Design Optimization of a Run-Of-River Small Hydropower Plant: A Case Study of Mabula Kapi Site
Journal Title: Engineering and Technology Journal - Year 2024, Vol 9, Issue 09
Abstract
Prior to construction, small or large hydropower plants undergo feasibility studies, which involve technical, economic, financial, social, and environmental aspects. Technical studies, particularly, include various engineering disciplines. This study sought to conduct a component of technical feasibility studies, focused on design optimization of the turbine-plant capacity size for a run-of-river case study called Mabula Kapi, on Kaombe River, Serenje, Zambia. The study method used computational modelling, simulation, and optimization techniques, and used secondary data from previous site. A prefeasibility study conducted earlier had underestimated the turbine-plant capacity owing to underestimated discharge data, owing to lack of site gauging station. A less accurate discharge estimation method involving transposition from a gauged similar catchment had been used. A later feasibility-level site hydrological study found improved discharge data. Riding on the improved discharge data, this study found the following optimised plant design parameters based on plant design discharge of 6.20 m3/s: Installed capacity of 10.20 MW; Annual energy production of 42 GWh; Capacity factor of 47.1%; 3 x Pelton wheel of 272 rpm speed, 2.1 m diameter, 2-nozzles of diameter 0.16 m each, 21 buckets of 0.58m width each; and 3 x 4 MVA generators of 50Hz, 22-poles, and 11kV.
Authors and Affiliations
Dean Lameck Musukwa , Dr. Edwin Luwaya,
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP743924
- DOI 10.47191/etj/v9i09.08
- Views 43
- Downloads 0
Fixed Voters Clustering to Determine the Level of Beginner Voters using Data Mining Techniques
Data mining clustering technique is used to classify the level of beginner voters using the K-Means method. Fixed voter clusters are used for decision making for stakeholders regarding the information on beginner voters...
The Application of the Total Ergonomics (SHIP) Method in Science and Technology for the Regional Development (PIPK): Case Study at Munduk Village, Bali
Empowerment is a fundamental effort aimed at enhancing community capabilities and fostering greater participation in decision-making processes related to uplifting living standards. For example, Munduk is one of the tour...
Biofuel Resources Plan: Theoretical Case Assessment of Automotive Industries
Crude oil exhaustion and greenhouse emissions have remained a global concern till date. Domestic production of biofuel blends and micro-emulsion as substitutes for conventional fuel in tackling greenhouse gas emission ha...
Optimizing Electric Vehicle Performance, Range and Parameter Estimation through NEDC Urban and Suburban Analysis using MATLAB
This research paper focuses on electric vehicle (EV) driving range and parameter estimation, with an emphasis on analyzing the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) urban and suburban drive cycles. By examining these drive c...
EFFECTIVELY USING E-LEARNING TEACHING METHODS – EXPERIENCE EVIDENCE AT THE BANKING UNIVERSITY OF HO CHI MINH CITY
In this study, the authors choose a quantitative research method to evaluate the effectiveness of using E-learning at the Banking University of Ho Chi Minh City (HUB) from the perspective of students' experiences. In whi...