Micro Hydro Power (MHP) Plants - Revision history

Wiki Gardener: /* Benefits and Shortcomings of Micro Hydro Power Plants */

2014-11-18T06:21:40Z

Benefits and Shortcomings of Micro Hydro Power Plants

Wiki Gardener at 05:57, 18 November 2014

2014-11-18T05:57:13Z

Ranisha at 06:47, 1 October 2014

2014-10-01T06:47:21Z

Ranisha at 06:42, 1 October 2014

2014-10-01T06:42:39Z

Katharina Wiedemann at 17:54, 9 September 2014

2014-09-09T17:54:11Z

Katharina Wiedemann at 17:13, 9 September 2014

2014-09-09T17:13:32Z

Katharina Wiedemann at 15:02, 9 September 2014

2014-09-09T15:02:06Z

Katharina Wiedemann at 14:55, 9 September 2014

2014-09-09T14:55:33Z

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Katharina Wiedemann at 13:43, 9 September 2014

2014-09-09T13:43:57Z

Katharina Wiedemann at 13:09, 9 September 2014

2014-09-09T13:09:59Z

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 <br/>
 = Benefits and Shortcomings of Micro Hydro Power Plants =
@@ Line 60: / Line 61: @@
 <u>Disadvantages / Shortcomings:<ref name="Alternative Energy: http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/micro-hydro-power-pros-and-cons/">Alternative Energy: http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/micro-hydro-power-pros-and-cons/</ref></u><br/>
-*'''Suitable site characteristics required: '''The system is very site selective and especially when you need to take full advantage of the electrical potential of small streams. Some factors that should be considered in such a case include, distance from the power source to the location where energy is required, stream size (including flow rate, output and drop), and a balance of system components — inverter, batteries, controller, transmission line and pipelines.
+*'''Suitable site characteristics required: '''
 *'''Energy expansion not possible:'''
 *'''Low-power in the summer months:''' Since streams will reduce their flow rates depending on the season, summer months are likely to have less flow leading to less power output. However advanced planning and research can ensure adequate energy requirements are met.
 *'''Environmental impact:''' There is a low ecological impact from small-scale hydro systems, however the low-level environmental effects must be taken into consideration before construction begins. Stream water will be diverted away from a portion of the stream, and proper caution must be exercised to ensure there will be no damaging impact on the local ecology or civil infrastructure.<br/>
 <br/>
 = Application: Use of Micro Hydro Power Plants<br/> =

