Modeling and Parametric Analysis of an Autonomous Micro-Hydropower Plant: Effect of Penstock Diameter and Tailrace Elevation on Generated Power

Autonomous micro-hydro power plants are emerging as a sustainable and appropriate solution to supply electricity, particularly in areas without access to the electricity grid. So, number of research projects have focused on modeling these systems, studying various technical aspects and developing simulation tools with the aim of improving their performance. However, most of these studies are based on the presence of natural basins or rivers. In the present study, we explore the modeling and simulation of an autonomous micro-hydropower plant, based on the use of artificial reservoirs fed by solar-powered motor pumps. To achieve our objective, we adopted a modeling approach under the MATLAB/SIMULINK environment, allowing us to simulate the system's behavior as a function of two key parameters, namely the penstock diameter and the reservoir altitude. The results showed that increasing the diameter of the penstock and the altitude of the reservoir significantly improved the electrical power generated, suggesting a direct influence of these factors on the overall energy performance of the system. These results are of major interest for the deployment of microhydropower plants in areas without rivers, particularly as part of decentralized electrification strategies. This study proposes an innovative approach to the design of hybrid water-solar systems suitable for isolated areas, highlighting the importance of an optimized technical configuration to maximize energy production.