study found the Head potential P1 ∆H 15 m 625 kW, P2 ∆H 1.5 m 63 kW, P3 ∆H 5 m 208 kW, P4 ∆H 3 m 125 kW, P5 ∆H 8 m 333kW, P6 ∆H 7 m 291 kW, P7 ∆H 3.5 m 146 kW and total micro-hydro potential along Kalibawang irrigation channel reaches 1.8 MW. Special Result found the Microhydro Blumbang-Kedungrong Cascade (P5-P6) ∆H 15 m 600 kW with proposed Kaplan turbine S-Type and service area to increase from 135 to 720 homes in 2 sub-districts.

Assessing the Sustainable Development of Micro-Hydro Power Plants in an Isolated Traditional Village West Java, Indonesia

The sustainable development of micro-hydropower (MHP) plants is a challenge for rural electrification in developing countries, especially in Indonesia, which has diverse ethnic groups, cultures, and traditions in several isolated locations due to its complex terrain. The uniqueness of a social situation in a location can affect the sustainable electrification development. This study aimed to assess the sustainable development of MHP plants in the Kasepuhan Ciptagelar, which has unique traditions and cultural characteristics. The assessment was conducted using the sustainable development indicator (SDI) method, the Ilskog method, which can include social, economic, environmental, technical, and institutional dimensions. Data were collected through field investigations and qualitative dialogs to understand the culture and ways of thinking. The results of the Ilskog method analysis revealed that the environmental dimensions had the highest scores, whereas economic dimensions had the lowest scores, indicating that the cultural background of the Kasepuhan Ciptagelar impacted the SDI scores. This was attributable to the decision of Kasepuhan’s traditional leader, which strengthened the community commitment to renewable energy use. However, the cultural background adversely impacted monetary income to sustain MHP plants. This study proposed that community innovation and microcredit availability could improve productive activities, resulting in better economic conditions to sustain MHP plants.

“STUDI POTENSI PEMBANGKIT LISTRIK TENAGA MIKROHIDRO (PLTMH) DI DESA” AAN, KABUPATEN KLUNGKUNG PROVINSI BALI

Bali has the potential for mini-hydro and micro-hydro power plants of 15 MW. There are154 rivers and springs scattered in Bali which are used as irrigation for rice fields. Aan Villagehas an Irrigation Channel, namely Subak Aan Dauh Desa which is sourced from the TukadBubuh, which according to observations has a stable flow every year. This study aims todetermine the potential of MHP in Aan Village, especially in Subak Aan Dauh Village IrrigationChannel, Tukad Bubuh seen from the condition of the research location, water discharge andhead. The methods used in this research are observation, literature study, and interviews. Thedata is then processed to obtain an estimate of the appropriate power generation based on thewater discharge, and head at each location. The results of this study indicate the potential ofMHP in the Subak Aan Dauh Desa irrigation channel, Tukad Bubuh, Aan Village, there are 4research locations with each water discharge of 0,7917 m3/s, 0,7434 m3/s, 0,9612 m3/s, and0,3198 m3/s, having a head of 0.9 m, 1.1 m, 3 m, and 2 m. The estimated power generation withthe assumption that the total efficiency of the 65% is 4.54 kW, 10.42 kW, 18.38 kW, and 4.07kW. Based on the aspect of determining the type of turbine at each research location, locations1 and 2 used the Breast Wheel type waterwheel, while locations 3 and 4 used ArchimedesScrew turbines.

Stage of Potential Identification Irrigation Channel Topography Analysis for Micro-Hydro Power in the Kalibawang Irrigation Primary Channel, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

This study was designed to determine the stages in the identification of micro-hydro in irrigation channels based on the classification and level of data requirements in a project, starting from the initial study, feasibility study and detailed engineering design. The study was conducted with site selection criteria using four information systems and technology tools, namely Google Earth, GIS Topography, UAV Drone Phantom DJI 4, and Nikkon DTM 332 Total Station. The results shows through GE and GIS, obtained 23 potential points, 7 of which are high potential, followed by field measurements with 1 selected UAV location Cascade, and detailed with TS to produce Head (H) 12 m, with CM and FDC probability 75% discharge (Q) 5.5 m3/s, generated power (P) 550 kW. This study provides a method and solution for speed in identifying potential with Google Earth and GIS (Macro Class), speed and risk reduction for surveyors with UAVs (Mezo Class), and accuracy and detailing at selected locations with Total Station (Micro Class). So that this research provides accuracy in the stages, methods and tools used in the identification of micro-hydro potential in irrigation channels.

