Small Power Plants Research Articles

Exploring the capacity and economic viability of green hydrogen production by utilising surplus energy from wind farms and small hydropower plants in Southern Brazil

This study seeks to estimate the potential hydrogen production from the remaining energy in the small hydropower plants (SHPs). SHPs are plants with a reservoir of three-square miles and an installed capacity between 1 and 30 MW and wind plants in the south of Brazil. Subsequently, to evaluate the generation of chemical and electrical energy and the amount of stored hydrogen and to determine possible applications in the transport sector and its injection into the natural gas network of the regional mesh. Moreover, scenarios 1 and 2 represented 5% and 3% of the surplus power for hydrogen production. The results indicated that green hydrogen production from the remaining energy in the small hydroelectric and wind power plants proved viable. There was an average potential of 5.95 MNm3/day in SHPs and 7.66 MNm3/day in wind farms. Furthermore, the wind farms could generate an average of 16,000 MWh/day through H2 production, while the SHPs have the potential to produce an average of 9340 MWh/day. Further, the proposed scenarios were economically viable since the profit estimated ranged from 27.13 to 617.92 U$/kg in wind farms and from 162.87 to 342.42 U$/kg in SHPs.

Balancing renewable energy and river conservation: effects of hydropeaking from small hydroelectric power plants on fish stranding in small Brazilian rivers

Balancing renewable energy and river conservation: effects of hydropeaking from small hydroelectric power plants on fish stranding in small Brazilian rivers

Development of renewable energy in Russia: Challenges and opportunities

Subject. This article discusses the issues of climate change and environmental aspects of the development of the Russian regions' economy. Objectives. The article aims to assess the importance of green energy in ensuring economic advance and analyze the specific risks for the economy associated with the active use of renewable energy sources. Methods. For the study, we used a comparative analysis. Results. The article finds that solar, wind and small hydroelectric power plants are extremely unevenly distributed across the federal districts of Russia. Renewable energy generation facilities are the most cost-effective at the local level and have a positive impact on the environment. Conclusions. The activities of Russian regions in the introduction of renewable energy sources should be recognized as insufficient for the implementation of the concept of sustainable development.

Optimal selection of parallel pumps running as turbines for energy harvesting in water transmission lines considering economic parameters

The need for energy is growing due to concerns about development and well-being, but the traditional methods of energy production harm people and the environment. This impact can be reduced by using renewable energy sources like hydropower. Since the cost of electromechanical equipment in small hydroelectric power plants accounts for a large percentage of the capital cost, applying the pump as turbine (PAT) is recommended. In this research, an effort has been made to select the optimal arrangement of PATs for a water transmission line without the need for control systems. The selection optimization process involves selecting the model of the pump as turbine and the number of turbines in parallel simultaneously. The optimization process relies on economic parameters, aiming to maximize the Net Present Value (NPV) of the power plant. In addition, the financial analysis of the project has been carried out. As a first step to achieve this objective, a database including single and double-suction pumps based on available pumps is needed. To cover a wider range of heads and flow rates, impeller trimming relationships for the pumps are considered. The Brute-Force algorithm has been used for the optimization process and two different objective functions (OF) have been investigated. First, it is based on economic optimization, and the NPV function is used as the OF; then, the Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) method is used as the second OF. The case study of this research is a water transmission line between two cities in Iran. A MATLAB code has been developed to perform all the steps of this study. The results demonstrate that by considering impeller trimming for pumps in the database and using NPV as OF, the number of pumps used for the power plant decreased from 12 to 6 and the capital cost decreased by about 10%. By implementing impeller trimming, the NPV and energy production of the PAT power plant are increased. Comparing the two desired objective functions leads to the recommended appropriate OF for applications. It is worth mentioning that the harvested energy from this water transmission line is about 9 GWh/year. The economic analysis results show that the PAT power plant payback period (PP) for this water transmission line is less than one year.

