A Feasibility Study on the Implementation of a Micro-Hydro Scheme in Sioma, Zambia

Hans Petter Bjrnvold (0602641) 3rd Year Manufacturing & Mechanical Engineering School of Engineering, University of Warwick

Introduction
Visited Zambia and Sioma in 2005 Witnessed the problems the community faces Rural infrastructure development is imperative
Fire fighting problems will not lead to progress

The Sioma Falls

Project Specification
Research and prove viability of hydroelectric scheme in Sioma, Zambia Produce a proposal for such a scheme
Including initial technical analysis

Apply for support from local government Network with charities Put plan into action
Outside academic boundaries

Micro-Hydropower
Small scale harnessing of falling water
Typically generates less than 100 kW

Benefits from same advantages as larger scale hydropower:

No fuel burnt causing minimal pollution Low operation and maintenance costs Reliable and historically proven technology Water is free and completely renewable through continued rainfall

1.5 billion people in developing countries do not have access to electricity

Micro-Hydro provides a realistic alternative for decentralized energy generation

Micro-Hydropower

Source: http://www.itdg.org/?id=micro_hydro_faq, retrieved 19 April 2009

Typical Micro-Hydro layout Run of the River scheme

Location: Sioma, Zambia

Location: Barotseland, South Western Zambia (approx. 315 km from Livingstone) Population: 1000-1500 Accessibility: 4-5 hours in 4x4 (bad road conditions) ZESCO unwilling to build sub-station to power community Proximity to Zambezi River makes micro-hydropower ideal

Sioma
Image Source: maps.google.com, retrieved 24 April 2009

Location: Proposed Site

Sioma Falls (Zambezi River) Head: 10-15 metres

Sioma Village

6 km

Sioma Falls

4 km

Woodworking Workshop

Source: http://www.toucan-reisen.de/cms/front_content.php?idart=235, retrieved 20 April 2009

Power Requirements
Village: Woodworking Workshop: 24,830 W 20,000 W

Load Factor = [Average Power] / [Peak Power] Average Power = 20.2083 kW Peak Power = 35 kW Load Factor = 56.92%

Turbine
L-1 Turbine
Manufactured on site through local labour High Efficiency at low head sites Easy operation and low maintenance Scalable to suit different situations using an adjustable distribution

Source: McMULLEN, C., Low Head Micro Hydro in Developing Countries: The L-1 Turbine, April 2004, 3rd Year Project, University of Warwick

Variants of L-1 Turbine

Source: LI, S. C., Giving the lowdown on small hydro, International Water Power and Dam Construction, November 2000

L-1 Turbine Casing and Propeller

Initial Design Proposition

Based on estimates
Intake/Canal
Parallel to river flow Rock/logs for water diversion To generate 46.1 kW from 10 m head we need: 0.587 m3/s flow

Forebay Tank
settling basin Incorporates: Spillway Trashrack Cover Integration of water taps Decreases risks of collecting water Reduces distance to safe water

Penstock Typically 1/3 of costs

Material: HDPE Diameter: +/- 600 mm Minimum wall thickness: 16.2 mm Critical shut off time: 0.59 s Thermal Expansion absorbed in bends Supported by 2 m3 anchor blocks every 20 metres Control measures: Gate valve

Primarily used as

Potential Contribution
Local Clinic
Replace diesel generator Increased comfort attract permanent doctor

Elementary and Secondary School

Lighting will allow night classes

Woodworking Workshop
Replace diesel generator Allows for economically competitive production

Local Businesses and Villagers

New opportunities (e.g. Mobile phone charging, sewing workshop etc.)

Integration with irrigation and water supply projects

Use of mechanical power to power pump use existing canals

Financial Viability
Total cost approx. 45,000 Return on investment not realistic
Rely on charity sponsorship for start up costs

Maintenance cost of 50 per kW

Annual cost: 2,305 Funded through woodworking workshop tariff fees 9 per day or 0.05 per kWh

Conclusions
Power Requirement: 45.83 kW Turbine: L-1 Penstock: estimated 51 metres HDPE, 600 mm diameter Cost: 45,000 + annual maintenance fees (50 per kW)

Implementation of a micro-hydro scheme is viable

In comparison with diesel generator it is far more sustainable Would provide an opportunity for development and improvement to quality of life

What happens next?

Technical visit over the summer
June or September Aim is to develop project to the next phase

Source equipment suppliers Complete arrangements with local government Apply for bursaries/fundraise Commence construction July 2010

Thank you for listening