Cost Analysis of Implementing In-Pipe Hydro Turbine in the United Arab Emirates Water Network

Ghaya Alawadhi, Meera Almehiri, Ahmad Sakhrieh, Ahmad Alshwawra () and Jamil Al Asfar
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Ghaya Alawadhi: Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, School of Engineering, American University of Ras Al Khaimah, Ras Al Khaimah 10021, United Arab Emirates
Meera Almehiri: Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, School of Engineering, American University of Ras Al Khaimah, Ras Al Khaimah 10021, United Arab Emirates
Ahmad Sakhrieh: Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, School of Engineering, American University of Ras Al Khaimah, Ras Al Khaimah 10021, United Arab Emirates
Ahmad Alshwawra: Institute for Technical Combustion, Leibniz Universität Hannover, 30823 Garbsen, Germany
Jamil Al Asfar: Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Water transmission lines have potential reserved energy, which is usually lost. Therefore, targeting this clean energy to produce electricity to power up the auxiliaries and utilities of water plants or consumers is financially and environmentally beneficial. This paper aims to investigate the feasibility of installing an inline hydropower system in an existing transmission water pipe. It analyzes the feasibility of implementing a mini-hydropower plant in the transmission line of Liwa’s reservoir in the UAE. The maximum possible power harvested is 218.175 kW at the given water flow rate and net head. The payback period and the return on investment are analyzed based on different scenarios related to capital investment, operation, maintenance cost, and plant capacity factor. It is found that the payback period ranges between one to six years, where the return on investment can be as high as 85%. Furthermore, the expected CO 2 emissions saving for this project is calculated to be between 395 and 1939 tons per year.

Keywords: energy harvesting; hydro-power; in-pipe turbine; renewable energy; Liwa’s reservoir (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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