Modeling and Parametric Analysis of an Autonomous Micro-Hydropower Plant: Effect of Penstock Diameter and Tailrace Elevation on Generated Power

Haidara Savadogo; Eric Korsaga; Sidpendyaolba Sosthene Ldg Tassembedo; Toussaint Tilado Guingane; Boinzemwende Dieudonne Simpore; Zacharie Koalaga

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ajpa.20251305.13

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Modeling and Parametric Analysis of an Autonomous Micro-Hydropower Plant: Effect of Penstock Diameter and Tailrace Elevation on Generated Power

Haidara Savadogo^*

, Eric Korsaga

, Sidpendyaolba Sosthene Ldg Tassembedo

, Toussaint Tilado Guingane

, Boinzemwende Dieudonne Simpore

, Zacharie Koalaga

Published in American Journal of Physics and Applications (Volume 13, Issue 5)

Received: 2 October 2025 Accepted: 14 October 2025 Published: 31 October 2025

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Abstract

Autonomous micro-hydro power plants are emerging as a sustainable and appropriate solution to supply electricity, particularly in areas without access to the electricity grid. So, number of research projects have focused on modeling these systems, studying various technical aspects and developing simulation tools with the aim of improving their performance. However, most of these studies are based on the presence of natural basins or rivers. In the present study, we explore the modeling and simulation of an autonomous micro-hydropower plant, based on the use of artificial reservoirs fed by solar-powered motor pumps. To achieve our objective, we adopted a modeling approach under the MATLAB/SIMULINK environment, allowing us to simulate the system's behavior as a function of two key parameters, namely the penstock diameter and the reservoir altitude. The results showed that increasing the diameter of the penstock and the altitude of the reservoir significantly improved the electrical power generated, suggesting a direct influence of these factors on the overall energy performance of the system. These results are of major interest for the deployment of microhydropower plants in areas without rivers, particularly as part of decentralized electrification strategies. This study proposes an innovative approach to the design of hybrid water-solar systems suitable for isolated areas, highlighting the importance of an optimized technical configuration to maximize energy production.

Published in	American Journal of Physics and Applications (Volume 13, Issue 5)
DOI	10.11648/j.ajpa.20251305.13
Page(s)	134-147
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Hydroelectricity, Micro-Hydropower, Parametric Analysis, Penstock Diameter, Modeling

References

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APA Style

Savadogo, H., Korsaga, E., Tassembedo, S. S. L., Guingane, T. T., Simpore, B. D., et al. (2025). Modeling and Parametric Analysis of an Autonomous Micro-Hydropower Plant: Effect of Penstock Diameter and Tailrace Elevation on Generated Power. American Journal of Physics and Applications, 13(5), 134-147. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajpa.20251305.13

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ACS Style

Savadogo, H.; Korsaga, E.; Tassembedo, S. S. L.; Guingane, T. T.; Simpore, B. D., et al. Modeling and Parametric Analysis of an Autonomous Micro-Hydropower Plant: Effect of Penstock Diameter and Tailrace Elevation on Generated Power. Am. J. Phys. Appl. 2025, 13(5), 134-147. doi: 10.11648/j.ajpa.20251305.13

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AMA Style

Savadogo H, Korsaga E, Tassembedo SSL, Guingane TT, Simpore BD, et al. Modeling and Parametric Analysis of an Autonomous Micro-Hydropower Plant: Effect of Penstock Diameter and Tailrace Elevation on Generated Power. Am J Phys Appl. 2025;13(5):134-147. doi: 10.11648/j.ajpa.20251305.13

