Pico-Hydro Turbine and Pump for Small Scale Agricultural Electrification and Irrigation: A Review of Similar Ventures

Electrical power and water are two of the many necessities of modern society. Lack of power in communities severely limits the economic activities of its residents, hindering community development. Renewable energy which includes hydropower is considered an option for electrification. Various studies explored a variant of hydropower technology called pico-hydropower (PHP). This variant of hydropower is relatively advantageous in economic, social, and environmental aspects. This review article will focus on the potential on small form operations of PHP systems to augment the lack of grid access of remote communities in developing countries. Most of the designs employ reaction turbines, and the emerging PHP technology that is mainly being explored are designs that are applicable for low-head applications. Other designs that utilize equipment that is easier to source and maintain such as pump as turbine were also deemed feasible. Multiple designs from the various studies have been produced which is mainly attributed to the unique local parameters of PHP. The uniqueness of pico-hydro systems thus needs more technical and organizational expertise to sustain its development.