Technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of implementing a mini hydroelectric plant with a reversible system
Keywords:
electric power, La Esperanza, mini hydroelectric plants, pumping, reversible systemAbstract
Mini hydroelectric plants are a renewable energy source that harnesses the flow of water to generate electricity sustainably on a smaller scale. The objective of this research is to analyze the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of mini hydroelectric plants. implementation of a mini hydroelectric plant with a reversible system, taken as a basis of this study, examines the "La Esperanza" dam to provide electricity to the communities supplied by the Calceta substation. The methodology employed was a literature review, resulting in a research thesis that allowed for the analysis of data collected at the study site. The results indicate that poor management and lack of maintenance have rendered the dam inoperable. Furthermore, the research suggests the possibility of converting the dam from storage to pumped storage and restoring the plant to operation. The ratio between energy generated and energy used for pumping revealed that this is technically feasible. Finally, it was concluded that, due to the results obtained, through economic investment and proper management, the mini hydroelectric plant in Manabí will be able to guarantee a continuous and sustainable energy supply to different communities that currently have poor energy quality and others that are not electrified.
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