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 = Overview<br/> =
@@ Line 5: / Line 8: @@
 {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="1" style="width: 100%"
 |-
-| style="background-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); width: 121px" | '''Type '''<br/>
+| style="background-color: rgb(153, 153, 153);  width: 121px" | '''Type '''<br/>
-| style="background-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); width: 619px" | '''Description'''<br/>
+| style="background-color: rgb(153, 153, 153);  width: 619px" | '''Description'''<br/>
 |-
-| style="width: 121px; text-align: right; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Large Hydro<br/>
+| style="width: 121px;  text-align: right;  background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Large Hydro<br/>
 | style="width: 619px" | All installations with an installed capacity of '''more than 1000 kW''' (according to some definitions more than 10,000 kW)
 |-
-| style="width: 121px; text-align: right; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Medium Hydro<br/>
+| style="width: 121px;  text-align: right;  background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Medium Hydro<br/>
 | style="width: 619px" | Installations of '''15 - 100 MW '''(usually feeding the grid)
 |-
-| style="width: 121px; text-align: right; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Small Hydro<br/>
+| style="width: 121px;  text-align: right;  background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Small Hydro<br/>
 | style="width: 619px" | Installations of '''1-15 MW''' (usually feeding into the grid)
 |-
-| style="width: 121px; text-align: right; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Mini Hydro<br/>
+| style="width: 121px;  text-align: right;  background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Mini Hydro<br/>
 | style="width: 619px" | Capacity '''between 100 - 500 kW''' (either as stand-alone schemes or more often feeding into the grid)
 |-
-| style="width: 121px; text-align: right; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Micro Hydro<br/>
+| style="width: 121px;  text-align: right;  background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Micro Hydro<br/>
-| style="width: 619px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 204)" | Installations with power output of '''5 - 100 kW '''(usually provided power for small community or rural industry in remote areas away from the grid)
+| style="width: 619px;  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 204)" | Installations with power output of '''5 - 100 kW '''(usually provided power for small community or rural industry in remote areas away from the grid)
 |-
-| style="width: 121px; text-align: right; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Pico Hydro<br/>
+| style="width: 121px;  text-align: right;  background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Pico Hydro<br/>
 | style="width: 619px" | From a few hundred watts '''up to 5 kW'''
 |}
@@ Line 189: / Line 192: @@
 There can be various policy options for the promotion of MHP as shown below<ref name="Policy and regulatory framework conditions for small hydro power in Sub-Saharan Africa: http://kerea.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Policy-and-regulatory-framework-conditions-for-small-hydro-power-in-Sub-Saharan-Africa.pdf">Policy and regulatory framework conditions for small hydro power in Sub-Saharan Africa: http://kerea.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Policy-and-regulatory-framework-conditions-for-small-hydro-power-in-Sub-Saharan-Africa.pdf</ref>:<br/>
-{| align="center" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="1" style="width: 500px"
+{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center" style="width: 500px"
 |-
 | <br/>
-| style="text-align: center; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" colspan="2" | Generation based (kWh)<br/>
+| style="text-align: center;  background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" colspan="2" | Generation based (kWh)<br/>
 | <br/>
 |-
@@ Line 222: / Line 225: @@
 |-
 | <br/>
-| style="text-align: center; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" colspan="2" | Capacity based (kW)<br/>
+| style="text-align: center;  background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" colspan="2" | Capacity based (kW)<br/>
 | <br/>
 |}
@@ Line 246: / Line 249: @@
 <references /><br/>
 [[Category:Hydro]]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 = Overview<br/> =
 <u>Classification of hydro power can be summarized as follows<ref name="Micro hydropower: http://www.microhydropower.net/basics/intro.php">Micro hydropower: http://www.microhydropower.net/basics/intro.php</ref><ref name="Practical Action: https://practicalaction.org/docs/technical_information_service/micro_hydro_power.pdf">Practical Action: https://practicalaction.org/docs/technical_information_service/micro_hydro_power.pdf</ref>:</u>
-{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="1" style="width: 50%"
+{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="1" style="width: 100%"
 |-
 | style="background-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); width: 121px" | '''Type '''<br/>
@@ Line 79: / Line 78: @@
 <u>Besides the productive and consumptive use, a distinction can also be made between the use of power in a mechanical way or in the form of electricity:</u><ref name="Micro hydro power: http://www.microhydropower.net/basics/intro.php">Micro hydro power: http://www.microhydropower.net/basics/intro.php</ref>
-{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="1" style="width: 50%"
+{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="1" style="width: 100%"
 |-
 | style="background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | <br/>
@@ Line 122: / Line 121: @@
 Most micro-hydro systems are ‘run-of-river’ which means that they don’t need large dams to store water. However, they do need some water-management systems.<ref name="Ashden: http://www.ashden.org/micro-hydro">Ashden: http://www.ashden.org/micro-hydro</ref>
-{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="0" style="width: 50%"
+{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="0" style="width: 100%"
 |-
+|
@@ Line 247: / Line 246: @@
 <references /><br/>
 [[Category:Small-Hydro/Mini-Hydro]]

