Application of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for the optimization of energy generation from Jebba hydro-power plant, Nigeria
Anthony O. Onokwai, H. I. Owamah, M. O. Ibiwoye, G. C. Ayuba, Olalekan Adebayo Olayemi
Abstract
This research was performed to optimize the performance characteristics of the Nigerian Jebba Hydropower Plant in order to enhance its generation of electricity. Pertinent hydropower data were hourly collected from the plant from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm between 2016 and 2018. The coefficient of determination obtained from the response surface methodology (RSM) showed that discharge, pressure drop, stator temperature and water pressure strongly influenced the generation of estimated power. Also, the contour and surface plots suggested that the discharge (D) 8200.00–8600.00 m3/s and pressure drop (Pd) ranging from 27.50–28.50 m gave the optimal power generation indicating that both factors must be kept high when the hydropower plant is in operation. The instability of power generation was attributed to the reduction in the net available head as turbine inlet decreased. The study, therefore, showed that net power output, speed of the turbine, and efficiency of the hydropower plant could be optimized with increase discharge and gross head. Predicted optimal values for discharge, pressure drop, stator temperature, and water pressure were 8783.3667 m3, 28.59 m, 58.00°C, and 31.00 N/m2 respectively.