Use of the Power Line Communication System (PLC) at Low Voltage (0.4 kV) Noisy Electrical Networks – Introducing a New Concept at Power Quality

Micro grids, smart grids, small power plants in range of household size stay in the lime-light. Nowadays, smart metering system stays directly before installation. All of the above mentioned systems require complex and discrete concepts and knowledge. Definitions and use of the right concepts and correct knowledge belong to actual questions of energetics. Small size distributed power plant units, drivers, controllers and switches belong to the power plants connecting to power grids can introduce high-frequency noises. In this work the spectra and the impact of the high-frequency noises have been investigated. After analysing the measured spectra followings can be declared: High-frequency noises can trouble the Power Line Communication (PLC) system at smart metering systems. Noise can destroy propagating parameters of the useful signal affecting the safety of data communication.

Energy self-sufficiency and sustainable development in a closed mountain area

The present paper presents the first results of a study for defining the environmental energy plan of the Province of Belluno, placed in a mountain territory in North-East of Italy. In the plan, the energy consumptions and the potential of renewable energy sources in this tipically mountainous area were first analyzed. The aim of the study was to identify the best strategies of intervention to ensure the sustainable development of the territory. The most energy-consuming sectors have been analyzed and some first possible response interventions have been proposed. The industrial and tertiary sectors have very few possible interventions worthy of note, but the residential sector can be greatly improved. At the same time, the field of energy production has been analyzed, the current state has been studied in detail and the improving potential has been evaluated, focusing on renewable energies, especially on small size hydroelectric power plant and on photovoltaic energy

Influence of small solar power plants on power quality

The solar power plants are usually connected to the distribution network in node with transformer. Small, mini and micro solar power plants are connected as real dispersed production in the middle or at the end of line as consumers. This paper describes measurements, according to standard SIST EN 50160, at 274 m long line, fed at one side from 20/0,4 kV transformer and at the other side from small solar power plant and in between are 15 users (houses).

Feasibility of wind power generation for the reduction of power costs in residential buildings

Introduction: The installation of wind power generators on buildings located in areas with regular winds may be a suitable investment in a renewable power source. Brazil has a high eolic potential, where the annual mean wind speed may reach over eight meters per second. This case study is aimed to assess the economic feasibility of the installation of small wind power plants in urban areas. Methods: This work evaluates a project for the installation of a vertical axis wind turbine in three buildings (15-, 22-, and 26-store) including the following stages: 1) Installation of a real-time power meter in the 15-store unit; 2) Demand analysis of the 26-store building´s power consumption; 3) Winds survey along the coast of the State of Ceará; 4) Analysis of the wind turbines available in the market; 5) Simulation aimed to choose the system. Results: Vertical wind power generators offer better conditions of use in urban areas. The turnover time was established to be between four and six years in the three studied units. Conclusions: The installation of a wind power generator on buildings in regions with an adequate eolic regimen reaches a financial return of the investment before the end of the equipment´s lifespan.

Small Hydroelectric Power Plant Site Selection for Hydroelectric Energy Production with Geographic Information System: Sivas Kızılırmak Basin Example

Bu çalışmada, Coğrafi Bilgi Sistemi (CBS) tabanlı model yöntemi kullanılarak Kızılırmak Havzası'nda teorik olarak belirlenen mini hidroelektrik santrallerinin (MHES) lokasyonları tespit edilmiştir. Çalışma sonucunda, incelenen havzada kurulu güç potansiyeline göre 100-150 kWh arasında 151, 150-200 kWh arasında 19 ve 200-300 kWh arasında 13 yer tespit edildi. MHES potansiyelinin en yüksek olduğu noktaların Kızılırmak nehrinin ana kolu üzerinde yer aldığı tespit edilmiştir. Bu çalışma, bu havza içerisinde teorik olarak hesaplanabilecek hidroelektrik potansiyelini destekler nitelikte bir çalışmadır. Bu çalışma ile belirlenmiş enerji potansiyeli tahminleri, enerji kaynaklarının değerlendirilmesine yönelik daha fazla araştırma yapılmasını gerektirecek kadar önemlidir.

