Study on micro hydro power plant as a site laboratory in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Abstract

As the price of fossil fuels is increasing daily, the need for cheaper electricity generation rises. The most efficient and environmental friendly is generated from mega hydro power plant. However, due to large area needed, a smaller hydro plant is more suitable. A prototype of a smaller scale hydro plant known as Micro Hydro Power Plant (MHPP) is trying to be built in this project. This project is initiated since there is no available prototype to be used as site laboratory in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). This project will be the catalyst for further research regarding the MHPP. It also supports the fifth fuel policy introduced by Malaysia in 8th and 9th Malaysia plan. Firstly, this project identifies the feasibility of site in UTM. Site visits and data gathering are done at all seven locations. Then, gathered data are calculated based on the formula found during literature review. The results show which site is the most suitable based on the output power calculated. The site with the highest output power is chosen as the trial site. Design stage begins once the site has been chosen; design is suited with the requirements of the chosen site. Six items are considered in the design stage. A prototype is then being built based on the design that has improves the reference model obtained during literature review stage. Experiments are done at the early construction stage to know the functionality of the prototype. Once the prototype is ready, trials are done to measure its performance. During trials, prototype constructed is capable of generating electricity. Objectives of the project are achieved and this project is a success.