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Difference between revisions of "Pico Hydro Power"

From energypedia
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= Introduction<br/> =
 
  
Definition of '''Pico hydro power''': Turbines '''smaller than 10 kW''' are usually called "pico". Pico hydro power is rarely fed into a power grid, but in most cases electricity is delivered to a village or a workshop. As there are varying definitions of the power range of of "micro" and "pico", it is advantageous to specify each project's power output in kW.
+
[[Portal:Hydro|►Back to Hydro Portal]]
  
 +
= Introduction<br/> =
  
 +
'''Pico hydro power''': Turbines '''smaller than 10 kW''' are usually called "pico". Pico hydro power is rarely fed into a power grid, but in most cases electricity is delivered to a village or a workshop. As there are varying definitions of the power range of of "micro" and "pico", it is advantageous to specify each project's power output in kW.
  
= Concept <br/> =
+
= Concept<br/> =
  
 
Pico hydropower is the only form of small renewable energy production which works continuously without battery storage. Where applicable it is the most cost efficient solution to supply electrical energy. Pico turbines can provide power '''for small clusters or even single households'''
 
Pico hydropower is the only form of small renewable energy production which works continuously without battery storage. Where applicable it is the most cost efficient solution to supply electrical energy. Pico turbines can provide power '''for small clusters or even single households'''
  
'''Individual hydropower supply''' cuts out the efforts of organising a community. Identifying, planning and managing takes a higher proportion of the whole installation efforts as smaller a sites becomes. For less consumers&nbsp; served, specialists have similar efforts in accessing&nbsp; sites. On the other hand small installation are more likely to be "'''do it your self'''".<br/>With guidance by info materials and advise from a local shop consumers could be enabled to install their own pico turbine. If pico hydropower can become an "'''over the counter'''" product it meets a immense demand.<br/>One example may be the north of Laos where cheap Chinese pico-turbines flooded the country in ten-thousands or more.<br/><br/><u>Requirements:</u>
+
'''Individual hydropower supply''' cuts out the efforts of organising a community. Identifying, planning and managing takes a higher proportion of the whole installation efforts as smaller a sites becomes. For less consumers served, specialists have similar efforts in accessing sites. On the other hand small installation are more likely to be "'''do it your self'''".<br/>With guidance by info materials and advise from a local shop consumers could be enabled to install their own pico turbine. If pico hydropower can become an "'''over the counter'''" product it meets a immense demand.<br/>One example may be the north of Laos where cheap Chinese pico-turbines flooded the country in ten-thousands or more.<br/><br/><u>Requirements:</u>
 
 
 
*suitable locations
 
*suitable locations
 
*accessibility of affordable equipment (turbines) and installation know how
 
*accessibility of affordable equipment (turbines) and installation know how
  
 
+
<br/>
  
 
Electricity has a high value so working systems will spread quickly.<br/>In many countries self-made solutions can be found, whereby a wooden water wheel is coupled with a car-alternator to produce electricity. Professional solutions increase efficiency reliability and safety.
 
Electricity has a high value so working systems will spread quickly.<br/>In many countries self-made solutions can be found, whereby a wooden water wheel is coupled with a car-alternator to produce electricity. Professional solutions increase efficiency reliability and safety.
  
 
+
[[Pico Hydro Power#Introduction|►Go to Top]]
  
 
=== Pico Hydro Turbines<br/> ===
 
=== Pico Hydro Turbines<br/> ===
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==== Principles of Turbines for high, medium and low head conditions<br/> ====
 
==== Principles of Turbines for high, medium and low head conditions<br/> ====
  
{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders" style="width: 721px; height: 350px" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
+
{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders" style="width: 721px; height: 350px" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
 
|-
 
|-
| [[File:Pico-Turbines.jpg|thumb|left|319x318px|Pico-Turbines.jpg]]
+
| [[File:Pico-Turbines.jpg|thumb|left|Pico-Turbines.jpg]]
 
|  
 
|  
 
Each type of turbine has its own features.
 
