Design of mini hydro power plant on small weir: Need based technology for rural electrification

Hydro power generation can be planned on small scale on existing small rivers, canals, weirs etc. Government has declared revised policy for development of small hydro power up to 25MW capacity through private sector participation. Hydro power project on canal water can be planned under Independent Power Producers Policy and developed as independent power generation plant. Various basic parameters like selection of site, hydrological and topographical survey and its analysis is explained for deciding he capacity of plant. For this Hydrological data of the river should be available with satisfactory water flow. Various graphs and flow duration curves are plotted for a typical river data. The basic parameters to be included in feasibility report which is to be prepared for every proposed hydroelectric project are also mentioned. The most important aspect of environment is also stated so that the project does not have any negative impact on environment and ecology. This paper can be well utilized for planning and irrigating land in and around rural areas. This paper presents the design details of mini hydro project including all its aspects like designed head, designed discharge, machine ratings, power house dimensions etc.