Feasibility study of desalination plant powered by SMR

The aim of the paper is to assess the feasibility of nuclear desalination, which will be obtained using both electricity and heat generated by nuclear power plant to remove salt and minerals from seawater. The integration of a water desalination plant into a small and modular nuclear power plant is described by considering a combination of a variety of seawater desalination co-generation configurations/ techniques (thermal or membrane in single or hybrid mode) to show they are successfully coupled with SMRs (of different types) to produce water and electricity at different scales. Running SMRs as base load plants is more economical and simpler than requiring them to follow load. Therefore, in a cogeneration mode and while grid load is low, they may run at full capacity even if their capacity exceeds water demands.The proposed solution was numerically investigated from both thermodynamic and economic points of view using the Desalination Economic Evaluation Program (DEEP) software made available by the IAEA.The study highlights the role of factors such as site characteristics, plant capacity, feed/product-water quality, energy costs, in affecting the economics of desalination regardless of the energy source used. The economics of nuclear desalination has been found to be competitive with other desalination techniques driven by other sources of energy. Results show that e.g., for an average per capita electricity consumption of 4.7 MWh/year and 80.3 m3/year of water, the CAREM25 reactor coupled to a desalination plant could produce electricity for 35,000 inhabitants and water for domestic use for 200,000 inhabitants.

An improved technique for the estimation of local frequency, fundamental component phasor and instantaneous symmetrical components.

Generation of electrical energy in large conventional power plants (thermal, hydro and nuclear) in last ten years worldwide is being supplemented by small generation utilities that are fuelled by renewable sources, waste etc. In Republic of Croatia few years ago first small power plants projects were started. One such project was constructing small thermal power plant as a part of sanitary landfill treatment process in Zagreb, capital of Republic of Croatia. It is first power plant in Republic of Croatia of that kind which is fuelled by landfill gas that is result of decomposition process. After the commissioning of small thermal power plant (STPP) Jakusevec a detailed analysis of voltages and currents at the point of connection to the local distribution network was conducted. Results of that analysis are given in this paper.

Technique-economical viability of repowering of small hydroelectric power plant considering the social insert and environmental preservation.

The increasing growth of electrical energy demand, associated with an increase in the costs of energy production and the care related to environmental and social questions lead the planning of the world energetic sector to set a strategy for a more efficient utilization of the existing production sources. This work presents a case study of repowering a Small Hydroelectric Power Plant (SHPP), to demonstrate that this kind of enterprise is feasible in offering an augment of electrical energy to the system so to supply any future demand. Based on the statistics of a river hydraulic potential supplying the plant, one verifies the possibility of raising the capacity of electrical power generation of a water fillet in approximately 75%. The presented analysis of the technical-economical viability does not only consider the value of the equipments and the current costs of the electrical energy, but is also an effort to incorporate the various environmental and social benefits which can be obtained by the repowering of a SHPP, with emphasis to the generation and commercialization of carbon credits which enable the reduction of the investment paying-off time, making this enterprise more attractive from an economical, social and environmental standpoints.

Exploring the potential of artificial intelligence tools in enhancing the performance of an inline pipe turbine

In this study, investigations were conducted using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to assess the applicability of a Francis-type water turbine within a pipe. The objective of the study is to determine the feasibility of implementing a turbine within a pipe and enhance its performance values within the operating range. The turbine within the pipe occupies significantly less space in hydroelectric power plants since a spiral casing is not used to distribute the flow to stationary vanes. Consequently, production and assembly costs can be reduced. Hence, there is a broad scope for application, particularly in small and medium-scale hydroelectric power plants. According to the results, the efficiency value increases on average by approximately 1.5% compared to conventional design, and it operates with higher efficiencies over a wider flow rate range. In the second part of the study, machine learning was employed for the efficiency prediction of an inline-type turbine. An appropriate Artificial Neural Network (ANN) architecture was initially obtained, with the Bayesian Regularization training algorithm proving to be the best approach for this type of problem. When the suitable ANN architecture was utilized, the prediction was found to be in good agreement with CFD, with an root mean squared error value of 0.194. An R2 value of 0.99631 was achieved with the appropriate ANN architecture.

