An investigation of small hydropower potential from multipurpose dams in the Porsuk River Basin

Abstract

In this paper, the small hydropower potentials of the existing multipurpose dams in the Porsuk River Basin were investigated. For this purpose, the Porsuk River Basin was selected as the research area. The objective of the study is to contribute to the country's economy by utilizing the small hydropower potential of the Porsuk River Basin. Mainly, the potential of the electricity generation by using the water released from the bottom outlet of the existing dams was investigated. These dams were not constructed for the purpose of electricity generation, but stored water for supplying domestic, industrial and irrigation water. Hence, the total electricity generation potential was investigated using the historical data of the water discharged from the existing dams. The historical data were analyzed on a monthly basis for more than 20 years. It was determined that the electricity generation using this potential is 31.945 GWh/yr with 5.20 MW installed capacity. This potential can add an important monetary value to the country's economy.