Generating Electricity from Micro-hydro Power Stations to Feed the Isolated Areas of the National Network

The construction of small-hydro power stations does not require high technologies, but needs to provide a river or stream water is smooth. Through the establishment of small dams on the stream can control the amount of water necessary to rotate the water turbine, which in turn converts the potential energy of water into kinetic energy. Through the transfer of kinetic energy of rotation of the turbine to the generator can convert this energy into electrical energy. The idea of ​​our plan of research for electrical energy from the power of water using small- hydroelectric plants, which can be built on small rivers, streams, and through the construction of small dams to control the amount of water. Electrical energy derived from small- hydroelectric plants could help feed the electrical loads to areas isolated from the national grid and can be linked with the national grid to add additional electric power.

Studi Analisa Potensi Sumber Air sebagai Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Mikrohidro (PLTMH) di Karungan Kelurahan Mamburungan Timur Kota Tarakan

The supply of electrical energy in Tarakan City, North Kalimantan, still relies on diesel power which uses a limited number of petroleum energy sources. There is a need for research related to renewable energy sources that have the potential to become alternative energy for the people of Tarakan City. Water is an energy source that has great potential to generate electricity. The energy source that should be taken into account is micro-hydro which can be used as a Micro-hydro Power Plant (PLTMH). A survey of micro-hydro sources in Tarakan City, precisely in the Karungan area, East Mamburungan Village, has been carried out with the direct measurement method of water discharge and the relationship with the power generated. The result shows the water source has a discharge 0.00034 m3/ s, the water velocity of 0.035 m/s and generates power only up to 1.1 watts. Based on the power obtained, the water source in this place cannot be used as a source of micro-hydro energy, but has the potential as a source of pico-hydro energy.

Design and optimization of off‐grid hybrid renewable power plant with storage system for rural area in Rwanda

In this paper, a system comprising a solar photovoltaic (PV)/micro-hydropower/battery bank/converter has been designed, modelled, simulated, and optimized for the rural area of Wimana village, Rwanda. The total load has been fairly estimated for the residential electric utility needs. To satisfy the load demand, solar photovoltaic (4 kW) and micro-hydro (15 kW) power capacity were considered as the main sources of energy to supply electricity. Either in peak load times or during low generation of primary sources, storage battery banks can also be discharged. The simulation and optimization were done based on the load demand, climatic data, the economics of integrated system components, and other parameters in which the total net present cost has to be minimized to select an economically feasible and technically capable hybrid power system. Based on the load profile of the data collected for the village, the daily energy consumption was found to be 180.99 kWh/day with a peak load demand of 18.56 kW. The net present cost and the cost of energy for the optimized power system amount to $78,763.26 and $0.0757/kWh respectively. HOMER Pro simulating software tool was used to design optimal off-grid and energy management systems.

Socio-Technical Viability Framework for Micro Hydropower in Group Water-Energy Schemes

Most renewable energy (RE) studies focus on technology readiness, environmental benefits and/or cost savings. The market permeation, viability and adoption of RE technologies such as micro hydropower (MHP), however, require the alignment of other interrelated factors, such as the socio-technical, institutional and political dimensions. This is particularly the case where the energy recovery potential in decentralised water networks is being explored as part of a wholesome sustainability strategy by and for individual and communal prosumers. This study employs a socio-technical approach to understand factors that influence the perceived viability and adoption of MHP in group water-energy schemes. Methods included a progressive literature review to formulate a conceptual framework for the implementation of MHP systems. The framework was validated using survey data from representative stakeholders from groups schemes in Ireland and Spain. These stakeholders were sampled and surveyed at the stage of considering the adoption of MHP in their water networks. The findings highlight the push–pull factors and discusses the opportunities and barriers to the adoption of MHP systems. It confirms that the market, institutional and policy context, cost and financial benefits, social support and collaborative services combine to influence the adoption of MHP technology. Thus, a framework for evaluating the socio-technical viability of MHP systems based on these more realistic integrated, multi-dimensional criteria is proposed.