@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 <u>Classification of hydro power can be summarized as follows<ref name="Micro hydropower: http://www.microhydropower.net/basics/intro.php">Micro hydropower: http://www.microhydropower.net/basics/intro.php</ref><ref name="Practical Action: https://practicalaction.org/docs/technical_information_service/micro_hydro_power.pdf">Practical Action: https://practicalaction.org/docs/technical_information_service/micro_hydro_power.pdf</ref>:</u>
-{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="1" style="width: 100%"
+{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="1" style="width: 50%"
 |-
-| style="background-color: rgb(153, 153, 153);  width: 121px" | '''Type '''<br/>
+| style="background-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); width: 121px" | '''Type '''<br/>
-| style="background-color: rgb(153, 153, 153);  width: 619px" | '''Description'''<br/>
+| style="background-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); width: 619px" | '''Description'''<br/>
 |-
-| style="width: 121px;  text-align: right;  background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Large Hydro<br/>
+| style="width: 121px; text-align: right; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Large Hydro<br/>
 | style="width: 619px" | All installations with an installed capacity of '''more than 1000 kW''' (according to some definitions more than 10,000 kW)
 |-
-| style="width: 121px;  text-align: right;  background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Medium Hydro<br/>
+| style="width: 121px; text-align: right; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Medium Hydro<br/>
 | style="width: 619px" | Installations of '''15 - 100 MW '''(usually feeding the grid)
 |-
-| style="width: 121px;  text-align: right;  background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Small Hydro<br/>
+| style="width: 121px; text-align: right; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Small Hydro<br/>
 | style="width: 619px" | Installations of '''1-15 MW''' (usually feeding into the grid)
 |-
-| style="width: 121px;  text-align: right;  background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Mini Hydro<br/>
+| style="width: 121px; text-align: right; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Mini Hydro<br/>
 | style="width: 619px" | Capacity '''between 100 - 500 kW''' (either as stand-alone schemes or more often feeding into the grid)
 |-
-| style="width: 121px;  text-align: right;  background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Micro Hydro<br/>
+| style="width: 121px; text-align: right; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Micro Hydro<br/>
-| style="width: 619px;  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 204)" | Installations with power output of '''5 - 100 kW '''(usually provided power for small community or rural industry in remote areas away from the grid)
+| style="width: 619px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 204)" | Installations with power output of '''5 - 100 kW '''(usually provided power for small community or rural industry in remote areas away from the grid)
 |-
-| style="width: 121px;  text-align: right;  background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Pico Hydro<br/>
+| style="width: 121px; text-align: right; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Pico Hydro<br/>
 | style="width: 619px" | From a few hundred watts '''up to 5 kW'''
 |}
@@ Line 49: / Line 49: @@
 *'''Efficient energy source''': It takes only a small amount of flow to make it work (as small as two gallons of water or a drop of as low as two feet) to generate electricity with the micro hydro, the produced electricity can be used as far as a mile away from the production site.
 *'''Reliable electricity source: ''' There is a constant and continuous electrical energy supply from a hydro power plant compared to other small scale renewable energy technologies. There are however peak energy seasons (mainly during winter) when large quantities of electricity is required.
 *'''No reservoir required: '''Micro hydro are considered to run as a 'run-of-river' system , this means that when the water passes through the turbines it is diverted back to the river/ stream with relatively low impact on the surrounding ecology.
 *'''Cost effective energy solution''': A small hydro- power system can cost in the range of $1,000-$20,000 depending on the site electricity requirements and location. The operation and maintenance costs are relatively low as well compared to other technologies.
 *'''Power for developing countries: '''Having low-cost versatility and long life span, micro hydro can be used by developing countries in supplying electricity to small villages and communities.
@@ Line 79: / Line 79: @@
 <u>Besides the productive and consumptive use, a distinction can also be made between the use of power in a mechanical way or in the form of electricity:</u><ref name="Micro hydro power: http://www.microhydropower.net/basics/intro.php">Micro hydro power: http://www.microhydropower.net/basics/intro.php</ref>
-{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="1" style="width: 100%"
+{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="1" style="width: 50%"
 |-
 | style="background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | <br/>
@@ Line 122: / Line 122: @@
 Most micro-hydro systems are ‘run-of-river’ which means that they don’t need large dams to store water. However, they do need some water-management systems.<ref name="Ashden: http://www.ashden.org/micro-hydro">Ashden: http://www.ashden.org/micro-hydro</ref>
-{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="0" style="width: 100%"
+{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="0" style="width: 50%"
 |-
+|
-[[File:Micro Hydro Power Plant GIZ.JPG|thumb|center|241px|Components Micro Hydro Power Plant|link=https://energypedia.info/images/3/3b/Hydro_scout_guide_ET_may10.pdf]]<br/>
+[[File:Micro Hydro Power Plant GIZ.JPG|thumb|left|241px|Components Micro Hydro Power Plant|link=https://energypedia.info/images/3/3b/Hydro_scout_guide_ET_may10.pdf]]<br/>
 |-
@@ Line 158: / Line 158: @@
 The cost of investing in a MHP varies depending on the location and thus it is impossible to give accurate figures without knowing the specifics of the site.
-*An estimation from GIZ indicates that in 2010 the installation cost ranged from from USD 1,000 to more than USD 10,000 per kW.<ref name="Micro Perspectives for Decentralized Energy Supply: http://books.google.co.ke/books?id=yYRHsY3j-bUC&pg=PA61&lpg=PA61&dq=Costs+depend+on+the+site+conditions,+availability+and+quality+of+equipment+and+construction+and+the+mode+of+operation+%28off-grid+or+grid-connected%29.+Local+contributions+can+reduce+these+costs+significantly&source=bl&ots=xSGQmCOwmA&sig=qJsnBr2QX0yyZYMNjxVlVvE5IWc&hl=en&sa=X&ei=lYn0U46_OoiMOLC5gfAC&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=USD%201%2C000%20&f=false">Micro Perspectives for Decentralized Energy Supply: http://books.google.co.ke/books?id=yYRHsY3j-bUC&pg=PA61&lpg=PA61&dq=Costs+depend+on+the+site+conditions,+availability+and+quality+of+equipment+and+construction+and+the+mode+of+operation+%28off-grid+or+grid-connected%29.+Local+contributions+can+reduce+these+costs+significantly&source=bl&ots=xSGQmCOwmA&sig=qJsnBr2QX0yyZYMNjxVlVvE5IWc&hl=en&sa=X&ei=lYn0U46_OoiMOLC5gfAC&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=USD%201%2C000%20&f=false</ref><br/>
+*An estimation from GIZ indicates that in 2010 the installation cost ranged from from USD 1,000 to more than USD 10,000 per kW.<ref name="Micro Perspectives for Decentralized Energy Supply: http://bit.ly/1vw0dKu">Micro Perspectives for Decentralized Energy Supply: http://bit.ly/1vw0dKu</ref><br/>
 *On the other hand Practical action cites from their experience, that the cost varies from approximately £1,200 to £4,000 (USD 1831.32 - USD 6104.40<ref name="Figures from 17 April 2013: http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/">Figures from 17 April 2013: http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/</ref>) per installed kW, when using appropriate technologies, which are much cheaper than using conventional approaches and technologies.<ref name="Practical Action: http://practicalaction.org/micro-hydro-power">Practical Action: http://practicalaction.org/micro-hydro-power</ref><br/>
@@ Line 193: / Line 193: @@
 |-
 | <br/>
-| style="text-align: center;  background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" colspan="2" | Generation based (kWh)<br/>
+| style="text-align: center; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" colspan="2" | Generation based (kWh)<br/>
 | <br/>
 |-
@@ Line 223: / Line 223: @@
 |-
 | <br/>
-| style="text-align: center;  background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" colspan="2" | Capacity based (kW)<br/>
+| style="text-align: center; background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" colspan="2" | Capacity based (kW)<br/>
 | <br/>
 |}

