Voltage–Frequency Stability of a 300 W Portable Cross-Flow Pico-Hydropower System under Low-Flow Conditions

Zulka Hendri; Akbar Abadi; Wiwik Wiharti; Yudia Seftiani

doi:10.33019/

Authors

Zulka Hendri Department of Electrical Engineering, Politeknik Negeri Padang
Akbar Abadi Department of Electrical Engineering, Politeknik Negeri Padang
Wiwik Wiharti Department of Electrical Engineering, Politeknik Negeri Padang
Yudia Meka Seftiani Department of Electrical Engineering, Politeknik Negeri Padang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33019/

Keywords:

ELC, Cross-Flow Turbine, Low-Flow Conditions, Pico-Hydropower, Voltage–Frequency Stability

Abstract

Pico-hydropower systems are widely recognized as a reliable solution for rural electrification; however, their performance is highly sensitive to hydraulic and load variations, particularly under low-flow conditions. This study presents an experimental investigation of voltage–frequency stability in a 300 W portable cross-flow pico-hydropower system. The system consists of a simple weir intake, a variable-diameter PVC penstock, a cross-flow turbine, and a directly coupled single-phase AC generator without a governing mechanism. Experimental tests were conducted by applying six resistive load levels ranging from 0 to 100 W to evaluate the output voltage, frequency, generator rotational speed, overall system efficiency, and voltage regulation. The results show a significant frequency drop from 77 Hz at no-load to 57 Hz at full-load, corresponding to a deviation of approximately 35%. The system also exhibits a low overall efficiency of 15.21% and a voltage regulation of 36.6%, indicating poor energy conversion and unstable voltage performance. These findings reveal that the absence of a speed control mechanism and turbine–generator mismatch significantly affect system stability. The study concludes that load variation alone is insufficient to maintain stable operation, highlighting the need for advanced control strategies such as ELC to improve the voltage and frequency stability.

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