The implantation of micro hydroelectric power stations is one of the alternatives to supply energy to small and isolated communities, normally located in rural areas. The use of small load hydraulic potential is an alternative more feasible nowadays, not only because it lacks financial resources for big undertakings, but also, due to the small hydro power station hydraulic generation potential, which just a very small part has been taken advantage of. The objective of this study was to show a simple engineering methodology in order to estimate the electro-mechanic (generating set) equipment costs used in micro hydroelectric power plants, which can be applied on preliminary studies about new hydroelectric power stations to be built, without detailed investigation about the places where they should be implanted. Pumps As Turbines (PAT) have been studied. These equipment costs were obtained by consulting directly the manufacturers, and also the Ponta Grossa - PR city, Brazil, market. The results have shown that, concerning the micro hydroelectric power plants, whenever the costs constitute the major aspect and always considering units until 50 kW power, the option to PAT must be considered instead of hydraulic turbines.
micro hydroelectric power; electrical energy; hydraulic pumps
