DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF AN ECO-FRIENDLY HYDROELECTRIC POWER GENERATION AND STORAGE SYSTEM FOR ENERGY CONSERVATION IN SUSTAINABLE SOCIETIES

This project addresses the critical challenges of energy generation in Nigeria, a country with a significant yet underutilised potential for renewable energy, particularly in the context of mini hydroelectric power generation. The project is described as an innovative approach to energy generation, aiming to design and fabricate a mini hydroelectric power generator capable of producing and storing electricity efficiently. This generator is designed to operate as a power generation and storage system, as it utilises a self-adjusting system that redirects water used to turn the turbine to a storage tank, enabling energy conservation during periods of low consumption. This study investigates the potential of a small-scale hydroelectric power generation and storage system in sustainable urban environments. The system's performance was evaluated by varying the opening angles of the outlet valves in two water reservoirs. The overhead reservoir generated a maximum of 10.36 watts at a fully opened valve (90° angle), while the storage reservoir produced up to 5.73 watts under the same conditions. After accounting for the energy expended in pumping water back to the storage reservoir, the system achieved a net power savings of approximately 9.09 watts. This surplus energy can be utilised during peak demand periods, such as winter or low wind conditions. The findings indicate that small-scale hydroelectric systems can significantly enhance urban energy efficiency by storing excess energy generated during low-demand periods and providing a reliable power supply during high-demand times. This approach not only improves energy management but also contributes to the overall sustainability of cities by reducing dependency on non-renewable energy sources. However, the study's limitations, including its controlled experimental conditions and the need for integration with other renewable energy sources, suggest areas for further research to optimise the system's performance in real-world applications.