Each type of turbine has its own features.
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"Self made" Pico turbines usually are waterwheels or propeller turbines. The concept of pressurised pipes over high heads seems not to be common sense. One reason may be that channeling water towards a deep drop requires abstraction of existing landscape. It cannot be seen from a single standpoint. Informative materials may help to raise awareness for such potentials.
 
"Self made" Pico turbines usually are waterwheels or propeller turbines. The concept of pressurised pipes over high heads seems not to be common sense. One reason may be that channeling water towards a deep drop requires abstraction of existing landscape. It cannot be seen from a single standpoint. Informative materials may help to raise awareness for such potentials.
  
 
+
<br/>
  
 
|}
 
|}
  
 +
[[Pico Hydro Power#Introduction|►Go to Top]]
  
 +
==== Experiences with Certain Pico Turbines<br/> ====
  
==== Experiences with certain pico turbines<br/> ====
+
{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders" style="width: 721px; height: 549px" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
 
 
{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders" style="width: 721px; height: 549px" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|  
 
|  
 
'''TP100''' was developed 2008 by PT.Entec-Indonesia, to be produced in small workshops
 
'''TP100''' was developed 2008 by PT.Entec-Indonesia, to be produced in small workshops
  
{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" width="200"
+
{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 200px;"
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Power
 
| Power
| [http://energypedia.info/images/1/1c/Tp100_application-range.jpg 500 -2000 W]
+
| [[:File:Tp100_application-range.jpg|500 -2000 W]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Site
 
| Site
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Suitable for 1 - 50 household installations
 
Suitable for 1 - 50 household installations
  
Additional&nbsp; cost*: 500 - 2000 USD
+
Additional cost*: 500 - 2000 USD
  
<sup>*</sup>depending on&nbsp; length of transmission cable
+
<sup>*</sup>depending on length of transmission cable
  
 
Factsheets on site installations in Indonesia:
 
Factsheets on site installations in Indonesia:
  
[http://energypedia.info/index.php/File:Factsheet_Tp100_Salulombe_small.pdf Salulombe], [http://energypedia.info/index.php/File:Factsheet_Tp100_Garumpar_small.pdf Garumpar]
+
[[:File:Mini_Hydro_Power_Project_in_Salulombe,Indonesia.pdf|Salulombe]], [[:File:Mini_Hydro_Power_Project_in_Garumpar,_Indonesia.pdf|Garumpar]]
  
 
|  
 
|  
[[File:Infobox Tp100.jpg|thumb|right|245x246px|Infobox Tp100.jpg]]
+
[[File:Infobox Tp100.jpg|thumb|right|Infobox Tp100.jpg]]
  
 
|-
 
|-
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CIT in Bandung, Indonesia developed the "TC60" inspired by Vietnamese/Chinese low cost Open Flume turbine (OF turbine) design. Sales started at the beginning of 2007. With a price less than 300 USD makes TC60 an option for private energy supply for single households. It produces 100 W at site specifications of only 3 m head and a flow < 10 l/s. Total installation cost depend on cable length from turbine to house. (50 USD/ 100 m).
 
CIT in Bandung, Indonesia developed the "TC60" inspired by Vietnamese/Chinese low cost Open Flume turbine (OF turbine) design. Sales started at the beginning of 2007. With a price less than 300 USD makes TC60 an option for private energy supply for single households. It produces 100 W at site specifications of only 3 m head and a flow < 10 l/s. Total installation cost depend on cable length from turbine to house. (50 USD/ 100 m).
  
