Hydroelectric power is a renewable source of energy. By principle, hydroelectric power generation relies on the law of conservation of energy where kinetic energy that resulted from the movement of the mass of water from the river is translated into electr icity, the quantum of which depends on systemic variables viz: plant efficiency, volumetric water flow through the turbine and the head of the water from the water surface to the turbine. Understanding the dynamics of these variables, and the correlation b etween them are core to proper planning and management of a hydroelectric power station. In this Study, simple mathematical methods that include linear programming and statistical analysis based on simulation techniques were used to evaluate vital parameters based on the data obtained from the Hydrologic units of the Shiroro Power Stations in Nigeria. The overall aim of the study is to idealize power generation at Shiroro dam in and out of raining season so as to ensure optimum generation of electricity all year round in order to achieve energy sufficiency in Nigeria. The result of the study is encouraging as it supports the viability of the pumped storage system for generating hydroelectric power all year round. The coupling of the hydroelectric power with pumped storage system if properly harnessed could be the needed panacea for the erratic power supply in Nigeria. Keywords: hydroelectric power, pumped storage, reservoir inflows, turbine, hydrological variables, simulation techniques
Abstract—Hydroelectric power, one of the most important
sources of mass generation of electric power, is a renewable
source of energy. The amount of electricity that can be
produced by a hydro-electricity generating system depends on
systemic variables viz; plant efficiency, volumetric water flow
through the turbine and the head of the water from the water
surface to the turbine. The availability of the Water in the
reservoir is a function of some hydrological variables principal
among which are rainfall, reservoir inflows and evaporation.
Understanding the dynamics of these variables, and the
correlation between them are core to proper planning and
management of a hydroelectric power station. In this Study,
simple mathematical methods that include linear programming
and statistical analysis based on simulation techniques were
used to evaluate vital parameters based on the hydrologic data
obtained from the Hydrologic Units of the Shiroro Power
Stations in Nigeria. The overall aim of the study is to idealize
power generation at Shiroro dam in and out of rain season so
as to ensure optimum generation of electricity all year round in order
to achieve energy sufficiency in Nigeria.
