African Journal of Physics Vol. 3 (4), pp. 087-089, April, 2016. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Evaluation of the energy recovery potential at City of Masvingo waterworks using micro-hydro-electric generator
Rachid D. K. Bouteflika
Department of Physics, Geography and Environmental Science, Great Zimbabwe University.
E-mail: [email protected]
Accepted 15 September, 2015
Abstract
The potential of implementing energy recovery in the water supply network of the city of Masvingo is investigated. Data from the city’s department of engineering was analysed to determine the critical parameters for a hydro-generator. Determinations of the head, maximal discharge and penstock diameter were made. With a maximal discharge of 289 l/s and a gross head of 66 m, an estimated energy recovery potential of 168 kW was possible. This is an amount of power sufficient to power all the operations at town house where a 75 kW diesel generator serves as a standby power source. The annual energy recoverable is estimated to exceed 700 000 kWh which is equivalent to more than US$70 000 at the prevailing electricity tariffs in the country. It was noted that the water delivery was limited to only 12 h a day, hence a standalone generator may not be suitable but implementing a peaking generator integrated into the mains is recommended.
Key words: Energy recovery; micro-hydro generator; City of Masvingo water works.