Application of Geographic Information System to Select Dam Location for Hydropower

Abstract

In recent years, it is known that Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide fast and practical solutions in large research areas in the selection of dam locations. In the study, the dam points to be selected for the determination of the hydroelectric energy potential were determined by two different methods. In the first method, the head, precipitation, evaporation and flow characteristics of the basin were modeled by using Geographic Information System (GIS). This method, which provides a simple and fast solution, is based on the potential energy of water. The amount of potential energy to be produced in this method (100-200 kW; 200-400 kW, up to 0.5 MW) and its location, on main stream and on side stream in the basin is shown on the map. In the second method, the authors decided on the most suitable dam location from the points in the first method. While doing this, a model was used by considering factors such as flow potential, topography, valley status and geology, which are important in the choice of dam location. Then, the amount of annual energy to be produced from this dam, the cost of the dam and the self-amortization of the dam were calculated. As a result of the study, the cost of the dam is $ 2.39 million; annual energy production 2.17 GWH/year; the self-amortization time was calculated as 9.3 years.