{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" width="200"
+
{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 200px;"
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Power
 
| Power
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Suitable for 1 - 5 households (lighting)
 
Suitable for 1 - 5 households (lighting)
  
Additional&nbsp; cost*: 50 - 200 USD<br/><sup>*</sup>depending on&nbsp; length of transmission cable<br/>
+
Additional cost*: 50 - 200 USD<br/><sup>*</sup>depending on length of transmission cable<br/>
  
| [[File:Infobox TC60.jpg|thumb|right|245x245px|Infobox TC60.jpg]]
+
| [[File:Infobox TC60.jpg|thumb|right|Infobox TC60.jpg]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
| <br/>
 
| <br/>
Line 102: Line 102:
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
+
[[Pico Hydro Power#Introduction|►Go to Top]]
  
 
=== Chances and Challenges<br/> ===
 
=== Chances and Challenges<br/> ===
  
 
'''Advantages'''
 
'''Advantages'''
 
 
*Cheapest technical solution for independent power supply.
 
*Cheapest technical solution for independent power supply.
 
*Clean, sustain-/ renewable energy resource.
 
*Clean, sustain-/ renewable energy resource.
Line 115: Line 114:
  
 
<br/>'''Disadvantages'''
 
<br/>'''Disadvantages'''
 
 
*Site specific power output => pre-feasibility check required.
 
*Site specific power output => pre-feasibility check required.
 
*Site specific installation => basic hydro know-how required.
 
*Site specific installation => basic hydro know-how required.
Line 122: Line 120:
 
*Difficult access of clients => requires hubs and/or supply structure.
 
*Difficult access of clients => requires hubs and/or supply structure.
  
 
+
[[Pico Hydro Power#Introduction|►Go to Top]]
  
 
=== Capacity ===
 
=== Capacity ===
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Power output is limited by local conditions of height and amount of water available. Turbines are chosen by site conditions.<br/>The following is an example for one specific turbine designed in Indonesia.
 
Power output is limited by local conditions of height and amount of water available. Turbines are chosen by site conditions.<br/>The following is an example for one specific turbine designed in Indonesia.
  
 +
<br/>
  
 
+
<u>Explanation:</u>[[File:Tp100 application-range example.jpg|right|Tp100 application-range example.jpg|alt=Tp100 application-range example.jpg]]<br/>The colored lines indicate the power output at certain height/flow situations. The red horizontal line such turbine is technically not feasible, the blue "2 kW" line indicates a tech. maximum (for this specific turbine). The dotted lines separate three areas wherein turbines have certain sizes (30, 60 and 100 mm wide).<br/>Example: at a site with 15 m height difference and a flow of 15 l/s the turbine can produce 1.5 kW (it will have a width of 60 mm). If on the same site (15 m) 25 l/s flow, power output will be 1.8 kW.
<u>Explanation:</u>[[File:Tp100 application-range example.jpg|right|507x291px|Tp100 application-range example.jpg]]<br/>The colored lines indicate the power output at certain height/flow situations. The red horizontal line such turbine is technically not feasible, the blue "2 kW" line indicates a tech. maximum (for this specific turbine). The dotted lines separate three areas wherein turbines have certain sizes (30, 60 and 100 mm wide).<br/>Example: at a site with 15 m height difference and a flow of 15 l/s the turbine can produce 1.5 kW (it will have a width of 60 mm). If on the same site (15 m) 25 l/s flow, power output will be 1.8 kW.
 
  
 
<u>Remark: </u><br/>to produce the same electric power by [[Photovoltaic_(PV)|photovoltaic]] you require about 50 m<sup>2</sup> PV-panels (and min. 20 batteries).
 
<u>Remark: </u><br/>to produce the same electric power by [[Photovoltaic_(PV)|photovoltaic]] you require about 50 m<sup>2</sup> PV-panels (and min. 20 batteries).
  
 
+
[[Pico Hydro Power#Introduction|►Go to Top]]
  
 
=== Pico Hydro Materials ===
 
=== Pico Hydro Materials ===
Line 142: Line 140:
 
it is possible to use water pumps "backwards" as turbines. Advantages is a wide availability also from spare parts.
 
it is possible to use water pumps "backwards" as turbines. Advantages is a wide availability also from spare parts.
  
