HARNESSING THE IRRIGATION WATER FLOWS FOR MICRO-HYDRO POWER GENERATION

This study was conducted to develop a low-head micro hydro power (MHP) generation system suitable for existing irrigation water flows. Specifically, this study aimed to design, fabricate, install an on-site MHP generation system, test and evaluate the technical performance and conduct economic analysis of the MHP generation system set-up. The developed MHP generation system for irrigation water flows have five major components, namely: crossflow turbine, structural frame, water intake and conveyance channel, generator, and transmission assembly and wirings. It was installed and tested at the inclined drop of CASECNAN Irrigation System. It operates on the concept of low head and high flow volume water flows. Technical performance was established through a series of experiments using three different water flow rates (Q) and three different water exit notches (O) combinations. The power cost generated was determined through an economic analysis using the test and evaluation data. Results of the experiment showed that the developed MHP generation system effectively harnessed irrigation water flow for power generation. It could generate 5kW electricity, using 7.5 kW, 220 V, 13.6 Amp, 60 Hz, 1,800 RPM, single-phase generator to transform the rotational energy into electricity. The generated power could be used for local lighting and other household use.