The Experts below are selected from a list of 360 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform

Learachel D Kosnik - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • the potential for Small Scale Hydropower development in the us
    Energy Policy, 2010
    Co-Authors: Learachel D Kosnik
    Abstract:

    In an earlier paper (Kosnik, 2008), the potential for Small Scale Hydropower to contribute to US renewable energy supplies, as well as reduce current carbon emissions, was investigated. It was discovered that thousands of viable sites capable of producing significant amounts of hydroelectric power were available throughout the United States. The primary objective of this paper is to determine the cost-effectiveness of developing these Small Scale Hydropower sites. Just because a site has the necessary topographical features to allow Small Scale Hydropower development, does not mean that it should be pursued from a cost-benefit perspective, even if it is a renewable energy resource with minimal effects on the environment. This analysis finds that while the average cost of developing Small Scale Hydropower is relatively high, there still remain hundreds of sites on the low end of the cost Scale that are cost-effective to develop right now.

  • the potential for Small Scale Hydropower development in the u s
    Social Science Research Network, 2009
    Co-Authors: Learachel D Kosnik
    Abstract:

    In an earlier paper (Kosnik, 2008), the potential for Small Scale hydro-power to contribute to U.S. renewable energy supplies, as well as reduce current carbon emissions, was investigated. It was discovered that thousands of viable sites capable of producing significant amounts of hydroelectric power were available throughout the United States. The primary objective of this paper is to determine the cost-effectiveness of developing these Small Scale hydro-power sites. Just because a site has the necessary topographical features to allow Small Scale hydro-power development, does not mean that it should be pursued from a cost-benefit perspective, even if it is a renewable energy resource with minimal effects on the environment. This analysis finds that while the average cost of developing Small Scale hydro-power is relatively high, there still remains hundreds of sites on the low end of the cost Scale that are cost-effective to develop right now.

Amvrossios C. Bagtzoglou - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Design optimization of a Small-Scale Hydropower harvesting device
    Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, 2019
    Co-Authors: Rishav Aryal, Zoi Dokou, Ramesh B. Malla, Amvrossios C. Bagtzoglou
    Abstract:

    This paper presents a semi-analytical model that facilitates the optimum design of Small-Scale Hydropower systems, so that maximum possible energy can be harvested under low head and streamflow conditions in run-of-the-stream settings. The Hydropower harvesting model developed and tested at the University of Connecticut (Malla et al., Renewable Energy 36(5):1568–1577, 2011 ) comprises a rotating cylinder attached to a piston producing reciprocating motion when placed in moving water. Taking this model as the base, the semi-analytical model employs genetic algorithm–based optimization and develops optimal dimensions for the system, with the objective to minimize the time period while at the same time maximizing the stroke of the piston. The semi-analytical model is tested in steps: first with single-objective optimization for the time period and the stroke of the piston separately and then using multi-objective optimization to produce a set of Pareto optimal solutions. As many energy harvesting approaches are based on the reciprocating motion of the mechanical/structural system, which is greatly affected by the geometric dimensions of the system, optimization of the system geometry becomes crucial for energy harvesting. Compared to the Hydropower harvesting model tested before (Malla et al., Renewable Energy 36(5):1568–1577, 2011 ), the semi-analytical model is able to reduce the arms’ dimensions while obtaining a much higher stroke of piston for much lower time period. The model has some limitations but is able to produce optimization results comparable to laboratory experimental data and applicable to actual flow data from Shetucket River in Willimantic, CT, USA.

  • Hydropower harvesting from a Small Scale reciprocating system
    Renewable Energy, 2011
    Co-Authors: Ramesh B. Malla, Amvrossios C. Bagtzoglou, Binu Shrestha, Jonathon Drasdis, Paul Johnson
    Abstract:

    Conventional Hydropower systems that can take advantage of low head movement of water require substantial flow rates. However, these systems cannot harvest hydro energy from Small sources of water with low head and low discharge, such as streams and creeks. The reciprocating Hydropower system discussed in this paper can harvest power from such low flow discharge and low head sources. This paper presents a detailed proof-of-concept study of the Hydropower model, including the underlining theoretical principles. Laboratory test results demonstrating the dependence of the lift force in the reciprocating Small Scale Hydropower model as a function of flow velocity, size and rotational speed of the cylinder and comparison of the results with a previous study are also included. Two methods of power harvesting from the output displacement obtained from the Hydropower system are discussed. The first employs electromagnetic induction principles and the other is based on a linear inertial generator using a conventional second order spring mass damper system. Finally, results from a finite element analysis of the Hydropower system are presented and facilitate future design of the structural aspects of the housing for the reciprocating cylinder.

Ramesh B. Malla - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Design optimization of a Small-Scale Hydropower harvesting device
    Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, 2019
    Co-Authors: Rishav Aryal, Zoi Dokou, Ramesh B. Malla, Amvrossios C. Bagtzoglou
    Abstract:

    This paper presents a semi-analytical model that facilitates the optimum design of Small-Scale Hydropower systems, so that maximum possible energy can be harvested under low head and streamflow conditions in run-of-the-stream settings. The Hydropower harvesting model developed and tested at the University of Connecticut (Malla et al., Renewable Energy 36(5):1568–1577, 2011 ) comprises a rotating cylinder attached to a piston producing reciprocating motion when placed in moving water. Taking this model as the base, the semi-analytical model employs genetic algorithm–based optimization and develops optimal dimensions for the system, with the objective to minimize the time period while at the same time maximizing the stroke of the piston. The semi-analytical model is tested in steps: first with single-objective optimization for the time period and the stroke of the piston separately and then using multi-objective optimization to produce a set of Pareto optimal solutions. As many energy harvesting approaches are based on the reciprocating motion of the mechanical/structural system, which is greatly affected by the geometric dimensions of the system, optimization of the system geometry becomes crucial for energy harvesting. Compared to the Hydropower harvesting model tested before (Malla et al., Renewable Energy 36(5):1568–1577, 2011 ), the semi-analytical model is able to reduce the arms’ dimensions while obtaining a much higher stroke of piston for much lower time period. The model has some limitations but is able to produce optimization results comparable to laboratory experimental data and applicable to actual flow data from Shetucket River in Willimantic, CT, USA.

