Feasibility assessment of low-head hydroelectric development at the Peninsular Paper Company dam in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Final report

Technical Report · Thu Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1979

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5901726· OSTI ID:5901726

The results of a study into the feasibility of developing a small, low-head dam site for hydroelectric generation in southeastern Michigan are presented. Average hydraulic head at the site is 13.0 ft, mean stream flow is 498 cfs. Economic, environmental and institutional factors were considered. Seven specific hypothetical designs were examined in detail, including vertical, bulb, cross-flow and tubular turbine designs. It was determined that the production capacity of the facility had an important influence on the cost-effectiveness of the project. A detailed benefit/cost analysis was conducted to identify the optimum facility size in terms of incremental costs and benefits. From an economic standpoint, it was found that the most cost-effective design for developing the site, although profitable, would not be financially attractive to the owner compared to other investment opportunities with which the company is faced. The projected after-tax return on investment for the project, based on current costs, was projected to be from 2 to 6%, depending upon the depreciation basis used. The project would, however, have a favorable effect on the corporation's working capital. The environmental issues associated with the development of the site would be relatively minor. The most important consequence would be enhanced public safety due to structural repairs to the dam and the availability of a small, independent source of electric generation that could be called on in times of power outages or natural disaster.

• Research Organization: Ayres, Lewis, Norris and May, Inc., Ann Arbor, MI (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5901726
• Report Number(s): DOE/ID/01766-1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

13 HYDRO ENERGY
130100* -- Hydro Energy-- Resources & Availability
DAMS
ECONOMICS
ELECTRIC POWER
ENERGY SOURCES
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
GREAT LAKES REGION
HYDROELECTRIC POWER
HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
LEGAL ASPECTS
LOW-HEAD HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
MICHIGAN
NORTH AMERICA
POWER
POWER GENERATION
POWER PLANTS
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
RETROFITTING
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
USA