Power Generation Structure Research Articles

Operation and economical feasibility of a turbine-generator microhydroplant

A method is outlined for determining the optimum operating conditions of a turbinegenerator unit installed across a low-head irrigation structure for electrical power generation. For given regulator characteristics, the unit rated power and design parameters are determined in such a manner that its cost-benefit ratio is a minimum. The economic feasibility of the microhydroplant is studied by comparing its lifetime cost to its lifetime benefit. The benefit is taken as the cost of the corresponding energy generated through a diesel-driven generator set. The microhydroplant is found to be economically competitive over a wide range of inflation and interest rates.