@@ Line 10: / Line 10: @@
 |-
 | style="width: 121px;  text-align: right;  background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Large Hydro<br/>
-| style="width: 619px" | All installations with an installed capacity of more than 1000 kW (according to some definitions '''more than 10,000 kW''')
+| style="width: 619px" | All installations with an installed capacity of '''more than 1000 kW''' (according to some definitions more than 10,000 kW)
 |-
 | style="width: 121px;  text-align: right;  background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Medium Hydro<br/>
-| style="width: 619px" | '''15 - 100 MW '''- usually feeding a grid
+| style="width: 619px" | Installations of '''15 - 100 MW '''(usually feeding the grid)
 |-
 | style="width: 121px;  text-align: right;  background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Small Hydro<br/>
-| style="width: 619px" | Installations of '''1-15 MW''' usually feeding into the grid
+| style="width: 619px" | Installations of '''1-15 MW''' (usually feeding into the grid)
 |-
 | style="width: 121px;  text-align: right;  background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Mini Hydro<br/>
-| style="width: 619px" | Capacity '''between 100 - 500 kW''', either as stand-alone schemes or more often feeding into the grid
+| style="width: 619px" | Capacity '''between 100 - 500 kW''' (either as stand-alone schemes or more often feeding into the grid)
 |-
 | style="width: 121px;  text-align: right;  background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Micro Hydro<br/>
-| style="width: 619px;  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 204)" | Installations with power output of '''5 - 100 kW''', usually provided power for small community or rural industry in remote areas away from the grid
+| style="width: 619px;  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 204)" | Installations with power output of '''5 - 100 kW '''(usually provided power for small community or rural industry in remote areas away from the grid)
 |-
 | style="width: 121px;  text-align: right;  background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Pico Hydro<br/>
@@ Line 28: / Line 28: @@
 |}
-A '''micro hydro power (MHP)''' plant is a type of hydro electric power scheme that produces up to 100 KW of electricity using a flowing steam or a water flow. The electricity from such systems is used to power up isolated homes or communities and is sometimes connected to the main [[Portal:Grid|grid]].<ref name="Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micro_hydro">Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micro_hydro</ref>
+Micro hydro systems are generally used in developing countries to provide electricity to isolated communities or rural villages where electricity grid is not available. Feeding back into the national grid when electricity production is in surplus is also evident in some cases. The micro hydro scheme design can be approached as per household basis or at the village level often involving local materials and labor.<ref name="European small hydropower association: http://www.esha.be/fileadmin/esha_files/documents/publications/publications/Brochure_SHP_for_Developing_Countries.pdf">European small hydropower association: http://www.esha.be/fileadmin/esha_files/documents/publications/publications/Brochure_SHP_for_Developing_Countries.pdf</ref>
-Micro hydro systems are generally used in developing countries to provide electricity to isolated communities or rural villages where electricity grid is not available. Feeding back into the national grid when electricity production is in surplus is also evident in some cases. The micro hydro scheme design can be approached as per household basis or at the village level often involving local materials and labor.<ref name="European small hydropower association: http://www.esha.be/fileadmin/esha_files/documents/publications/publications/Brochure_SHP_for_Developing_Countries.pdf">European small hydropower association: http://www.esha.be/fileadmin/esha_files/documents/publications/publications/Brochure_SHP_for_Developing_Countries.pdf</ref>
+In 1995, the micro-hydro capacity in the world was estimated at 28 GW, supplying about 115 TWh of electricity. About 60% of this capacity was in the developed world, with 40% in developing areas.<ref name="Ashden: http://www.ashden.org/micro-hydro">Ashden: http://www.ashden.org/micro-hydro</ref>
-<br/>Micro hydro plants that are found in the developing world are mostly in mountainous regions for instance in the some places in the Himalayas as well as in [[Nepal Energy Situation|Nepal]] where there are around 2000 schemes, including both mechanical and electrical power generation. In South America, there are micro-hydro programs in the countries along the Andes, such as [[Peru Energy Situation|Peru]] and [[Bolivia Energy Situation|Bolivia]]. Smaller programs have also been set up in the hilly areas of Sri Lanka, Philippines and some parts of China.<ref name="Poor peoples energy outlook 2013: http://practicalaction.org/ppeo2013">Poor peoples energy outlook 2013: http://practicalaction.org/ppeo2013</ref>