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@article{10.11648/j.ajpa.20251305.13,
  author = {Haidara Savadogo and Eric Korsaga and Sidpendyaolba Sosthene Ldg Tassembedo and Toussaint Tilado Guingane and Boinzemwende Dieudonne Simpore and Zacharie Koalaga},
  title = {Modeling and Parametric Analysis of an Autonomous Micro-Hydropower Plant: Effect of Penstock Diameter and Tailrace Elevation on Generated Power},
  journal = {American Journal of Physics and Applications},
  volume = {13},
  number = {5},
  pages = {134-147},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajpa.20251305.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajpa.20251305.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajpa.20251305.13},
  abstract = {Autonomous micro-hydro power plants are emerging as a sustainable and appropriate solution to supply electricity, particularly in areas without access to the electricity grid. So, number of research projects have focused on modeling these systems, studying various technical aspects and developing simulation tools with the aim of improving their performance. However, most of these studies are based on the presence of natural basins or rivers. In the present study, we explore the modeling and simulation of an autonomous micro-hydropower plant, based on the use of artificial reservoirs fed by solar-powered motor pumps. To achieve our objective, we adopted a modeling approach under the MATLAB/SIMULINK environment, allowing us to simulate the system's behavior as a function of two key parameters, namely the penstock diameter and the reservoir altitude. The results showed that increasing the diameter of the penstock and the altitude of the reservoir significantly improved the electrical power generated, suggesting a direct influence of these factors on the overall energy performance of the system. These results are of major interest for the deployment of microhydropower plants in areas without rivers, particularly as part of decentralized electrification strategies. This study proposes an innovative approach to the design of hybrid water-solar systems suitable for isolated areas, highlighting the importance of an optimized technical configuration to maximize energy production.},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Modeling and Parametric Analysis of an Autonomous Micro-Hydropower Plant: Effect of Penstock Diameter and Tailrace Elevation on Generated Power
AU  - Haidara Savadogo
AU  - Eric Korsaga
AU  - Sidpendyaolba Sosthene Ldg Tassembedo
AU  - Toussaint Tilado Guingane
AU  - Boinzemwende Dieudonne Simpore
AU  - Zacharie Koalaga
Y1  - 2025/10/31
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajpa.20251305.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajpa.20251305.13
T2  - American Journal of Physics and Applications
JF  - American Journal of Physics and Applications
JO  - American Journal of Physics and Applications
SP  - 134
EP  - 147
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-4308
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajpa.20251305.13
AB  - Autonomous micro-hydro power plants are emerging as a sustainable and appropriate solution to supply electricity, particularly in areas without access to the electricity grid. So, number of research projects have focused on modeling these systems, studying various technical aspects and developing simulation tools with the aim of improving their performance. However, most of these studies are based on the presence of natural basins or rivers. In the present study, we explore the modeling and simulation of an autonomous micro-hydropower plant, based on the use of artificial reservoirs fed by solar-powered motor pumps. To achieve our objective, we adopted a modeling approach under the MATLAB/SIMULINK environment, allowing us to simulate the system's behavior as a function of two key parameters, namely the penstock diameter and the reservoir altitude. The results showed that increasing the diameter of the penstock and the altitude of the reservoir significantly improved the electrical power generated, suggesting a direct influence of these factors on the overall energy performance of the system. These results are of major interest for the deployment of microhydropower plants in areas without rivers, particularly as part of decentralized electrification strategies. This study proposes an innovative approach to the design of hybrid water-solar systems suitable for isolated areas, highlighting the importance of an optimized technical configuration to maximize energy production.
VL  - 13
IS  - 5
ER  -

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Author Information

Haidara Savadogo

Materials and Environment Laboratory, Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0007-8350-0068
Eric Korsaga

Materials and Environment Laboratory, Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1829-0849
Sidpendyaolba Sosthene Ldg Tassembedo

Materials and Environment Laboratory, Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9697-6566
Toussaint Tilado Guingane

Materials and Environment Laboratory, Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Science and Technology, Thomas Sankara University, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0172-3270
Boinzemwende Dieudonne Simpore

Materials and Environment Laboratory, Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0001-0929-774X
Zacharie Koalaga

Materials and Environment Laboratory, Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7819-9705

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APA Style

Savadogo, H., Korsaga, E., Tassembedo, S. S. L., Guingane, T. T., Simpore, B. D., et al. (2025). Modeling and Parametric Analysis of an Autonomous Micro-Hydropower Plant: Effect of Penstock Diameter and Tailrace Elevation on Generated Power. American Journal of Physics and Applications, 13(5), 134-147. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajpa.20251305.13

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ACS Style

Savadogo, H.; Korsaga, E.; Tassembedo, S. S. L.; Guingane, T. T.; Simpore, B. D., et al. Modeling and Parametric Analysis of an Autonomous Micro-Hydropower Plant: Effect of Penstock Diameter and Tailrace Elevation on Generated Power. Am. J. Phys. Appl. 2025, 13(5), 134-147. doi: 10.11648/j.ajpa.20251305.13

