dc.contributor.author |
Kusakana, K. |
|
dc.contributor.author |
Munda, J. L. |
|
dc.contributor.author |
Jimoh, A.A. |
|
dc.contributor.author |
Monchusi, B.B. |
|
dc.contributor.other |
International Review on Modelling & Simulations |
|
dc.date.accessioned |
2016-02-18T07:03:02Z |
|
dc.date.available |
2016-02-18T07:03:02Z |
|
dc.date.issued |
2011-10 |
|
dc.date.issued |
2011 |
|
dc.identifier.uri |
http://hdl.handle.net/11462/728 |
|
dc.description |
Published Article |
en_US |
dc.description.abstract |
This study investigated the techno-economic viability of micro-hydropower generation in the electrification of a rural area in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The proposed scheme is composed of a squirrel cage induction machine running as a generator and directly coupled to a Kaplan hydro-turbine. Mathematical models were developed and simulations performed using MATLAB/SIMULINK software to highlight the characteristics of the output power supplied to consumers for varying water flow rate. A small-scale experimental model based on a DC machine as a turbine driving a self-excited induction generator was developed to validate the designed model. Economic and environment analyses were performed using HOMER software to assess the possibility of using the proposed stand-alone micro-hydropower system for low-cost electricity production and supply for the specific site. The MATLAB/SIMULINK model developed and the laboratory experiments demonstrated the technical viability of using a Kaplan turbine and a self-excited induction generator in micro-hydropower generation. The economic and environmental results highlight the cost-effectiveness character and the reduction of gas pollutant emissions achieved by the plant. The micro-hydropower plant is a technically and economically viable and environmentally friendly means for rural electrification. |
en_US |
dc.format.mimetype |
Application/PDF |
|
dc.language.iso |
en_US |
en_US |
dc.publisher |
International Review on Modelling & Simulations |
|
dc.relation.ispartofseries |
International Review on Modelling & Simulations;Vol. 4 Issue 5, |
|
dc.title |
Techno-Economic Evaluation of a Micro-Hydropower Plant for Rural Electrification in South Africa |
en_US |
dc.type |
Article |
en_US |
dc.rights.holder |
International Review on Modelling & Simulations |
|