+<br/>Micro hydro plants that are found in the developing world are mostly in mountainous regions for instance in the some places in the Himalayas as well as in [[Nepal Energy Situation|Nepal]] where there are around 2,000 schemes, including both mechanical and electrical power generation. In South America, there are micro-hydro programs in the countries along the Andes, such as [[Peru Energy Situation|Peru]] and [[Bolivia Energy Situation|Bolivia]]. Smaller programs have also been set up in the hilly areas of Sri Lanka, Philippines and some parts of China.<ref name="Poor peoples energy outlook 2013: http://practicalaction.org/ppeo2013">Poor peoples energy outlook 2013: http://practicalaction.org/ppeo2013</ref>
 <br/>
@@ Line 40: / Line 42: @@
 = Benefits and Shortcomings of Micro Hydro Power Plants =
-Small scale hydropower stations like micro hydro schemes combine the advantages of hydropower with those of decentralized power generation, without the disadvantages of large scale installations.
+Small scale hydro power stations like micro hydro schemes combine the advantages of hydropower with those of decentralized power generation, without the disadvantages of large scale installations.
 <br/>
 <u>Some of the advantages can be identified as:<ref name="Alternative Energy: http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/micro-hydro-power-pros-and-cons/">Alternative Energy: http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/micro-hydro-power-pros-and-cons/</ref></u>
-*'''Efficient Energy Source''': It takes a small amount of flow to make it work, as small as two gallons of water or a drop of as low as two feet to generate electricity with the micro hydro, the produced electricity can be used as far as a mile away from the production site.
+*'''Efficient energy source''': It takes only a small amount of flow to make it work (as small as two gallons of water or a drop of as low as two feet) to generate electricity with the micro hydro, the produced electricity can be used as far as a mile away from the production site.
-*'''Reliable Electricity Source: ''' There is a constant and continuous electrical energy supply from a hydro compared to other small scale renewable energy technologies. There are however peak energy seasons for instance during Winter where large quantities of electricity is required.
+*'''Reliable electricity source: ''' There is a constant and continuous electrical energy supply from a hydro power plant compared to other small scale renewable energy technologies. There are however peak energy seasons (mainly during winter) when large quantities of electricity is required.
-*'''No reservoir required: '''Cost effective energy solution: A small hydro- power system can cost in the range of $1000-$20000 depending on the site electricity requirements and location. The operation and maintenance costs are relatively low as well compared to other technologies.
+*'''No reservoir required: '''Micro hydro are considered to run as a 'run-of-river' system , this means that when the water passes through the turbines it is diverted back to the river/ stream with relatively low impact on the surrounding ecology.
 *'''Power for developing countries: '''Having low-cost versatility and long life span, micro hydro can be used by developing countries in supplying electricity to small villages and communities.
 *'''Integrate with the local power grid:''' If there is a surplus production of electricity, some companies can buy the electricity from you and integrate it to the grid. There could also be a possibility of supplementing your level of micro power with intake from the grid.
-*'''Environmental Impact: '''The impact on the environment is minimized as compared to the traditional power stations that use fossil fuels.
+*'''Environmental impact: '''The impact on the environment is minimized as compared to the traditional power stations that use fossil fuels.
 <br/>
@@ Line 190: / Line 193: @@
 |-
 | <br/>
-| colspan="2" style="text-align: center;  background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Generation based (kWh)<br/>
+| style="text-align: center;  background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" colspan="2" | Generation based (kWh)<br/>
 | <br/>
 |-
-| rowspan="2" style="background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | <p style="text-align: center"></p><p style="text-align: center"></p><p style="text-align: center">Supply</p><p style="text-align: center">Side<br/></p>
+| style="background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" rowspan="2" | <p style="text-align: center"></p><p style="text-align: center"></p><p style="text-align: center">Supply</p><p style="text-align: center">Side<br/></p>
 | style="background-color: rgb(153, 204, 255)" |
 Feed-in tarrifs<br/>
@@ Line 208: / Line 211: @@
 Fiscal measures
-| rowspan="2" style="background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | <p style="text-align: center"></p><p style="text-align: center"></p><p style="text-align: center">Demand</p><p style="text-align: center">Side</p>
+| style="background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" rowspan="2" | <p style="text-align: center"></p><p style="text-align: center"></p><p style="text-align: center">Demand</p><p style="text-align: center">Side</p>
 |-
 | style="background-color: rgb(153, 204, 255)" |
@@ Line 220: / Line 223: @@
 |-
 | <br/>
-| colspan="2" style="text-align: center;  background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Capacity based (kW)<br/>
+| style="text-align: center;  background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" colspan="2" | Capacity based (kW)<br/>
 | <br/>
 |}
@@ Line 244: / Line 247: @@
 <references /><br/>
 [[Category:Hydro]]

