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Research and development aspects of pico-hydro power

Author

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  • Lahimer, A.A.
  • Alghoul, M.A.
  • Sopian, K.
  • Amin, Nowshad
  • Asim, Nilofar
  • Fadhel, M.I.

Abstract

Intensive explorations of different alternatives and renewable energy resources are currently being conducted worldwide. Pico-hydro power is at the forefront of these options because it is considered as the most cost-effective renewable energy option to provide electricity for rural areas, and to enable energy to be derived from extremely low head and flow streams of 1m and 1L/s, respectively. This review discusses the research and development aspects of pico-hydro and the factors influencing the success of the pico-hydro scheme in rural areas. These factors are also likely to increase the demand for pico in a rural energy market. This paper concurs with the view held by many researchers and experts that customs duty imposed on pico-hydro components is a major obstacle to the dissemination of renewable energy because it raises original cost by up to 40%. The future of the pico-hydro market looks prosperous because there is substantial availability of low head and flow hydroelectric sites in less developed countries. In the future, technology can play a crucial role in the lighting of houses in remote communities, with the energy source derived from domestic water supply.

Suggested Citation

  • Lahimer, A.A. & Alghoul, M.A. & Sopian, K. & Amin, Nowshad & Asim, Nilofar & Fadhel, M.I., 2012. "Research and development aspects of pico-hydro power," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 16(8), pages 5861-5878.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:16:y:2012:i:8:p:5861-5878
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2012.05.001
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    6. Carravetta, A. & Fecarotta, O. & Ramos, H.M., 2018. "A new low-cost installation scheme of PATs for pico-hydropower to recover energy in residential areas," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 125(C), pages 1003-1014.
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    10. Lahimer, A.A. & Alghoul, M.A. & Yousif, Fadhil & Razykov, T.M. & Amin, N. & Sopian, K., 2013. "Research and development aspects on decentralized electrification options for rural household," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 24(C), pages 314-324.
    11. Hirmer, Stephanie & Cruickshank, Heather, 2014. "Making the deployment of pico-PV more sustainable along the value chain," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 30(C), pages 401-411.
    12. Pujol, T. & Vashisht, A.K. & Ricart, J. & Culubret, D. & Velayos, J., 2015. "Hydraulic efficiency of horizontal waterwheels: Laboratory data and CFD study for upgrading a western Himalayan watermill," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 83(C), pages 576-586.
    13. Bluemling, Bettina & de Visser, Ina, 2013. "Overcoming the “club dilemma” of village-scale bioenergy projects—The case of India," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 18-25.
    14. Jiyun, Du & Zhicheng, Shen & Hongxing, Yang, 2018. "Numerical study on the impact of runner inlet arc angle on the performance of inline cross-flow turbine used in urban water mains," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 158(C), pages 228-237.
    15. Misrol, Mohd Arif & Wan Alwi, Sharifah Rafidah & Lim, Jeng Shiun & Manan, Zainuddin Abd, 2022. "Optimising renewable energy at the eco-industrial park: A mathematical modelling approach," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 261(PB).
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    17. Taitiya Kenneth Yuguda & Sunday Adiyoh Imanche & Tian Ze & Tosin Yinka Akintunde & Bobby Shekarau Luka, 2023. "Hydropower development, policy and partnership in the 21st century: A China-Nigeria outlook," Energy & Environment, , vol. 34(4), pages 1170-1204, June.

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