Economic Feasibility of Hydropower Systems: A Decision Support System Program

Published in: Innovation and Development for the Americas: Engineering, Education, Research and Development: Proceedings of the 8th Latin American and Caribbean Conference for Engineering and Technology
Date of Conference: June 1-4, 2010
Location of Conference: Arequipa, Peru
Authors: Cristián Cárdenas-Lailhacar
James Jackson III
Refereed Paper: #153

Abstract

Hydropower has played a dynamic role in meeting our population’s energy needs. Because hydropower plants are reliable, low maintenance, and yield higher electrical gains as compared to wind power, it should be understood that the high initial cost can be justified using the right tools with a robust Decision Support Systems (DSS), Energy Management, hydropower systems, and Financial Engineering. By combing these fields, one can better understand the economic feasibility of a hydropower plant using a DSS to guide the average field surveyor with the right tools to find the economic feasibility of a hydropower project. In this work we combine many facets into one simple interface. The field surveyor would most likely measure the average water flow and head (water displacement), while the plant manager would enter the hours the plant would operate annually, In addition, the mechanical engineer/electrical engineer would be able to supply an accurate turbine efficiency, generator efficiency, and transformer current. This work will also provide a comprehensive background on current hydropower conditions in the world, as well as a general background on hydropower turbines, a glossary of hydropower terms, and the appropriate formulae to back up the calculations embedded in the DSS.