Intelligent low-cost micro-hydro power emulator for domestic applications

Microgeneration of hydropower for domestic applications is emerging as a promising technology. However, the amount of energy that can be harvested is still modest. The lack of experimental evaluation systems which emulate the power characteristics of such generators for professional development and research has challenged the growth of micro-hydropower generation. This paper describes a laboratory micro-hydropower emulator for research purposes. The core novelty of the system lies in the use of a 2×2 serial/parallel combination of micro-hydro generators. The system features hydro generation with electronically-controllable water flow rates and allows emulation of different household usages

Renewable power and microgeneration in Libya: Photovoltaic system sizing, wind, rainfall potentials and public response

Renewable generation of electricity within the home has not, thus far, been a notable technology in Libya. To facilitate better take-up, the studies presented here estimate the photovoltaic system sizing; wind and rainfall potentials based on Libyan household energy consumption. Libyan public awareness of such technologies is also investigated. From a Libyan electricity consumer's perspective, the vital benefits of deploying microgeneration within a house are to reduce power shortage problems rather than electricity bills. The paper therefore concludes that the public has a positive attitude towards the new technology despite the current lack of provision