PENGARUH VARIASI SUDUT BUKAAN GUIDE VANE TERHADAP KINERJA PROTOTYPE PLTMH DENGAN TURBIN KAPLAN

The increase in the need for electrical energy in Indonesia is increasing along withpopulation growth. Followed by the depletion of fuels originating from fossil energy. Based ongeographic conditions, Indonesia has many rivers so that it has the potential to generateelectricity by utilizing the flow of water which is called PLTMH (Microhydro Power Plant). Inrealizing this PLTMH, one type of water turbine can be used, namely the Kaplan turbine, wherethis type of turbine works at low head conditions with large discharge. The purpose of thisresearch is to analyze the performance of the Kaplan type turbine guide vane prototype atangles of 15º, 30º, 45º, 60º, 75º, and 90º to meet the electricity demand in Indonesia. Afterbeing examined based on all the variations tested, the maximum value of the turbine rotationalspeed at an opening of 15º with the rotation values obtained before and after coupled with thegenerator were 249.5 rpm and 216.5 rpm. The value of the generator rotation before and afterthe 30 Watt load coupling is 1096.6 rpm and 999 rpm. Voltage, current, and power producedare 9,1 Volts, 0,68 Amperes, and 6,18 Watts. The resulting torque of 0,27 Nm. The greatestefficiency was obtained at a combination of the opening angle of the guide vane of 15º at2,62%.

Evaluasi Kinerja PLTMH Polohungo 40 KW Terhadap Small Scale Power Load (SSPL)

The Polohungo Micro-hydro Power Plant (PLTMH) in Polohungo village, Tolangohula District, Gorontalo Regency has several components, namely intake, headrace, forebay, tailrace, penstock, turbines, mechanical equipment systems, mechanical transmission systems, and generators. The increase of demand for electrical power and the limited capacity of the generator was causing suboptimal plant operation. This study aims to evaluate the performance of the 40 kW PLTMH against the electrical load in Polohungo Village, Gorontalo Regency. The evaluation stage began with the calculation of the technical parameter data of the equipment, which was then compared with parameters obtained from measurement. The evaluation results show that the overall condition of the main components such as generators, turbines, and the generator control system was still working well even though there was no history of maintenance. There was a power difference of 12.212 kW or 55.03% between the real-world generated power and theoretically calculated power based on turbine design water flow. Therefore, PLTMH Polohungo was not operating optimally when handling small-scale power loads, where the amount of power generated by theoretical calculations is greater than the amount of power generated when the generator is operating with a water flow rate of 0.02865 m3/second.

Design of Microhydro Power Plant Prototype Based on Kelekar River Flow Discharge

Indonesia is a country that has a very large water source, so it has the potential to develop hydro power plant as a superior resource. One of the rivers in the province of South Sumatra has the potential to be developed as a source of micro-hydro power plants, namely the Kelekar River in Ogan Ilir Regency. The existence of the Sriwijaya University Embung which is located on the Kelekar River can certainly support the use of Kelakar River water as a micro hydro power plant. The design of a prototype for a micro-hydro power plant aims to obtain a model of the tool as a reference in making a power plant tool in the field. Making prototypes of the tool refers to the results of previous research on the characteristics of the Kelekar River, namely the design discharge (Qd) of 0.45m3/sec, the effective fall height (Heff) at the embung is 3.475792 m, the water flow power is 15,344 kW, and the power (pt) produced by the turbine is 11,508 kW with the turbine efficiency (ŋt) of 0.75. The resulting discharge is 0.000145 m3/s with a transmission speed of 23.078 m/s, and the resulting energy is 4.944 Watt.