Assessment of the Hydroenergy Potential of the Gueeni Village Waterfall on the Kokoulo River in Pita, Guinea

Background and Aim : In Guinea, the supply of electrical energy still remains a major challenge, especially in rural areas. However, Guinea's hydroelectric energy potential is enormous, more than 6000 MW, with a very dense hydrographic network of 1165 rivers, which finds its origin mainly in the Fouta-Djallon. To date, only 5% of this potential has been developed and only benefits nearly 10% of the Guinean population. This study is part of this aspect, for the improvement of electricity supply in isolated areas of the country. Its objective is to evaluate the hydroenergetic potential of the waterfall in the Gueeni village on the Kokoulo river in Pita. Method : This study is based on field measurements, the use of physical formulas and sizing software to determine the energy characteristics of the site. Results: The main results obtained are: equipment flow (9.781m3/s), gross head (31 m), net head (28.264 mm), hydraulic power (3000 kW) and power net of falling water (2700 kW). Conclusion: The results obtained represent important basic data for the construction of the small power plant on the Gueeni site. Keywords: Hydroenergy potential, waterfall, Gueeni village, Electric power

Micro Phasor Measurement Units: a Review from the Prosumer Point of View

In recent years, power grid infrastructure has moved from a centralized power generation model to a paradigm in which generation capacity is distributed across an increasing number of small power plants that rely on renewable energy sources. Systems for emerging distribution systems need a very new protection paradigm, architecture and philosophy making use of new protection devices and sensors such as digital relays, phasor measurement units (PMUs), smart reclosers and line sensors. This article examines the application of PMUs in smart distribution grids and from the point of view of prosumers.

Agriculture Residue based Electric Power Generation

The foundation of a country’s sustainable economic development rests on the availability of an ample supply of electrical energy. To remain competitive on the global stage, India must ensure the provision of sufficient electricity infrastructure to fuel its economic progress. Achieving developed nation status necessitates extending electricity access to every corner of the country. India, being primarily an agrarian nation, possesses abundant agricultural waste resources. This wealth of agricultural waste presents a valuable opportunity for electricity generation. Notably, agricultural husk emerges as a promising raw material for electricity generation, provided it undergoes proper and systematic processing. This endeavor aims to introduce the concept of electricity generation from agricultural husk, with a particular focus on rural areas in India. Agricultural husk-based small and medium power plants offer a pragmatic solution for generating and distributing electricity to underserved rural communities. Within this paper, we delve into the availability of agricultural husk resources in India, explore various feasibility studies, and elucidate the principal processes for generating electricity from rice husk. The overarching goal is to support India’s journey towards future development. This paper serves as a valuable resource for both governmental and private sector entities interested in establishing agricultural husk-based power plants in rural India. Ultimately, we aspire for this document to serve as a practical guideline for addressing the substantial electricity demand prevalent in India’s rural areas.

FEATURES OF THE FUNCTIONING OF SMALL POWER SOLAR GENERATION IN THE IPS OF UKRAINE UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF THE GREEN TRANSFORMATION

Within the framework of the transformation of the energy system in terms of ensuring the further development of small distributed generation from renewable energy sources, a new support model for low-power facilities is proposed, which will facilitate the commissioning of new generation entities. In the paper, research is conducted on the problem of small generation in Ukraine, which is faced by the power system, in the conditions of an increase in the share of distributed generation. An assessment of the impact of small solar power plants on the operation of the electrical network, including rooftop ones installed in households, was carried out. Typical schemes of connection of SPPs to the electrical network are considered and their influence on electrical equipment, elements of power supply systems and principles of operation are determined. It has been established that the integration of new renewable energy entities, including low-power SPPs, causes a number of technical problems that have an impact on the operational characteristics of the network, security of supply, and reliability. The main ways of solving the problems of losses and deviations of the voltage level in distribution networks, when connecting small SPPs, have been formed. In further research, the obtained results will be used to develop proposals for connecting low-power entities to the electric network and their formalization in the form of provisions of regulatory and technical documents.

