Design and implementation of a lowcost grid-connected 10 kw hydropower system

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The world is increasingly being faced with the challenge of effectively exploitingavailable renewable energy resources, not only to meet an ever growing energy demand, but alsoto preserve the available amount of fossil fuels and to reduce the amount of carbon dioxideemissions released into the atmosphere by fossil fuelled power stations. Hence, every availablerenewable energy resource, even small rivers has a contribution to make in the attempt to reducethe amount of fossil fuel generated electricity. The focus of this study is the design andinstallation of a low cost grid-connected 10 kW micro hydro power system (MHPS).The process to determine the potential of the available water resource is first to bepresented. The environmental aspects of these systems, based on the study that is undertaken forthe implementation of the landmark example, are discussed. The complete design of a microhydro power system for a specific site is presented. This design is based on using commerciallyavailable components and equipment in an attempt to minimise the total cost of a micro hydropower system. The designed micro hydro power system is installed in-field and the predictedperformance of the designed system is verified with measured results of the implemented system.Based on the results of the micro hydro power system landmark example, it is shown through acomplete economic study, that this investment is very worthwhile.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University