=> Manual how to plan a site by using a [http://energypedia.info/images/d/d8/PaT-Manual_1.2.doc Pump as Turbine] (PaT)
+
=> Manual how to plan a site by using a [[:File:PaT-Manual_1.2.doc|Pump as Turbine]] (PaT)
  
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
Line 148: Line 146:
 
'''A Buyers Guide'''
 
'''A Buyers Guide'''
  
Canadian brochure of 56 pages. Containing general information about: planning, components, costs, examples and turbine producers of hydropower installations ranging from 200 W - 15 kW. "[http://energypedia.info/images/d/d1/MicroHydroGuide.pdf A Buyers Guide]" a nice overview, easy understandable.
+
Canadian brochure of 56 pages. Containing general information about: planning, components, costs, examples and turbine producers of hydropower installations ranging from 200 W - 15 kW. "[[:File:MicroHydroGuide.pdf|A Buyers Guide]]" a nice overview, easy understandable.
  
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
Line 154: Line 152:
 
'''Pico hydropower attempts''', MHPP, Indonesia, 2007-08
 
'''Pico hydropower attempts''', MHPP, Indonesia, 2007-08
  
A consolidation of the Pico hydropower efforts in Indonesia during 2007-08. Especially the results on a feasibility research on Family hydro units. An approach to spread turbine technology for single households or very small clusters of users. [http://energypedia.info/images/d/d7/MHPP's_Pico_Component_2007-08.pdf MHPP's Pico Component 2007-08.pdf]
+
A consolidation of the Pico hydropower efforts in Indonesia during 2007-08. Especially the results on a feasibility research on Family hydro units. An approach to spread turbine technology for single households or very small clusters of users. [[:File:MHPP's_Pico_Component_2007-08.pdf|MHPP's Pico Component 2007-08.pdf]]
 
 
  
 +
<br/>
  
 
'''[[Pocket-Hydro|Pocket Hydro]] – ''''''a mini power plant for decentralized electric power'''
 
'''[[Pocket-Hydro|Pocket Hydro]] – ''''''a mini power plant for decentralized electric power'''
Line 163: Line 161:
  
 
[[Category:Hydro]]
 
[[Category:Hydro]]
 +
[[Category:Micro-Hydro/Pico-Hydro]]

Revision as of 08:30, 14 August 2014

►Back to Hydro Portal

Introduction

Pico hydro power: Turbines smaller than 10 kW are usually called "pico". Pico hydro power is rarely fed into a power grid, but in most cases electricity is delivered to a village or a workshop. As there are varying definitions of the power range of of "micro" and "pico", it is advantageous to specify each project's power output in kW.

Concept

Pico hydropower is the only form of small renewable energy production which works continuously without battery storage. Where applicable it is the most cost efficient solution to supply electrical energy. Pico turbines can provide power for small clusters or even single households

Individual hydropower supply cuts out the efforts of organising a community. Identifying, planning and managing takes a higher proportion of the whole installation efforts as smaller a sites becomes. For less consumers served, specialists have similar efforts in accessing sites. On the other hand small installation are more likely to be "do it your self".
With guidance by info materials and advise from a local shop consumers could be enabled to install their own pico turbine. If pico hydropower can become an "over the counter" product it meets a immense demand.
One example may be the north of Laos where cheap Chinese pico-turbines flooded the country in ten-thousands or more.

Requirements:

  • suitable locations
  • accessibility of affordable equipment (turbines) and installation know how


Electricity has a high value so working systems will spread quickly.
In many countries self-made solutions can be found, whereby a wooden water wheel is coupled with a car-alternator to produce electricity. Professional solutions increase efficiency reliability and safety.

►Go to Top

Pico Hydro Turbines

Principles of Turbines for high, medium and low head conditions

Pico-Turbines.jpg

Each type of turbine has its own features.

The main characteristic it's the turbines suitability for different heads and different amounts of water (see picture left).

