Small-scale hydropower from irrigation canals near Albuquerque, NM. Final report, 1 January 1981-31 December 1981
Although intermittent stream flows restrict hydroelectric potential throughout New Mexico, there exists a possibility for small-scale hydroelectric (SSH) development. One area of current interest involves irrigation canals. Generally the flows in such canals are seasonal with low volume and low power potential. The environmentally sound nature SSH and the proximity of canal sites to irrigation pumping stations make canal SSH a possible source of hydropower for pumps or other remote, small, seasonal electric demands. The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District system consists of irrigation canals paralleling the Rio Grande from Cochiti Dam to Bosque del Apache, New Mexico. Assessments of engineering and economic feasibility for two demonstration sites meeting institutional, regulatory, environmental, and legal restrictions were carried out. Design parameters, required equipment and its sizing, power plant layout, power production and the plant operating criteria were evaluated. The canal sites were selected on the basis of available flow and head values to demonstrate the different types of SSH layouts and uses of generated power. One of the sites would require the retrofit of the SSH power plant into the existing concrete canal structure and could use the generated power to operate a nearby irrigation pump. At the second site, the unit would be placed on new site construction.
- Research Organization:
- New Mexico Univ., Albuquerque (USA). Bureau of Engineering Research
- OSTI ID:
- 5566159
- Report Number(s):
- NP-2903509; EMD-2-69-1104; ON: DE82903509
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of document are illegible
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
INLAND WATERWAYS
POWER POTENTIAL
NEW MEXICO
SMALL-SCALE HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
REGULATIONS
DESIGN
IRRIGATION
LEGAL ASPECTS
ECONOMICS
FEDERAL REGION VI
HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
NORTH AMERICA
POWER PLANTS
USA
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