Performance evaluation of hydropower generation system using transfer function modelling

Poor electricity generation in Nigeria is a very serious problem. The low power generation is caused in part by the ineffective maintenance and inefficient performance of Nigeria's power generation facilities. The aim of this study is to develop a new and better way of evaluating the performance of hydropower generation facilities in order to improve their performance using transfer function modelling. It involves taking input-output data from a hydropower generation process over a 10-year period and developing transfer function models of the process for the 10 years, which are used as performance indicators. Based on the performance indicators obtained from the models, the results show that the efficiency of the power generation facility was worst in the year 2006 and best in 2003. Generally the indicators (coefficient of performance) were undulating over the 10-year period. Finally based on the fact the power plant has under performed over the years, a value of coefficient of performance which must be above the highest coefficient of performance of 7.523 obtained was suggested as a benchmark below which a hydropower plant is assumed to have under performed. The result of this study is expected to open new ways to improving maintenance effectiveness and operations efficiency of power generation facilities. The study would be of immense help in improving power generation in Nigeria and elsewhere. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.