Análise de viabilidade de implantação de pequena central hidrelétrica na barragem Rodolfo da Costa e Silva

Abstract

This paper the assessment of the hydroenergetic potential at Rodolfo da Costa e Silva Barrage, which is the most important water resources reservoir that supplies the city of Santa Maria RS, considering the great dissipated energy and not utilized in its bottom discharge. The Rodolfo da Costa e Silva Barrage is located between the limits of Itaara and São Martinho City with the barrage of the river Ibicuí- Mirim. The area of the hydrographic basin is of approximately 49,4 Km2 and the area of the hydraulic basin 275 ha. The useful volume of accumulation is of 24.900.000 m3, with a regularized medium flow of 1,23 m3/s. Its structure is constituted by gravity concrete, tends maximum height of 36,5 meters, maximum hight in relation to the river-bed is of 34,0 meters, extension in the crest of 684 meters. Electronic spreadsheets and graphs were elaborated, so it was possible to evaluate from the economical-energetic point of view, the point where the operation of a small hydroelectric use was viable, and the increase of the energy benefits, converted in economical values overcame the costs generated for implantation of the enterprise. Studies have shown that you can get a generation of 140 kWh the 390 kWh with a financial return of R$ 1600 the R$ 7900.