Pico-hydro system as an alternative energy generator

Abstract

Pico-hydro system is a renewable energy source which uses a small motor or generator that is connected to turbines to generate electricity without relying on any non-renewable energy sources. The power generated by the pico-hydro system is less than 5 kW. Currently, the distribution of fuel consumption for electricity generation is 44.7% using coal, 42.5% gas-based, 3.7% oil-based, and 5.7% hydro-based. The Malaysian government has set a clear goal and strategy that small hydropower (mini, micro, and pico) will contribute up to 500 MW to the national power grid/electricity generation in 2020. In this study, the model built is the pico-hydro system with the operating system powered by pumps with a 10 W solar panel. The purpose of this study is to build a model of a pico-hydro system as an alternative energy generator, to gauge the energy produced by this pico-hydro model, and to analyse the performance and effectiveness of the pico-hydro system in terms of power and output. Among the tests performed were testing on battery charger controllers and battery charging time rates, water flowrate testing, system efficiency, and relationship analysis between the head height, rotation, and output of power. This model produced the maximum flow of 0.22 A from the generator to the charger controller with a head height of 0.63 m. The hydraulic efficiency test showed that the system had an efficiency percentage of 9.2%. Further studies should be done to improve the efficiency of the system and enhance the energy generation.