IoT, machine learning and photogrammetry in small hydropower towards energy and digital transition: potential energy and viability analyses

Abstract

This research aims to evaluate and put into practise the design of a small hydropower plant on a stream at São Vicente, in Madeira Island, supported by internet of things (IoT). The photogrammetry technique is also used with a comprehensive digital transformation, in which new concepts, methods and models, such as machine learning (ML), and big data analytics play an important role due to the huge availability time series that have to be exploited in hydropower design studies. Nowadays, digitalization and massive data availability are imposing new ways to address many of the current challenges associated with the energy and digital transition. This research is based on a simple small hydropower design, to present an integrated methodology using new methods assigned by an internet protocol system, which includes the development of different steps and components supported by GIS, photogrammetry and the use of advanced tools, with the support of a drone survey with internet communication (IoT) that allow the generation of experimentally-based estimates in situ characterization, the volumetric flow, the hydrological data treatment, the hydraulic calculations and economic estimations for a real hydro project. Therefore, hydrological variables, hydraulic analysis and topographical survey are carried out in the IoT application platform supported by new tools and methods to optimise the size of hydraulic structures, estimate the performance and potential of the hydropower plant towards the best solution for energy and digital transition. Firstly, the data-base for the all study and posterior sizing of the case study of hydropower plant are defined and then the corresponding analyses and results are presented. Then, the cost estimation for the construction, maintenance and operation of the selected elements that compose the hydropower topology are determined, as well as the respective economic balance, considering the annual energy production. In addition, both economic and environmental return on investment is discussed. Finally, an analysis to equate the cost estimates and the respective benefits of hydropower generation using this new approach applicability is stablished, taking into account some economic indicators to determine the profitability of the project.