@@ Line 58: / Line 58: @@
 <u>Disadvantages / Shortcomings:<ref name="Alternative Energy: http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/micro-hydro-power-pros-and-cons/">Alternative Energy: http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/micro-hydro-power-pros-and-cons/</ref></u><br/>
 *'''Suitable site characteristics required: '''The system is very site selective and especially when you need to take full advantage of the electrical potential of small streams. Some factors that should be considered in such a case include, distance from the power source to the location where energy is required, stream size (including flow rate, output and drop), and a balance of system components — inverter, batteries, controller, transmission line and pipelines.
-*'''Energy expansion not possible:'''<br/>
-*'''Low-power in the summer months:'''<br/>
+'''Energy expansion not possible:'''The size and flow of small streams limits the possibility of future expansion as the power demand increases.
 *'''Environmental impact:''' There is a low ecological impact from small-scale hydro systems, however the low-level environmental effects must be taken into consideration before construction begins. Stream water will be diverted away from a portion of the stream, and proper caution must be exercised to ensure there will be no damaging impact on the local ecology or civil infrastructure.<br/>
-== Use of Micro Hydro Power Plants<br/> ==
+= Application: Use of Micro Hydro Power Plants<br/> =
 <u>Power produced from a small hydro station can be used for various purposes, some of the uses have been classified as follows:</u><br/>
@@ Line 113: / Line 113: @@
 <br/>
-== Technology ==
+= Technology =
 === Scheme Components ===
@@ Line 136: / Line 136: @@
 <br/>
-► find more information here: [[Hydro_Power_Basics#Micro_Hydro_Power_Shemes|Hydro Power Basics - Micro Hydro Power Schemes]]<br/>
+► find more information here: [[Hydro Power Basics#Micro Hydro Power Shemes|Hydro Power Basics - Micro Hydro Power Schemes]]<br/>
 <div><br/></div>
 === Turbine Types ===
@@ Line 173: / Line 173: @@
 <br/>
-= Micro Hydro Power Plant Development<br/> =
+= Micro Hydro Power Plant Development - Barriers<br/> =
 <u>There are various barriers that hinder the dissemination of MHP, some of them have been identified as<ref name="Policy and regulatory framework conditions for small hydro power in Sub-Saharan Africa: http://kerea.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Policy-and-regulatory-framework-conditions-for-small-hydro-power-in-Sub-Saharan-Africa.pdf">Policy and regulatory framework conditions for small hydro power in Sub-Saharan Africa: http://kerea.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Policy-and-regulatory-framework-conditions-for-small-hydro-power-in-Sub-Saharan-Africa.pdf</ref>:</u><br/>
@@ Line 192: / Line 190: @@
 |-
 | <br/>
-| colspan="2" style="text-align: center;  background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Generation based (kWh)<br/>
+| style="text-align: center;  background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" colspan="2" | Generation based (kWh)<br/>
 | <br/>
 |-
-| rowspan="2" style="background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | <p style="text-align: center"></p><p style="text-align: center"></p><p style="text-align: center">Supply </p><p style="text-align: center">Side<br/></p>
+| style="background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" rowspan="2" | <p style="text-align: center"></p><p style="text-align: center"></p><p style="text-align: center">Supply</p><p style="text-align: center">Side<br/></p>
 | style="background-color: rgb(153, 204, 255)" |
 Feed-in tarrifs<br/>
@@ Line 210: / Line 208: @@
 Fiscal measures
-| rowspan="2" style="background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | <p style="text-align: center"></p><p style="text-align: center"></p><p style="text-align: center">Demand </p><p style="text-align: center">Side</p>
+| style="background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" rowspan="2" | <p style="text-align: center"></p><p style="text-align: center"></p><p style="text-align: center">Demand</p><p style="text-align: center">Side</p>
 |-
 | style="background-color: rgb(153, 204, 255)" |
@@ Line 222: / Line 220: @@
 |-
 | <br/>
-| colspan="2" style="text-align: center;  background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | Capacity based (kW)<br/>
+| style="text-align: center;  background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" colspan="2" | Capacity based (kW)<br/>
 | <br/>
 |}
+<br/>
 Most incentives are given on the supply side, based on the installed capacity of the scheme. On the other side, beside direct subsidies for the installation on the plant, some countries have fiscal measures that can facilitate for the purchase and import of certain equipment. Guarantees are however applied where a donor funded project promotes the financing of MHP through local banks. With this the most prominent generation based instrument to promote the use of renewable energies are feed-in tariffs.
@@ Line 246: / Line 244: @@
 <references /><br/>
 [[Category:Hydro]]

