Site implementation of a low-head pico-hydro turgo turbine

Abstract

This chapter discusses how to integrate a 1.3-kW low-head Turgo turbine into existing water infrastructure. The proposed scalable system is formed by connecting a number of identical Turgo turbine units at the same site or nearby to form an off-grid network. Three types of existing water infrastructure are considered applicable for hydropower integration: irrigation canals, reservoirs and weirs. Designs for the civil works for the low-head Turgo turbine integrated into these structures are given, and the costs of construction are estimated. Integrating the Turgo unit into these existing water structures is shown, in theory, to be costeffective, especially in developing countries, with civil works and installation costs greatly reduced.