The evaluation of small hydroelectric generation unit price in a mountain stream through the use of runoff analysis

Abstract

 While a small hydroelectric generation is one of the natural power generation without greenhouse gas emission, there are a lot of optimum sites for it in Japan. The reasons may be explained by the inadequate observation flow data and the difficulty of evaluation of the economic viability. We simulated stream regime through the use of runoff analysis model (HYDREEMS), which had high accuracy in case-study stream regime. Finally, through the use of HYDREEMS and electric generation unit price evaluation system, we conducted following electric generation unit price evaluations in two cases; 1) detection for optimal sites relationship between flow intake and electric generation plant, 2) comparison with two cases which were calculated by the use of sand-trap dam or not as an intake dam respectively.