Project Proposal: 30KW Microdam Electromechanical Works for Rural

Ethiopia

1. Project Overview

The purpose of this project is to design, install, and operate a 30KW microdam for rural
electrification in Ethiopia. This project will address the power needs of a remote rural area,
providing sustainable energy for community services, households, and small industries.

2. Technical Parameters

2.1 Microdam Power Output

 Power Output: 30 KW (Kilowatts)

 Energy Production: Capable of generating up to 260,000 kWh annually depending on
water availability.
 Operating Head: 10-20 meters (adjustable based on site conditions)
 Flow Rate: 0.4 – 0.6 cubic meters per second
 Water Turbine Efficiency: 85% – 90%
 Transmission Voltage: 380V – 400V (3-phase)
 Frequency: 50 Hz
 Reservoir Capacity: 150,000 – 200,000 cubic meters

2.2 Site Conditions

 Location: Rural Ethiopia (site-specific analysis required)

 Climate Conditions: Seasonal rain and availability of consistent water flow will be
assessed to ensure year-round operation.
 Water Source: River or stream with consistent flow
 Topography: Suitable for dam construction with moderate slope for water accumulation.

3. Equipment Specifications

3.1 Turbine

 Type: Francis or Pelton turbine (depending on flow rate and head)

 Power Rating: 30 KW
 Flow Rate: 0.4 – 0.6 cubic meters per second
 Efficiency: 85% or higher
 Material: Stainless steel (corrosion resistant for longevity)

3.2 Generator
  Type: Synchronous generator
 Capacity: 30 KW
 Voltage: 380V – 400V, 50 Hz
 Phase: 3-phase AC
 Speed: 1500 rpm
 Efficiency: 90% or higher

3.3 Control System

 Type: Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) and Governor control for load regulation
 PLC (Programmable Logic Controller): For automation and system monitoring
 Protection System: Overvoltage, overload, and short circuit protection

3.4 Transformer

 Type: Step-up transformer (if long-distance transmission is required)

 Capacity: 50 KVA
 Voltage Input: 400V, Output: 11kV (depending on distribution network)

3.5 Transmission Lines

 Type: Overhead aluminum conductors or underground cables (site-dependent)

 Voltage Rating: 11 kV for transmission and 400V for distribution

3.6 Powerhouse Equipment

 Turbine Governor: Electronic/hydraulic control for regulating turbine speed

 Switchgear: For isolation and protection
 Distribution Panel: For local power management

3.7 Additional Infrastructure

 Penstock: Steel or HDPE pipe, 200mm diameter, 100-200 meters length depending on
head.
 Intake Structure: With trash rack to filter debris
 Powerhouse: Small building with sound insulation and ventilation.

4. Manpower Requirement

4.1 Construction Phase

 Project Manager: 1 (oversee project implementation)

 Civil Engineers: 2 (design and supervise dam construction)
 Mechanical Engineers: 1 (oversee turbine installation)
  Electrical Engineers: 2 (install and test generator, transmission, and distribution
systems)
 Technicians: 4 (support engineers, install control systems, and transformers)
 Laborers: 15-20 (dam construction, powerhouse building, transmission line erection)
 Safety Officer: 1 (ensure compliance with safety regulations)

4.2 Operation and Maintenance

 Plant Manager: 1 (oversee daily operations)

 Electrical Technician: 2 (regular maintenance and repairs of electrical systems)
 Mechanical Technician: 1 (turbine and generator maintenance)
 Operators: 3 (operate and monitor plant performance)
 Security Personnel: 2 (site security)

5. Financial and Economic Analysis

5.1 Cost Breakdown

1. Civil Works: $150,000

o Dam construction, penstock installation, and powerhouse building
2. Turbine and Generator: $80,000
o Procurement and installation
3. Control Systems & Electrical Equipment: $40,000
o Transformers, switchgear, distribution panels, and automation system
4. Transmission and Distribution: $30,000
o Transmission lines, poles, and transformers
5. Manpower and Labor Costs: $50,000
o Engineers, technicians, and laborers
6. Contingency: $20,000

Total Project Cost: $370,000

5.2 Return on Investment (ROI)

 Annual Energy Savings: Approx. 260,000 kWh/year at $0.1/kWh = $26,000/year in

savings for the community.
 Payback Period: ~14 years (based on direct energy savings and economic impact)

5.3 Benefits

 Energy Access: Sustainable power supply for 100-200 households, local schools, health
centers, and small industries.
 Economic Growth: Jobs creation, improved education, and business opportunities in the
region.
  Environmental Impact: Reduced dependency on diesel generators, lowering carbon
emissions.

