Feasibility and Design Analysis for Installation of Micro Hydro Power Turbines in Pakistan

Abstract

Pakistan, as a developing state, has been suffering through a severe energy crisis ever since its inception. This issue has exacerbated in the face of an ever-growing demand coupled by a lack of financial resource availability to work on an alternative energy stream. This study expounds upon the assessment of Micro Hydro Power Turbine as a cost effective, durable and reliable solution to the aforementioned problem. The study aims at estimating the design cost for a Micro Hydro Power project in selected areas of Pakistan, whilst setting an appropriate methodological approach for concept generation and planning via the use of a detailed Mechanical Engineering Design process. The paper sets the major design specifications on the basis of focused surveying and a quality function deployment analysis. The set specifications have been used as assessing criterions, applied over three alternative concepts. These concepts have been screened using Stuart Pugh's method, in accordance with a weighted decision matrix criteria, to outline an optimal concept. In the end, a basic design layout has been provided along with a Design for Manufacturing and Assembly Analysis to fixate the project considering the limited finances being available for the said solution.