Conceptual Design and Turbine Selection for a Micro Hydropower System Using Multi-Criteria Analysis

Abstract
Nigeria has grappled with a persistent electricity supply challenge characterized by surging demand, inadequate maintenance of power generation infrastructure, and a host of other issues. This ongoing predicament has given rise to frequent power outages, compelling citizens to resort to expensive alternatives like petrol and diesel generators. Moreover, a substantial number of Nigerian households rely on motorised boreholes for their water supply. Considering these circumstances, this study proposes an innovative solution in the form of a micro hydropower system that harnesses the existing tank-borehole setups within homes to generate electricity. The primary objective of this research is to define the specifications of the central subsystem, namely the turbine, by employing the multi-criteria analysis method, thereby facilitating the practical implementation of the proposed energy generation scheme. In particular, this study delves into an evaluation of two turbine options: Pelton and crossflow turbines. The results of the analysis revealed that the crossflow turbine emerges as the most suitable choice for this application, leading to the exclusion of other turbine alternatives such as the Francis and Turgo turbines.
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Citation
Jimada-Ojuolape, B., Balogun, M. O., & Adesina, L. M. (2024). Conceptual Design and Turbine Selection for a Micro Hydropower System Using Multi-Criteria Analysis. Nigerian Journal of Engineering, 31(1), 45-45.