Characteristics Analysis of the Archimedes Screw Turbine Micro-hydro Power Plant with Variation of Turbine Elevation Angle

Electrical energy has become a basic need of modern society, but the supply of electricity has not yet fully met the needs of the community. Many potential energy sources can be converted into electrical energy. One potential of energy sources is water flow which can be used for micro-hydro power plants in remote areas. This study aims to analyze the characteristics of the Archimedes screw turbine of micro-hydro power plant, in particular concerning on variations in the elevation angle of the turbine. Characteristics determination was carried out on a prototype of a micro-hydro power plant using a Brush Less Direct Current (BLDC) generator and two blades of Archimedes screw turbine. The varied turbine elevation-angle was applied, namely 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 o , with a water discharge of 2.64 L/s. The results show that an increase in the turbine elevation angle from 20 to 40 o causes an enhancement in mechanical characteristics, i.e. torque and rpm, as well as electrical characteristics, i.e. voltage, current, and electric power. The mechanical and electrical characteristics reach a maximum value at the elevation angle of about 30 o , which is 27.87 mW at 1 kΩ load. Furthermore, increasing the elevation angle to become more than 30 o causes a decrease in mechanical and electrical characteristics.

From Community Capital to Sustainable Rural Livelihood: Exploring Green Development Program in Masoso, Indonesia

Community capital has approached to formulate a sustainable rural livelihood. As an agreement in the world development challenges, it have been designed in the framework of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that was supported by the United Nations as a global effort to attain 169 targets, such as natural resources management for sustainable rural development. This article aims to analyze community empowerment on green development to strengthen energy self-sufficient villages based on the community capital. The method in this research used the qualitative approach that was used in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of all phenomena that occurred in the study of Masoso village, Indonesia. The result of the discussion found that the implementation of green development through micro-hydro power plants supported by the village fund, and has contributed for local community prosperity. This study concludes that the adherence of the community to traditional institutions and local wisdom needed to preserve as the basis of community collectivity to conserve natural resources. New opportunities of local economic activities on integrated agriculture could promote socio-economic development in the modern era through strengthening of farmer groups and community development.

Sustainable Water-Energy Nexus towards Developing Countries’ Water Sector Efficiency

Water management and energy recovery can improve a system’s sustainability and efficiency in a cost-effective solution. This research assesses the renewable energy sources used in the water sector, as well as the related water sector performance indicators within Portuguese water management systems. A deep analysis of 432 water entities in Portugal, based on ERSAR data base, was conducted in order to identify factors to be improved regarding the system efficiency. On the other hand, the potential energy recovery developed in the REDAWN project was also used as a reference for the application of micro hydropower (MHP) solutions in the water sector. A water and energy nexus model was then developed to improve the systems efficiency and sustainability. A real case study in Africa, the Nampula water supply system, located in Mozambique, was selected as a promising potential for energy recovery. The application of a pump-as-turbine (PAT) allows the reduction in system costs and environmental impacts while increasing its efficiency. The proposed MHP has a capacity to generate ~23 MWh/year, providing significant savings. The developed economic analysis indicates the project is profitable, with an IRR ~40% depending on the energy selling price. This project can avoid the emission of more than 12 tCO2 to the atmosphere, and it can help to reduce the system’s real losses by more than 10,000 m3/year. Consequently, it creates a total economic benefit of 7604 EUR/year.

Effect of Symmetrically Switched Rectifier Topologies on the Frequency Regulation of Standalone Micro-Hydro Power Plants

Micro-hydro power plants (μHPPs) are a major energy source in grid-isolated zones because they do not require reservoirs and dams to be built. μHPPs operate in a standalone mode, but a continuously varying load generates voltage unbalances and frequency fluctuations which can cause long-term damage to plant components. One method of frequency regulation is the use of alternating current-alternating current (AC-AC) converters as an electronic load controller (ELC). The disadvantage of AC-AC converters is reactive power consumption with the associated decrease in both the power factor and the capacity of the alternator to deliver current. To avoid this disadvantage, we proposed two rectifier topologies combined with symmetrical switching. However, the performance of the frequency regulation loop with each topology remains unknown. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of the frequency regulation loop when each topology, with a symmetrical switching form, was inserted. A MATLAB® model was implemented to simulate the frequency loop. The results from a μHPP case study in a small Cuban rural community called ‘Los Gallegos’ showed that the performance of the frequency regulation loop using the proposed topologies satisfied the standard frequency regulation and increased both the power factor and current delivery capabilities of the alternator.