In general a Crossflow turbine has the wides application range and is very tolerant against debris in water.

"Self made" Pico turbines usually are waterwheels or propeller turbines. The concept of pressurised pipes over high heads seems not to be common sense. One reason may be that channeling water towards a deep drop requires abstraction of existing landscape. It cannot be seen from a single standpoint. Informative materials may help to raise awareness for such potentials.


►Go to Top

Experiences with Certain Pico Turbines

TP100 was developed 2008 by PT.Entec-Indonesia, to be produced in small workshops

Power 500 -2000 W
Site 8 - 40 m @ 10 - 25 l/s
Cost
~ 700 USD

Suitable for 1 - 50 household installations

Additional cost*: 500 - 2000 USD

*depending on length of transmission cable

Factsheets on site installations in Indonesia:

Salulombe, Garumpar

Infobox Tp100.jpg

TC60 (100 W)

CIT in Bandung, Indonesia developed the "TC60" inspired by Vietnamese/Chinese low cost Open Flume turbine (OF turbine) design. Sales started at the beginning of 2007. With a price less than 300 USD makes TC60 an option for private energy supply for single households. It produces 100 W at site specifications of only 3 m head and a flow < 10 l/s. Total installation cost depend on cable length from turbine to house. (50 USD/ 100 m).

Power 100 W
Site 3m @ 8 l/s
Cost 250 USD

Suitable for 1 - 5 households (lighting)

Additional cost*: 50 - 200 USD
*depending on length of transmission cable

Infobox TC60.jpg


►Go to Top

Chances and Challenges

Advantages

  • Cheapest technical solution for independent power supply.
  • Clean, sustain-/ renewable energy resource.
  • Reliable => long lifetime as it is based upon robust mechanical techniques.
  • Minimal running and follow up costs (unlike batteries at PV systems).
  • Small maintenance efforts, which are easy to follow.


Disadvantages

  • Site specific power output => pre-feasibility check required.
  • Site specific installation => basic hydro know-how required.
  • All cost are investment cost => upfront.
  • Mostly shared connections => require community organised operation, management and use of water resources.
  • Difficult access of clients => requires hubs and/or supply structure.

►Go to Top

Capacity

Power output is limited by local conditions of height and amount of water available. Turbines are chosen by site conditions.
The following is an example for one specific turbine designed in Indonesia.


Explanation:

Tp100 application-range example.jpg


The colored lines indicate the power output at certain height/flow situations. The red horizontal line such turbine is technically not feasible, the blue "2 kW" line indicates a tech. maximum (for this specific turbine). The dotted lines separate three areas wherein turbines have certain sizes (30, 60 and 100 mm wide).
Example: at a site with 15 m height difference and a flow of 15 l/s the turbine can produce 1.5 kW (it will have a width of 60 mm). If on the same site (15 m) 25 l/s flow, power output will be 1.8 kW.

Remark:
to produce the same electric power by photovoltaic you require about 50 m2 PV-panels (and min. 20 batteries).

►Go to Top

Pico Hydro Materials

Pump as Turbine

it is possible to use water pumps "backwards" as turbines. Advantages is a wide availability also from spare parts.

=> Manual how to plan a site by using a Pump as Turbine (PaT)


A Buyers Guide

Canadian brochure of 56 pages. Containing general information about: planning, components, costs, examples and turbine producers of hydropower installations ranging from 200 W - 15 kW. "A Buyers Guide" a nice overview, easy understandable.


Pico hydropower attempts, MHPP, Indonesia, 2007-08

A consolidation of the Pico hydropower efforts in Indonesia during 2007-08. Especially the results on a feasibility research on Family hydro units. An approach to spread turbine technology for single households or very small clusters of users. MHPP's Pico Component 2007-08.pdf


'Pocket Hydro – 'a mini power plant for decentralized electric power

Ongoing project with the aim to provide affordable electric lighting through the use of local water energy in remote rural areas.