Evaluation of the Hydropower Potential of Otamiri River for Electric Power Generation

Abstract

This research presents the estimation of the hydropower potential of River Otamiri through the hydrological analysis of the elements of climate as it affects its catchment area (section passing through the Federal University of Technology Owerri). The study involves the estimation of maximum design floods for the watershed using the Gumbels Probability Distribution Method for various return periods (T r ) with the development of unit hydrograph, storm hydrograph, runoff hydrograph and flood duration curve for the catchment area of the river. In addition watershed parameters like peak flow (Q p ), lag time (T l ), time of concentration (T c ) and rainfall intensity (I c ) were determined using the soil conservation service method and other empirical formulas. In order to determine the available flow for power generation, the stage/head of the river was estimated from records provided by the River Basin Development Authority (R.B.D.A) and flow duration analyses were carried out. The analysis revealed that for time flows of 50, 75 and 100% the following energy values were obtained 34.5 MW, 11.3 MW and 1.5 MW, respectively.