  • Hydropower harvesting from a Small Scale reciprocating system
    Renewable Energy, 2011
    Co-Authors: Ramesh B. Malla, Amvrossios C. Bagtzoglou, Binu Shrestha, Jonathon Drasdis, Paul Johnson
    Abstract:

    Conventional Hydropower systems that can take advantage of low head movement of water require substantial flow rates. However, these systems cannot harvest hydro energy from Small sources of water with low head and low discharge, such as streams and creeks. The reciprocating Hydropower system discussed in this paper can harvest power from such low flow discharge and low head sources. This paper presents a detailed proof-of-concept study of the Hydropower model, including the underlining theoretical principles. Laboratory test results demonstrating the dependence of the lift force in the reciprocating Small Scale Hydropower model as a function of flow velocity, size and rotational speed of the cylinder and comparison of the results with a previous study are also included. Two methods of power harvesting from the output displacement obtained from the Hydropower system are discussed. The first employs electromagnetic induction principles and the other is based on a linear inertial generator using a conventional second order spring mass damper system. Finally, results from a finite element analysis of the Hydropower system are presented and facilitate future design of the structural aspects of the housing for the reciprocating cylinder.

Ad De Roo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • a geospatial assessment of Small Scale Hydropower potential in sub saharan africa
    Energies, 2018
    Co-Authors: Alexandros Korkovelos, Dimitrios Mentis, Shahid Hussain Siyal, Christopher Arderne, Holger Rogner, Morgan Bazilian, Mark Howells, Hylke E Beck, Ad De Roo
    Abstract:

    Sub-Saharan Africa has been at the epicenter of an ongoing global dialogue around the issue of energy poverty. More than half of the world’s population without access to modern energy services lives there. It also happens to be a sub-continent with plentiful renewable energy resource potential. Hydropower is one of them, and to a large extent it remains untapped. This study focuses on the technical assessment of Small-Scale Hydropower (0.01–10 MW) in Sub-Saharan Africa. The underlying methodology was based on open source geospatial datasets, whose combination allowed a consistent evaluation of 712,615 km of river network spanning over 44 countries. Environmental, topological, and social constraints were included in the form of constraints in the optimization algorithm. The results are presented on a country and power pool basis.

Chiyembekezo S. Kaunda - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Energy situation, potential and application status of Small-Scale Hydropower systems in Malawi
    Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2013
    Co-Authors: Chiyembekezo S. Kaunda
    Abstract:

    Abstract Sustainable energy is required for any national development. This paper has reviewed and documented energy situation and Small-Scale Hydropower potential and application status in Malawi. The country's energy sector is dominated by traditional forms of biomass. Level of modern forms of energy supply is low. In particular, electricity supply is unreliable and Small in capacity. Decentralised energy supply systems like Small-Scale Hydropower are some of the recommended energy projects for developing countries. The paper adds knowledge on Small-Scale Hydropower in Malawi. The study has reviewed Government reports and other documents. Informants were also consulted. Information from documents and informants was confirmed through site visits. The analysis of the Small-Scale Hydropower potential sites indicates that the country has considerable potential for decentralised Hydropower generation, which if fully exploited, can contribute to the country's electricity and power supply especially for rural electrification. Most of the identified potential sites are located in the northern parts of the country. From the information on the assessed sites, a proven potential of 7.6 MW can be harnessed. An inventory of Small-Scale Hydropower systems shows there is an installed capacity of 5.8 MW with most of the plants not functioning due to various reasons. Challenges and opportunities towards popularisation of the technology have been identified and discussed.

  • potential of Small Scale Hydropower for electricity generation in sub saharan africa
    International Scholarly Research Notices, 2012
    Co-Authors: Chiyembekezo S. Kaunda, C Z M Kimambo, Torbjorn K Nielsen
    Abstract:

    The importance of renewable energy such as Small Hydropower for sustainable power generation in relation to its capacity to contribute towards alleviating acute shortage of rural electricity supply in the sub-Saharan African region has been discussed. A relatively comprehensive Small Hydropower technology review has been presented. Rural electricity supply scenario in the region has been presented and, in general, the region has very low electricity access levels coupled with various challenges. Small Hydropower technology has been discussed as one of the promising decentralised power generation system for rural electricity supply in the region. Despite challenges in data acquisition, this paper has shown that the SSA has significant Hydropower resources, but the level of installation is very low. Challenges hampering SHP technology development in the region have been identified and discussed, such as those concerning technology, climate change, finance, and policy. This is basically a paper where the authors consulted a wide range of literature including journals, conference proceedings, and reports as well as expert knowledge in the area. It is hoped that this paper contributes to the information base on SHP technology which is quite lacking in the region.