Feasibility Study on a Micro Hydro Power Plant at Coban Jahe Waterfall, Jabung, Malang Regency

Micro Hydro Power (MHP) Plant is a small-scale power plant under 100 kW. Generally, MHP is built in a place that the electricity network has not touched. Many waterfalls in Taji Village are only used as tourist attractions. One of them is Coban Jahe waterfall which has a water discharge of 0.60567 m3/s in the dry season. Waterfall in Coban Jahe was used and planned as Micro Hydro Power Plant, it was called as MHP. Potential electric power generated from the MHP Coban Jahe Waterfall is 14.0368 kW with an effective head of 3.4742 m. The results show from the financial analysis, the construction of MHP is quite feasible with NPV of Rp. 45,676,769, BCR of 1.0852, which means it is feasible to be continued, the Payback Period is 9 years which does not exceed the project life, and the IRR obtained is 10,0087% which the projects are feasible and profitable to build.

Studi Numerik Perbandingan Kinerja dan Medan Aliran Turbin Vortex Gravitasi dengan Tipe Sudu Lengkung Backward dan Forward

<p><em>The interaction of turbine blades with vortex flow in micro-hydro power plants based on gravity vortex is still not clearly clarified, therefore numerical simulation is a tool to produce flow visualization that helps analyze the performance of experimental results. This study aims to compare the performance of a gravity vortex flow power generator using a conical basin with a </em><em>inclined</em><em> backward and </em><em>inclined </em><em>forward blade design using a numerical simulation approach. The simulation begins by validating the results of torque performance and visualizing the flow of experimental research conducted by previous researchers, then the simulation settings are used to compare the performance of the </em><em>inclined</em><em> backward and </em><em>inclined </em><em>forward blade turbine designs with variations in turbine rotation speed of 80, 120, 160 and 180 rpm. The simulation results show that the curved backward blade performance is better than the forward curved blade which is supported by visualizing the free surface flow and static pressure contours on the blade surface.</em><em></em></p>

A Comparative Study: Micro-Hydro Power Management Model in Rural and Isolated Area

Micro-Hydro Power (MHP) is a solution to the need for renewable energy in the era of the industrial revolution 4.0. Its environmentally friendly effect has become a consideration for many people to consider implementing it in their respective places. One of the critical points to realize this is a sustainable MHP management model. This paper discusses the assessment of the MHP management model for electrification in rural areas in Indonesia. There are two objects in this research: Kunci Putih MHP in Jatirunggo Village, Semarang Regency, and the Mbakuhau MHP in Kamanggih Village, East Sumba Regency. This research aims to assess the management model of the Kunci Putih MHP and Mbakuhau MHP from the social-managerial, economic, and technical aspects. This study uses descriptive qualitative methods with gap analysis techniques. The results show that the two locations have different challenges based on three aspects that have been recognizing in international standards. The private sector manages Kunci Putih MHP with a National scale installation operated by the company directly. In contrast, Mbakuhau MHP manages by a credit union collaboration with National Electricity East Sumba. Kunci Putih MHP is driven by the private sector through auction and is responsible for maintenance, project engineering, repair, and equipment maintenance. Mbakuhau MHP can be successful in community-based management because IBEKA (Pro-Poor Public-Private Partnership) gave the community training during construction. The community provides technical training in leadership because Mbakuhau MHP is an electrification solution for isolated villages so that management is better carried out by the community. Therefore, the two cases cannot significantly be compared because they are different in power and scale.

Prototype of Automatic Frequncy Control in Microhydro Power Plant with Dummy Load Based on Arduino Uno and Labview

Micro hydro power plants are small-scale power plants that use hydropower as their driving force. Hydropower can come from irrigation channels, rivers or natural waterfalls, which are used by utilizing the waterfall height (head) and the amount of water discharge. The main components of this plant are the turbine and generator. The load on the micro hydro generator will affect the value of the voltage and frequency generated. This research attempts to make a micro hydro generator with automatic frequency control using dummy load in the form of inductance which is obtained using variac. The generator output voltage and current will be read by Arduino as a control center using the ZMPT101B AC voltage sensor and ACS712 current sensor. The generator output frequency is read by reading the travel time of 1(one)full wave. This research is also equipped with a variable monitoring system for micro hydro generator using Labview. From the observations of the research data, it was revealed that the frequency output of the micro hydro generator with an automatic dummy load controller was close to the value of the mesh frequency, namely 51 - 52 Hz.