Design and Development of Run-of-River Hydropower System for a Remote Area

Abstract

Hydropower is one of renewable energy generation that converts water flow into electricity through an electrical generator connected to a turbine. There are many types of hydropower system with various schemes and generation capacity. Pico-hydropower is a run-off river hydropower system with no water storage that able to generate power up to 100 kilowatt (kW). This study aims to design and develop a run-off-river hydropower system for an indigenous population in Malaysia. Whereas, some areas still have not electrification. However, the remote are typically locates near water source which capable for an installation of small hydropower system. The location selected for this study is Kemensah Orang Asli village since it represents typical economics activities and load profile of indigenous population in this country. This work will focus on data collection alongside design and development of a pico-hydropower system. Initially, crucial data such as potential sites are obtained through topographic maps. Once potential sites identified, the water flow is measures to determine the potential generations at those locations. These data will be used to design an actual pico-hydropower system to be installed at one of the selected sites. The portable and low cost system will be used to supply electricity to several loads comprises of LED lights for lighting the street in the selected area.