Abstract

Since ancient times water has been accompanying technological change in the energy sector. Hydropower, large and small, remains by far the most important form of renewable energy for electrical power worldwide. Small-scale hydropower is one of the most cost-effective and environmentally benign energy technologies to be considered both for back up on the grid system and for rural electrification in less developed countries and developed countries.

Due to random electricity cutoff in Cameroon, both due to equipment failure or maintenance propose. This call for a backup power plant at a cheaper price. This project intends to address the topic of designing a small 10MW hydropower for back up.

In order to design a small hydropower plant, we need to select the type of hydropower (storage, run rive or pump type), the type of penstock , the penstock dimension, turbine, turbine parameters, the flow rate, the head of the plant, the type of generator to be used and many others parameters.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Hydro-power is considered as one of the most desirable source of electrical energy due to its environmental friendly nature and extensive potential available throughout the world. Within the scope of hydro-electric power, small power plants have gained much attention in recent years. Small Hydro power Plants, being a mature technology may be optimally employed for sustainable power generation in rural communities in world wide.

Hydropower plants convert potential energy of water at a height to mechanical energy which is used to turn a turbine at a lower level for generation of electricity. For backup on the grid system, small run-of-river hydro turbine is suitable for electrification because it is green, inexpensive, not fuel dependent, and is simpler to implement than other green energy technologies.

A small hydropower scheme requires both water flow and a drop in height called a head to produce useful power. Water in nature is considered a source of power when it is able to perform useful work, particularly turn water wheels and generate electricity at a rate such that the development of power can be accomplished in a most efficient and economical way.

1.2 Problem statement

The demand for electrification is increasing in our country Cameroon. Cameroon needs to construct more backup power plants, due to reasons such as; complication with the extension on the grid system, the relatively high electrification cost of villages, the limitation of fossil fuels in generating electricity at low cost, the need for constant electricity in some area such as hospital. Electricity generated from small hydropower could overcome the above drawbacks and provide better economical alternative for the electrification system in remote and rural areas.

1.3 Objective of the study

The main objective of the study is to design a small hydropower plant as an emergency back up in a grid system. The Specific objectives of the project will be bases on;

• The selection of proper materials for a small hydroelectric plant.
• The design of a small hydropower plant at a less expensive cost.
• To assess the potentials and the impacts of a backup hydro plant on the development of the community.
• The advantage of a backup power plant on the grid system.
• To develop a sustainable, environmentally friendly alternative Renewable energy production.

1.4 Research hypothesis

In order to solve problems, engineers follow and apply different procedure and principles based on the problem identifications. This project focus on the following activities

• Collecting relevant data related to the Design of a small hydropower systems using mathematical and Numerical Methods.
• Drive systems and operating principles of Hydro-turbine system Design and Development.
• The operating principles and design of a penstock.

1.5 Scope of the study

• Select proper material for small Hydro power
• Asses the potentials and Impacts of Small Hydro power for development
• Design of small hydropower plant for backup on the grid system
• System Design of Small hydro power

1.6 Definition of some terms

Hydropower plant: a hydropower power plant is a plant that convert the potential energy of water to mechanical by the means of a hydraulic turbine which will be further be converted to electrical energy.

Small hydropower plant: A small hydropower plant is a hydropower plant on a scale suitable for local and industry consumption, or contributed in the generation of electricity in national grid. Precise definition vary for small hydro plant, but it can be defined as a hydro power plant with capacity less than 25MW. In most Africans countries, small hydro power plant are define as hydro power plant with capacity less than 10MW

Dam: Dams are massive barriers built across rivers and streams to confine and utilize the flow of water for human purposes such as irrigation and generation of hydroelectricity

Penstock: A penstock is a sluice or gate or intake structure that controls water flow, or an enclosed pipe that delivers water to hydraulic turbines.

The power house: The power house is a building in which the turbines, alternators and the auxiliary plant are housed. Here conversion of energy of water to electrical energy takes place

Turbine: A turbine is a rotary mechanical device that extracts energy from a fluid flow and converts it into useful work. The work produced by a turbine can be used for generating electrical power when combined with a generator

Generator: A generator is a machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. It works based on principle of faraday law of electromagnetic induction.

Transformer: A transformer is a static electrical machine which transfers AC electrical power from one circuit to the other circuit at the constant frequency, but the voltage level can be altered that means voltage can be increased (step up) or decreased (step down) according to the requirement.