Hydro power potential of low head irrigation reservoirs: A case study of Rajasthan

In the present study, hydro power potential of irrigation reservoirs located in Rajasthan (India) is assessed. Low head (range from 4 -10 m) and very low head (range from 2 to 4 m) turbines, both are used to harness-the hydro power from canal head regulators (CHR) of large reservoirs and flowing rivers. They are either impulse (Cross flow turbine, CFT) or reaction turbine (bulb turbines or axial flow turbines). 25 reservoirs are selected on the basis of their volume, head and probability of getting inflow for assessing the hydro power potential by using such type of turbines. Total storage capacity of these reservoirs is 1629 MCM. The hydro power potential is 21.26 and 21.37 million kWh for top 75 and 50% of the total volume and water level corresponding to the 25 and 50% of the volume. It increases up to 31.33 and 25.03 million kWh, when average water level is used for top 75 and 50% of the total volume. Varying head, inter annual-variability in available water, short duration of operation and need for civil works at head regulators are the major challenges in installing turbines at these reservoirs. However, the design of portable turbine that can be used both on check dams of small rivers during monsoon and at canal heads of the reservoirs during winter, will make this option feasible and economical.