Chul-Hyung Lee

Hydrologic Performance Characteristics Variation of Small Scale Hydro Power Plant with Variation of Inflow

The variation of inflow at stream and hydrologic performance for small scale hydro power (SSHP) plants due to variation of inflow have been studied. The model, which can predict flow duration characteristic of stream, was developed to analyze the variation of inflow caused from rainfall condition. And another model to predict hydrologic performance for SSHP plants is established. Monthly inflow data measured at Andong dam for 32 years were analyzed. The existing SSHP plant located in upstream of Andong dam was selected and analyzed hydrologic performance characteristics. The predicted results from the developed models in this study show that the data were in good agreement with measured results of long term inflow at Andong dam and the existing SSHP plant. Inflow and ideal hydro power potential had increased greatly in recent years, however, these did not lead annual energy production increment of existing SSHP plant. As a results, it was found that the models developed in this study can be used to predict the primary design specifications and inflow of SSHP plants effectively.

Micro-Hydropower System with a Semi-Kaplan Turbine for Sewage Treatment Plant Application: Kiheung Respia Case Study

Small scale hydropower is one of most attractive and cost-effective energy technologies for installation within sewage treatment plants. This study was conducted to evaluate the potential of a semi-kaplan micro-hydropower (MHP) system for application to sewage treatment plants with high flow fluctuations and a low head. The semi-kaplan MHP is equipped with an adjustable runner blade, and is without a guide vane, so as to reduce the incidence of mechanical problems. A MHP rating 13.4 kWp with a semi-kaplan turbine has been considered for Kiheung Respia sewage treatment plant, and this installation is estimated to generate 86.8 MWh of electricity annually, which is enough to supply electricity to over 25 households, and equivalent to an annual reduction of 49 ton . The semi-kaplan turbine showed a 90.2% energy conversion efficiency at the design flow rate of 0.35 and net head of 4.7 m, and was adaptable to a wide range of flow fluctuations. Through the MHP operation, approximately 2.1% of total electricity demand of Kiheung Respia sewage treatment plant will be achievable. Based on financial analysis, an exploiting MHP is considered economically acceptable with an internal rate of return of 6.1%, net present value of 15,539,000 Korean Won, benefit-cost ratio of 1.08, and payback year of 15.5, respectively, if initial investment cost is 200,000,000 Korean Won.

Analysis on Design Parameters of Small Hydropower Sites with Rainfall Conditions

The correlation between hydrologic performance design parameters of small hydro power(SHP) sites and rainfall condition have been analyzed for major river systems. The model, which can predict flow duration characteristic of stream, was developed to estimate the inflow caused from rainfall. And another model to predict hydrologic performance for SHP plants is established. Based on the models developed in this study, the hydrologic performance characteristics for SHP sites have been analyzed. The results show that the hydrologic performance characteristics of SHP sites have some difference between the river systems. Especially, the specific design flowrate and specific output of SHP sites located on North Han river and Nakdong river systems have large difference compared with other river systems. It was found that the hydrologic performance design parameters such as specific design flowrate and specific output were affected by rainfall condition in basin area of SHP sites.

Design Parameters of Small Hydro Power Sites for River Systems(II)

Small hydropower resources for five major river systems have been studied. The model, which can predict flow duration characteristic of stream, was developed to analyze the variation of inflow caused from rainfall condition. And another model to predict hydrologic performance for small hydropower(SHP) plants is established. Monthly inflow data measured at Andong dam were analyzed. The predicted results from the developed models in this study show that the data were in good agreement with measured results of long term inflow at Andong dam. It was found that the models developed in this study can be used to predict the available potential and technical potential of SHP sites effectively. Based on the models developed in this study, the hydrologic performance for small hydropower sites located in river systems have been analyzed. The results show that the hydrologic performance characteristics of SHP sites had some difference between the river systems. Especially, the specific design flow and specific output of SHP sites located on North Han river and Nakdong river systems had large difference compared with other river systems.