Designing Small Hydro Power Systems Based on Long-Time Simulation of Water Distribution Systems

Abstract

The implementation of small hydropower systems in water distribution systems is a meaningful strategy for renewable energy production. For the design of such systems based on hydraulic simulation (alike for water distribution systems), usually one or a few representative daily demand patterns are used. But for the operation of small hydropower systems, the changing boundary conditions in the water distribution system over the year are important. In this work the approach of a long-time simulation for a water distribution system (ten years with an hourly time step) is presented. It is shown how this approach can enhance the design procedure of small hydropower systems in water distribution systems. Additionally, this approach is used for a benefit cost analysis to determine the optimal design load for small hydropower system in a water distribution system.