6. Environmental and Social Impact

 Environmental Impact: Low environmental footprint due to the small size of the dam
and sustainable energy source. A detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will
be conducted.
 Community Benefits: The project will directly benefit local communities by providing
reliable power, improving livelihoods, and enabling the development of small businesses.

7. Conclusion and Recommendations

This 30KW microdam project will provide an essential source of power for rural communities in
Ethiopia, fostering development and improving quality of life. The proposed design and
technology ensure efficiency and sustainability while taking into account the region’s specific
needs and resources.

We recommend proceeding with a detailed site survey and feasibility study to finalize the
technical parameters, after which the procurement and installation phase can begin. The
partnership with local stakeholders and community involvement will be crucial for the success
and longevity of the project.
30KW Microdam Electromechanical Works Project Proposal for Rural Ethiopia

1. Project Overview

The 30KW microdam project aims to provide sustainable and reliable electricity to rural
Ethiopian communities by harnessing local water resources through micro-hydropower. This
project includes the design, installation, and commissioning of electromechanical systems,
ensuring efficient power generation, transmission, and distribution for rural electrification.

2. Technical Parameters

 Installed Capacity: 30KW

 Head: 10-20 meters (depending on site conditions)
 Flow Rate: 0.25-0.45 cubic meters per second
 Power Output: 30KW (continuous power supply)
 Voltage: 400V AC (three-phase)

3. Equipment Specifications

Turbine

 Type: Crossflow or Pelton (depending on the head and flow rate)

 Power Output: 30KW
 Efficiency: 85-90%
 Material: Stainless steel

Generator

 Type: Synchronous AC Generator

 Power Rating: 30KW
 Frequency: 50Hz
 Voltage: 400V
 Cooling: Air-cooled

Governor

 Type: Electronic Speed Governor

 Function: To maintain constant turbine speed and regulate power output
Control Panel

 Inclusions:
o Load controllers
o Circuit breakers
o Protective relays
o Monitoring devices (for voltage, current, frequency)

Transformer

 Rating: 30KVA (if needed for grid connectivity)

 Voltage Transformation: 400V/11KV (as per transmission network requirements)

Transmission

 Cables: Low-voltage three-phase cables for short distances, medium-voltage for long
transmission lines
 Poles: Treated wooden poles (10-12 meters tall)

4. Manpower Requirement

Design & Planning Phase

 Civil Engineer: 1 (Design dam structure)

 Electrical Engineer: 1 (Electrical system design)
 Hydrologist: 1 (Water flow and head calculations)
 Project Manager: 1 (Overall project coordination)

Construction Phase

 Construction Laborers: 8-10 (Dam construction, site preparation)

 Mechanical Technicians: 2-3 (Installation of turbine and generator)
 Electrical Technicians: 2 (Wiring, control panel setup)
 Supervisors: 1 (Oversee day-to-day operations)

Operations and Maintenance

 Operators: 2 (Daily operation and monitoring of the system)

 Maintenance Technicians: 2 (Regular inspection and maintenance of turbines,
generators, and transmission lines)

5. Detailed Analysis
Economic Feasibility

The 30KW microdam is economically viable for rural electrification in Ethiopia due to:

 Low Operating Costs: Hydropower requires minimal fuel input and labor post-
installation.
 Extended Lifespan: Micro-hydro systems have an operational life of 20-30 years with
proper maintenance.
 Job Creation: Provides local employment for both the construction phase and long-term
operation.

Environmental Impact

 Minimal Displacement: The small scale of the dam causes minimal disruption to local
communities and wildlife.
 Sustainable Energy: Hydropower is renewable, reducing reliance on diesel generators
and cutting carbon emissions.

Social Impact

 Improved Quality of Life: Electricity will facilitate better health care, education, and
economic activities in rural areas.
 Scalable: Once the basic infrastructure is in place, the system can be expanded or
replicated in neighboring regions.

6. Budget Estimate

Item Cost (USD)

Turbine and Generator $15,000
Electrical Components $7,000
Civil Works (Dam, Channel) $8,000
Transmission Infrastructure $5,000
Labor $5,000
Total Estimated Cost $40,000

7. Conclusion

The 30KW microdam project is a sustainable and cost-effective solution for rural electrification
in Ethiopia. By leveraging local hydropower resources, it can significantly improve the standard
of living while fostering environmental sustainability and economic growth.