Feasibility of Large-Scale Combined-Cycle Hydroelectric Power Generation at Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Station, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper focuses on a model for increasing the power generation of a hydroelectric power station using the combined application of hydrokinetic turbines installed at the tailrace of the existing dam. Hydrokinetic turbines will capture additional power from the energy remaining in water currents exiting draft-tube outlets and tailrace of the dam. Two commercially available hydrokinetic turbines of different orientation were used for the analysis to theoretically estimate the increased power generation capability of Shiroro hydropower station using an array of 75, 150, 225 and 300 units. Preliminary results showed that at 50% reliability, combined-cycle hydropower can increase the generation capacity of Shiroro hydropower station by 2.5% and that there is a considerable power generation potentials that can be harnessed to augment existing output from the power station and alleviate the existing power problems in the country.

Keywords

• power generation;
• hydrokinetic turbines;
• tailrace;
• draft-tube;
• array;
• power station