Parameters affecting energy production in hydroelectric power plants: A case study in Şırnak

Abstract

Energy demand is increasing due to population growth and industrial development. As fossil resources become insufficient to meet energy demand, the focus is shifting to renewable energy. Hydroelectric power plants using renewable hydraulic energy are preferred to help close this energy gap. In this study, data were collected from turbines, energy production, pressure, water used in energy production, generator voltage, grid voltage, frequency and head measurements at Zagros Energy Production Inc. located in Silopi district of Şırnak province and Elbi Electric Production Manufacturing Construction Industry and Trade Inc. located in Uludere district, and various parameters affecting electricity production in hydroelectric power plants were analyzed. In addition, average monthly atmospheric pressure (hPa), average temperature (°C), average relative humidity (%) and average precipitation (kg/m²) data for the years 2020-2023 from the Automatic Meteorological Observation Stations closest to the hydroelectric power plants were obtained from the Şırnak Governorship Meteorology Directorate. The study also calculated the capacity factors, efficiencies and the effect of various parameters on energy production, including the actual energy produced in Zagros and Elbi HEPPs in 2022, monthly average temperature, actual pressure, precipitation levels, relative humidity and flow rates through the turbines. When the energy production and efficiency were examined as a result of the research at Zagros Hydroelectric Power Plant (HEPP) and Elbi HEPP, the findings obtained show that higher energy production in a hydroelectric power plant does not necessarily mean higher efficiency. In terms of capacity factor, the highest value was recorded in December at Zagros HEPP with 89.38%, while the lowest value was recorded in April with 68.61%. The highest capacity factor was recorded in May at Elbi HEPP with 67.76%, while the lowest value was recorded in August with 0.2%. The analysis shows that there is a direct correlation between capacity factor and energy production.