Chapter 4
Micro-Hydropower: Concept, System Design, and Innovations
Publication: Renewable Energy Technologies and Water Infrastructure
Abstract
A micro-hydropower plant can be configured for electricity use in two ways: through integration into the conventional electric grid, or through a stand-alone electricity source, when an electric grid is not available. This chapter focuses on micro-hydropower generation (up to 100kW), in the context of a small-scale decentralized renewable energy generation infrastructure. The basic design components of a micro-hydropower generation system based on an illustrative example of design application at a case study project in Virginia are described. Also presented are example applications of micro-hydropower generation as a viable and sustainable technology in developing countries, as well as examples of emerging and futuristic small-scale power generation technologies. Micro-hydropower plants are explored as a viable, mature technology for providing clean, lower-cost-based electricity for domestic applications, as well as for agriculture and small industry.
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Acknowledgments
The Glen Alton micro-hydropower project case study was funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission and in-kind support from the US Forest Service Regional Office, Blacksburg, Virginia. Project collaborators included the following: Eugene Brown, Project Co-Director/Advisor, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech; Sheryl Lyle, Project Site Manager/Field Director, US Forest Service, Glen Alton; Justin Garrette, Project Manager/Research Assistant; and the Student Design Team: Grant Bischof, Douglas Friedman, Theresa Sweeney, John Thomas, and Gerald Zingraf, Mechanical Engineering Department, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia.
Disclaimer
Mention of the product, vendors, and trade names in this chapter are only for research and education purposes and does not constitute an endorsement by the authors of this chapter or the ASCE-EWRI Advancing Renewable Energy Technologies Committee.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Renewable Energy Technologies and Water Infrastructure
Pages: 61 - 92
Editors: S. Rao Chitikela, Ph.D., Venkata Gullapalli, Ph.D., and William F. Ritter, Ph.D.
ISBN (Print): 978-0-7844-1585-6
ISBN (Online): 978-0-7844-8366-4
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© 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Published online: Feb 10, 2022
Published in print: Mar 14, 2022
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