Based on generated output, Hydroelectricity are classified into :
1 Large-Hydro Generated output more than 100 MW 2 Medium-Hydro Generated output among 15 100 MW 3 Small-Hydro Generated output among 1 15 MW 4 Mini-Hydro Generated output more than 100 kW, but less than 1 MW 5 Mico-Hydro Generated output among 5 100 kW. It's commonly used to supply energy for small communities or remote rural communities where are inaccessible. 6 Pico-Hydro Generated output ranges from hundreds of watts up to 5 kW. What is a Micro-Hydro ??? Micro-Hydro, consists of the word micro means small and hydro meaning water. Micro-hydro is a term used to installation of hydroelectric power plants with a small scale. Micro-hydro Power Plant utilizes water flow capacity with a certain height to generate electrical energy. Run Off River Run On River Working Principle Development Phase Technical Stage Non-Technical Hydro Potential Energy Source Exploration Market Potential of Electricity Technical Feasibility Feasibility Study Local Community Agreements Detailed Engineering Design Detailed Design Organizing Installation of Micro-Hydro Power Plant Project Management Institution Power Quality, Operation. and Maintenance Operation Good Management of Institution Components of Micro Hydro Power Plant Dam (Intake) Construction of dam to regulate the water flow will be used as propulsion of MHP. Dam needs to be equipped with a floodgate and a water filter to prevent the ingress of dirt and mud deposits. Near the dam constructed building taker (intake).
Components of Micro Hydro Power Plant Waterway / Headrace Headrace have function to drain the water from the intake. Headrace is equipped with a spillway at a certain distance to remove any excess water. It can be either open or closed channels. At the end of the spillway constructed settling ponds. Components of Micro Hydro Power Plant Forebay Tank Forebay Tank is built to calm the flow of water that will enter the turbine and direct entry to the Penstock. Forebay Tank made with concrete construction and is as close as possible to the turbine to save on Penstock. Components of Micro Hydro Power Plant Penstock Penstock serves to drain the water before entering the turbine. In this pipe, the water in the Forebay potential energy is converted into kinetic energy which will rotate the turbine wheel. Components of Micro Hydro Power Plant Power House and Tail Race Power house contains the main equipments to change potential energy become electricity, they are turbine, generator, and control panel. After water rotate turbine then water will be returned again to the river through specific tunnel which is called tail race. Advantages and Disadvantages of MHP
Advantages : Clean Environment Renewable energy Not consumptive of water usage Easy to operate as a base load and peak load (can be fast on / off) Low Operating Costs Durable (Long Life) Range fee: $ 1,200 - $ 6,000 per installed kW Ideal for remote areas
Disadvantages : In the dry season, the MHP capability will decrease as the amount of water normally Lost. If the customer exceeds the capabilities of the MHP, the quality of electricity will decrease. The farther the distance Customers to the plant, the electrical quality is also worse. If a customer uses electricity in excess, then the quality decreases and harm electrical equipment.