Development of in-situ pico hydropower from treated drain wastewater

Hydropower contributes around 13% of the total renewable power generation in India. Hydraulic power plants are dependent on diversion structures, elevation (head), constant water flow, penstock arrangement, and heavy structures which are generally obtained in hilly areas, small river and canals. Currently, there are no researches and technologies that can harness the flowing wastewater in the drain and generate electricity. The majority of the untreated wastewater is discharged into the drains, where it eventually meets the river, affecting the quality and decreasing its aesthetical appeal. To utilize the energy of flowing wastewater in the drain, a pico hydropower system with unique design of blade has been developed and demonstrated in the drain after in-situ treatment of wastewater. This innovative development is able to produce electricity at low head and minimum flow in the drain. Pico hydropower is a sustainable way to generate renewable energy to electrifying small communities and various applications along the drain.