@@ Line 125: / Line 125: @@
 |-
-| ► More information and picture in the [[:File:Hydro_scout_guide_ET_may10.pdf|Micro hydro power scout guide]].
+| ► More information and picture in the [[:File:Hydro scout guide ET may10.pdf|Micro hydro power scout guide]].
 |}
 The illustration above shows just how a micro-hydro system can be setup. For water diversion the river water level has to be raised by a barrier, the weir [1]. The water is diverted at the intake [2] and conveyed by the channel [3] along the landscape´s contour lines. The spillways [4] protect against damage from excessive water flow. Water is slowed down and collected in the fore bay [5], from where it enters into the penstock [7]; the pressure pipe conveys the water to the power house [6] where the power conversion turbine, mill or generating equipment is installed. The turbine is the core of a MHP, which is rotated by the moving water. Different types of turbines are used depending on the head and the flow of the site, the turbines are used to rotate a shaft which is then used to drive the generator.<ref name="Ashden: http://www.ashden.org/micro-hydro">Ashden: http://www.ashden.org/micro-hydro</ref> The water is then discharged via the draft tube [8] or a tail race channel in case of cross flow or Pelton turbines.<ref name="Micro hydro power scout guide: https://energypedia.info/images/3/3b/Hydro_scout_guide_ET_may10.pdf">Micro hydro power scout guide: https://energypedia.info/images/3/3b/Hydro_scout_guide_ET_may10.pdf</ref>
 Due to the nature of the micro-hydro schemed to be remote; a local grid is constructed to distribute the electricity to the different users. The demand output must match the capacity of the generator otherwise the voltage and frequency can vary suddenly, which can result in the damage of certain electrical equipment. The power demand in an off-grid is often variable since people switch lights and machines on and off, so the supply from the micro-hydro system must be varied to keep close control. This can be done by varying the water flow, or by using an electronic load controller.<ref name="Ashden: http://www.ashden.org/micro-hydro">Ashden: http://www.ashden.org/micro-hydro</ref>
@@ Line 136: / Line 136: @@
 === Turbine Types ===
-The type of turbine that can be used in a micro hydro installation depends on different factors such as, head of water, the volume of flow, and such factors as availability of local maintenance and transport of equipment to the site.
+► find more information here: [[Micro Hydro Power (MHP) Plant - Turbine Types|Micro Hydro Power (MHP) Plant - Turbine Types]]
 <br/>
-{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="1" style="width: 100%"
+=== Suitable Conditions for Micro Hydro Power Plants ===
+The ideal geographical areas for exploiting small scale hydro schemes is where there are steep rivers flowing all year round. Islands with moist marine climates are also suitable. Low-head turbines have been developed for small-scale exploitation of rivers or irrigation canals where there is a small head but sufficient flow to provide adequate power.
+To understand more about a suitable potential site, the hydrology of the site needs to be known and a site survey carried out so as to determine the actual flow and head data. Hydrological information is easily accessible from the metrological or irrigation department of the particular national government. Site surveys usually give a more detailed information of the site conditions to allow power calculation to be done and design work to begin. Flow data should however be collected over a period of one year where possible, this is to ascertain on the fluctuation in the river flow over the various seasons.<ref name="Practical Action: https://practicalaction.org/docs/technical_information_service/micro_hydro_power.pdf">Practical Action: https://practicalaction.org/docs/technical_information_service/micro_hydro_power.pdf</ref>
-|}
+= Costs =
 <br/>
 = Further Information<br/> =
@@ Line 190: / Line 162: @@
 <references />

