Design and optimization of small hydropower systems in water distribution networks based on 10-years simulation with Epanet2

Abstract

Small hydro power systems (SHPS) are increasingly installed in water distribution systems (WDS). With only minor adaptions in the existing system, pressure surplus can be utilized. But often in such systems a water surplus is also available. This water surplus can be utilized e.g. with Pelton turbines. In this work, an hourly measured water consumption data of a real WDS over one decade is used as input for an Epanet2 long-time simulation model to assess a SHPS in that WDS in detail. Furthermore, the control procedure of that device is optimized based on 10 years-simulations in order to maximize profit.