Potential for and feasibility of small hydropower generation at headworks in Japan

Abstract

: In this research, power generation potential is estimated using overflow discharge for eight headworks (Inuyama, Meiji-yousui, Muromatsubara, Kansakawa, Furikusa, Onyu, Hosokawa and Okajima) located in Aichi and Gifu Prefectures, and the characteristics of their power genera‐ tion are clarified in order to evaluate the feasibility of small hydropower plants. The results are as follows. Firstly, over‐ flow discharge is more stable than the discharge of intake water at the headworks, which suggests that power genera‐ tion using overflow discharge is more suitable for actual power generation. Secondly, maximum power outputs of 43 kW to 2,002 kW, under a discharge utilization factor of 60%, show great potential for power generation at these eight headworks. Finally, fluctuations in monthly power generation are higher than that of annual power generation due to the influences of irrigation and seasonal changes in precipitation on water intake.