A conceptual framework for real time estimation of WFP for small hydroelectric power plant C. Sivapragasam a, *, M. Pallikonda Rajasekaran b and M. Vinotha a a Center for Water Technology, Department of Civil Engineering, Kalasalingam University, Krishnankoil, Virudhunagar (Dist), Tamilnadu, India 626 126 *Corresponding author. E-mail: sivapragasam25@gmail.com b Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Kalasalingam University, Krishnankoil, Virudhunagar (Dist), Tamilnadu, India 626 126 Abstract It is believed that the power sector, particularly hydroelectric power, contributes to a very high consumption of fresh water in terms of evaporation from storage reservoirs. Robust methods of water footprint (WFP) assessment will even- tually help in the pricing of water and energy. Conventionally, WFP for hydropower plants is estimated by dividing the gross/net evaporation losses by power generation. This approach is highly biased when it comes to a small hydropower plant connected to a large reservoir. In this study, a two-pronged subjective–objective method is suggested for a reser- voir with primary functions of power generation and downstream water release. The objective part is concerned with giving weight to the evaporation loss proportional to the water use while the subjective part is concerned with refining this by considering the real time reservoir operation conditions and taking into account the recommendations of the decision making authorities. The effect of timescale in WFP analysis is also studied and conclusions are drawn. Thumb rules for WFP estimation are evolved which will aid in such analysis. The implementation of the proposed meth- odology for any reservoir system is recommended using LabVIEW platform. Keywords: Evaporation; Hydropower plant; LabVIEW; Timescale effect; WFP Introduction Water is a finite natural resource. Rapid development and population growth have increased the demand for fresh water but its availability is limited, while in some regions the water consumption rates have crossed the sustainable limit creating unequal access to water. Non-availability of fresh water resulting from deterioration of water quality, lowering of ground water table and water depletion is the major issue of concern throughout the world. Moreover, the global climate change may be inten- sifying the problem because of changes in rainfall patterns and prolonged drought periods. Water Policy 19 (2017) 1049–1062 doi: 10.2166/wp.2017.289 © IWA Publishing 2017 Downloaded from https://iwaponline.com/wp/article-pdf/19/6/1049/203910/019061049.pdf by guest on 31 May 2020