A comparative study of micro hydro power schemes promoting self sustained rural areas

As per present power crisis small micro-hydro, non conventional plants may be planned to work during the peak demand. Integrated generation and distribution for rural area on fuel availability, small hydro capacity on run of the river, shall improve the availability and reduce energy cost. This paper presents eight case studies of micro hydro plants in rural area of India, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh having different site conditions as on Irrigation canals, Dam toe and return canals of Thermal Power Stations. Calculation of net head and discharge is given. Various types of Turbines and Generators are discussed with their suitability under different head and discharge conditions. The reliability of Power output from the mini/micro hydel power station is found out by river flow and rainfall estimation. Detail economic analysis is also done giving effective measures to reduce the cost. Comparisons of small/mini /micro hydel with other Non-Conventional energy sources are also presented. A simplified model with turbine, Generator and Mechanical Coupling as the major equipments has been demonstrated and its working is been explained. The output of the model has been tested and usefulness of this research is highlighted.