The Identification of Micro-hydro Power Plants Potential in Irrigation Areas Based on Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) Image Processing

Abstract

Estimation of the energy demand in Indonesia will increase by 8.15 % annually until 2030. Indonesia is committed to preventing climate change through mix energy (new and renewable energy). One of the sources of this energy is waterpower plants with a potential of 75 091 MW have been utilized 6.4 %, mini-hydro, and micro-hydro with a potential of 19 385 MW have been utilized 1 %. In the Industrial Revolution 4.0, it is doable to identify such potential using drone. This study was conducted in the Kalibawang irrigation area, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The procedure starts with the generation of detailed Aerial Photography using Drone DJI Phantom 4. The images from aerial photography were then processed into high-resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM). DEM data represent the study area topography and can be used to identify the stream gradient potential or height difference (H). Six potential points were identified with height differences between 3 m to 8 m, resulting in the potential generated power ranging from 125 kW to 334 kW. This study demonstrates the identification of micro-hydro energy potential points, height difference, and generated power using Drone. Six points were identified with total potential energy 1 418 kW.