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AMA Style

Savadogo H, Korsaga E, Tassembedo SSL, Guingane TT, Simpore BD, et al. Modeling and Parametric Analysis of an Autonomous Micro-Hydropower Plant: Effect of Penstock Diameter and Tailrace Elevation on Generated Power. Am J Phys Appl. 2025;13(5):134-147. doi: 10.11648/j.ajpa.20251305.13

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@article{10.11648/j.ajpa.20251305.13,
  author = {Haidara Savadogo and Eric Korsaga and Sidpendyaolba Sosthene Ldg Tassembedo and Toussaint Tilado Guingane and Boinzemwende Dieudonne Simpore and Zacharie Koalaga},
  title = {Modeling and Parametric Analysis of an Autonomous Micro-Hydropower Plant: Effect of Penstock Diameter and Tailrace Elevation on Generated Power},
  journal = {American Journal of Physics and Applications},
  volume = {13},
  number = {5},
  pages = {134-147},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajpa.20251305.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajpa.20251305.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajpa.20251305.13},
  abstract = {Autonomous micro-hydro power plants are emerging as a sustainable and appropriate solution to supply electricity, particularly in areas without access to the electricity grid. So, number of research projects have focused on modeling these systems, studying various technical aspects and developing simulation tools with the aim of improving their performance. However, most of these studies are based on the presence of natural basins or rivers. In the present study, we explore the modeling and simulation of an autonomous micro-hydropower plant, based on the use of artificial reservoirs fed by solar-powered motor pumps. To achieve our objective, we adopted a modeling approach under the MATLAB/SIMULINK environment, allowing us to simulate the system's behavior as a function of two key parameters, namely the penstock diameter and the reservoir altitude. The results showed that increasing the diameter of the penstock and the altitude of the reservoir significantly improved the electrical power generated, suggesting a direct influence of these factors on the overall energy performance of the system. These results are of major interest for the deployment of microhydropower plants in areas without rivers, particularly as part of decentralized electrification strategies. This study proposes an innovative approach to the design of hybrid water-solar systems suitable for isolated areas, highlighting the importance of an optimized technical configuration to maximize energy production.},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Modeling and Parametric Analysis of an Autonomous Micro-Hydropower Plant: Effect of Penstock Diameter and Tailrace Elevation on Generated Power
AU  - Haidara Savadogo
AU  - Eric Korsaga
AU  - Sidpendyaolba Sosthene Ldg Tassembedo
AU  - Toussaint Tilado Guingane
AU  - Boinzemwende Dieudonne Simpore
AU  - Zacharie Koalaga
Y1  - 2025/10/31
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajpa.20251305.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajpa.20251305.13
T2  - American Journal of Physics and Applications
JF  - American Journal of Physics and Applications
JO  - American Journal of Physics and Applications
SP  - 134
EP  - 147
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-4308
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajpa.20251305.13
AB  - Autonomous micro-hydro power plants are emerging as a sustainable and appropriate solution to supply electricity, particularly in areas without access to the electricity grid. So, number of research projects have focused on modeling these systems, studying various technical aspects and developing simulation tools with the aim of improving their performance. However, most of these studies are based on the presence of natural basins or rivers. In the present study, we explore the modeling and simulation of an autonomous micro-hydropower plant, based on the use of artificial reservoirs fed by solar-powered motor pumps. To achieve our objective, we adopted a modeling approach under the MATLAB/SIMULINK environment, allowing us to simulate the system's behavior as a function of two key parameters, namely the penstock diameter and the reservoir altitude. The results showed that increasing the diameter of the penstock and the altitude of the reservoir significantly improved the electrical power generated, suggesting a direct influence of these factors on the overall energy performance of the system. These results are of major interest for the deployment of microhydropower plants in areas without rivers, particularly as part of decentralized electrification strategies. This study proposes an innovative approach to the design of hybrid water-solar systems suitable for isolated areas, highlighting the importance of an optimized technical configuration to maximize energy production.
VL  - 13
IS  - 5
ER  -

Copy | Download