Date of Publication

4-23-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering

Subject Categories

Engineering | Mechanical Engineering

College

Gokongwei College of Engineering

Department/Unit

Mechanical Engineering

Thesis Advisor

Alvin B. Culaba

Defense Panel Chair

Aristotle T. Ubando

Defense Panel Member

Archie B. Maglaya
Laurence A. Gan Lim
Michael Angelo B. Promentilla
Alma Bella P. Madrazo

Abstract/Summary

Microhydro power is a renewable energy source often used in remote communities for electricity generation, either as a grid-tied system or a standalone off-grid system. Sustainability is assessed based on initial capital costs, power output, impact on the environment, and community. The ratio of capital cost to power output, known as unit cost, is a key performance indicator for power plants. Existing literature typically calculates unit cost using empirical data on flow rate and head, but often overlooks site-specific characteristics. This study analyzes site-specific factors such as intake width, canal length, and penstock slope to assess their impact on the unit cost for micro hydro plants with different flow rates and heads. Furthermore, the study also includes an assessment of the environmental and social impact of the MHP on the community in relation to site-specific parameters. The study incorporates all the major design methodologies for a micro-hydro system into a mathematical model that was then used to generate results given several input and design parameters. Engineering theories and standards applicable to micro hydro are used for the technical factors, while the financial indicators relate to the total cost and net present value. Carbon emission associated with the microhydro structures accounts for the environmental impact, while monetary savings due to the benefits of microhydro account for the social impact. A novel concept called the social dimension index, developed in the study, was used to quantify and connect the technical, financial, environmental, and social factors with the community dynamics. The results were validated with existing micro hydro sites in the Philippines and were deemed acceptable. An evolutionary optimization method was also implemented to achieve a lower cost given the same input parameters, but with optimized design parameters. A cost saving of more than 20% could be realized for an optimum micro hydro design under a specific condition.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Hydroelectric power plants—Philippines

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Embargo Period

4-23-2026

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Available for download on Thursday, April 23, 2026

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