DETERMINATION OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ELECTROMECHANICAL EQUIPMENT OF THE MICRO HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANT AT THE GUEENI SITE ON THE KOKOULO RIVER

When setting up a small hydroelectric power plant in isolated sites, the choice of electromechanical equipment remains a very important factor. This study is part of this dynamic. Its main objective is the determination of characteristics and the choice of electromechanical equipment for the micro hydroelectric power plant at the Gueeni site on the Kokoulo River in Pita in Guinea, with a variable hydrological regime. The methodology adopted is based on knowledge of the hydraulic parameters and the hydroenergetic characteristics of the site (hydraulic power, net power). Based on these elements, we determined with great precision; the type of turbine (Kaplan), with a rotation speed (586.58 rpm); the specific speed (47 rpm); the number of generator poles (10); the electrical power of the plant (2160 kW), the apparent power of the transformer (2700 kVA) and valve closing time (1.1 s). This study is part of the dynamic of evaluating the hydroenergetic potential of small developable waterfalls in isolated areas of Guinea

Alternative energy as a driver of transformation processes in the energy sector

Renewable energy is actively developing both on the global market and within individual regions and countries. Alternative energy sources, particularly solar and wind, guarantee a stable and safe energy supply. Such systems ensure a reliable supply of energy in everyday life and in extreme situations, such as natural disasters or breakdowns in the operation of the energy infrastructure. The transition to alternative energy sources generally contributes to creating a stable, ecologically clean and environmentally friendly energy system, which has many advantages for society. The article aims to study the prerequisites and dynamics of the development of alternative energy. The article found out that the use and introduction of alternative energy sources is an important factor for restoring the ecological balance during the decarbonization of the economy. As of the end of 2022, wind power plants, solar power plants, home solar power plants, and small hydroelectric power plants are gaining popularity. The leaders in the number of new facilities installed from renewable energy sources in Ukraine are the Mykolaiv, Odesa, Kherson, and Zaporizhia regions. The analysis carried out in the article proved that the most common alternative sources in Ukraine and Europe are solar panels, wind power plants and smart energy. The authors systematized the advantages of solar panels, which define them as sustainable and stable energy sources for the future. The work concludes that wind power plants have more limitations due to the nature of the conditions, but with the development of technology, they have become more and more efficient. In addition, a promising direction for developing the modern energy system is using smart energy, which includes artificial intelligence, data analytics, and a system for collecting energy resources. Modern smart energy allows you to provide energy planning effectively and to warn of power outages.

An investigation into the practical application of the physical principle to ensure the safety of hydraulic structures during the construction of Novokarachayevskaya small hydropower plants on the Kuban River

Many countries around the world have embraced small hydropower as a stable component of their energy sector. Small HPPs in Russia generate approximately 2.2 billion kWh/year, and experts estimate their technical potential to be around 382 billion kWh/year. Small hydropower is an excellent alternative to centralized power supply for remote and hard-to-reach areas and areas with limited transmission capacity of power lines. The construction of small hydropower plants will also allow efficient use of river water resources for water supply, fishery, transportation, etc. This paper examines the construction of a small hydropower plant that will provide electricity to the communities near the hydropower plant. The purpose of the study is to investigate the option of applying the physical principle of fish protection using diverting re-forming fish protection structures to prevent fish from entering the system of structures of the Novokarachayevsk small hydroelectric power plant.