Mini hydel power plant & their economics

Mini hydel power plant and. their economics

1. Context : Hydel power plant Classification Mini hydel power plant Components Working Principle Economics Economic Benefits Environmental and social benefits Limitations Conclusion

2. Hydel power plant A Hydel Power Plant (or Hydroelectric Power Plant) is a system that generates electricity by using the energy of flowing or falling water to drive a turbine connected to a generator.

3. Classification of hydel power plants Based on their capacity, they are classified into 4 types .They are: Micro hydel power plant – upto 100KW
Mini hydel power plant – 100KW to 2MW
Small hydel power plant – 2MW to 25MW
Large hydel power plant – above 25MW

4. Mini hydel power plant A Mini Hydel Power Plant is a small hydroelectric system that uses the energy of flowing or falling water to generate electricity, usually with a capacity between 100 kW and 2 MW.

5. Components Intake
Penstock
Turbine
Generator
Control System
Tailrace

6. Intake : Diverts water from the river or stream into the system.
Penstock : A closed pipe that carries water under pressure from the intake to the turbine.
Turbine : Rotates when water flows over it, converting the water’s energy into mechanical energy.
Generators : Connected to the turbine, it converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Control System : Monitors and regulates water flow, turbine speed, and electricity output.
Tailrace : Channel that carries water away from the turbine back to the river or stream.

7. Working : A Mini Hydel Power Plant generates electricity by converting the potential energy of water into electrical energy. Water is first diverted from a river, stream, or canal through an intake structure, and then flows under pressure through a penstock to the turbine. The high-speed water strikes the turbine blades, causing them to rotate and convert water’s kinetic energy into mechanical energy. The turbine is connected to a generator, which then converts this mechanical energy into electricity. After passing through the turbine, water is discharged back into the river through a tailrace. A control system regulates water flow and turbine speed to ensure a stable electricity supply. This process provides a clean, renewable, and efficient source of power, especially suitable for rural and hilly areas.

8. Economics Capital Cost : The initial investment includes construction of intake, penstock, turbine, generator, control systems, and transmission lines.Typically , the capital cost ranges from ₹7–10 crore per MW, depending on the site and design. Operation & Maintenance Cost : Mini hydel plants have low running costs, usually 1.5–2% of the capital cost per year. Life Span : Mini hydel plants have a long operational life, generally 30–40 years, making them cost-effective in the long run.

9. Economic Benefits Low running cost after installation.
Long plant life with minimal fuel cost.
Boosts rural economy.
Reduces dependency on fossil fuels.
Provides local employment.

10. Environmental and social benefit Clean and renewable
No air pollution
Minimal greenhouse gas emissions
Helps in rural electrification
Promotes sustainable development.

11. Limitations High initial investment for construction
Electricity depends on seasonal water flow
Limited power generation capacity
Can affect aquatic life and local ecosystems
Needs regular maintenance.

12. Conclusion Mini hydel power plants are a clean, renewable, and cost-effective source of electricity, especially suitable for rural and remote areas. They efficiently convert the energy of flowing water into electricity with low operating costs and minimal environmental impact. Although they require significant initial investment and depend on water availability, their long lifespan, economic benefits, and contribution to sustainable development make them an important solution for decentralized power generation and rural electrification.

13. Thank you