@@ Line 119: / Line 119: @@
 Most micro-hydro systems are ‘run-of-river’ which means that they don’t need large dams to store water. However, they do need some water-management systems.<ref name="Ashden: http://www.ashden.org/micro-hydro">Ashden: http://www.ashden.org/micro-hydro</ref>
 === Turbine Types ===
@@ Line 127: / Line 142: @@
 A turbines design speed is largely determined by the head with which it operates. Turbines can either be classified as '''impulse turbines''' or '''reaction turbines'''.<ref name="Water Energy: http://www.energybible.com/water_energy/water_turbines.html">Water Energy: http://www.energybible.com/water_energy/water_turbines.html</ref> In the impulse turbine, the turbine runner operates in air and is turned by one or multiple jets of water which make contact with the runner blades. On the other side in a reaction turbine, the turbine runner is fully immersed in water and is enclosed in a pressure casing, the runner blades are angled so that pressure differences across them create lift forces, like those on aircraft wings, which cause the runner to rotate.<ref name="Transfer renewable energy and efficiency: http://www.renac.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Download/Press/Technical_articles/TREE__Energy_Economics_Intro.pdf">Transfer renewable energy and efficiency: http://www.renac.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Download/Press/Technical_articles/TREE__Energy_Economics_Intro.pdf</ref>
+<br/>
 {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="1" style="width: 100%"
 |-
-| <br/>
+| style="background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | <br/>
-| high head<br/>
+| style="background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | high head<br/>
-| medium head<br/>
+| style="background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | medium head<br/>
-| low head<br/>
+| style="background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | low head<br/>
 |-
-| impulsive turbines<br/>
+| style="background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | impulsive turbines<br/>
+|
 *Pelton<br/>
@@ Line 150: / Line 165: @@
 |-
-| reaction turbines<br/>
+| style="background-color: rgb(204, 204, 204)" | reaction turbines<br/>
 | <br/>
+|
@@ Line 156: / Line 171: @@
+|
-*propeller <br/>
+*propeller<br/>
 *Kaplan
 |}
@@ Line 166: / Line 183: @@
 *[[Portal:Hydro|Hydro Portal on energypedia]]
-*[[Hydro_Power_Basics|Hydro Power Basics]]<br/>
+*[[Hydro Power Basics|Hydro Power Basics]]<br/>
 = References<br/> =
 <references />