Model-based Design of a Conduit Pico Hydropower System

This paper presents three models that form part of the Conduit Hydropower Generation System. The models comprised of energy recovery turbine, Drive Train and Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG). MATLAB/Simulink software was used to model each component and simulate the final system. The simulation results demonstrate that excess pressure is recoverable and it can be utilized to generate electricity. The model can be very useful to conduit hydropower developers during the planning stage. The amount of excess pressure available can be quantified and the generated outputs can form bases towards the decision of implementing the technology on any given site.