River topography – how fast does the river flow?

[Aaron DaviesParticipant]

Hi Jean,

My team is considering using a siphon system for water supply, but for this to work some information is needed about the steepness/grade of the river. For instance, the top of the siphon must be higher than the bottom for water to flow through. Is there any information or assumptions we can make about the steepness of the river as it flows through the village?

Thanks,
Aaron

[Sai Rupa DevKeymaster]

Hi Aaron,

Ah, considering the implementation of a siphon system for water supply is a commendable initiative.

Although precise data on the steepness of the river may not be readily available, we can make some informed assumptions based on general characteristics of rivers and the terrain in the region. Mondulkiri, being a province in Cambodia, generally features varied topography, including both flatlands and hilly regions.

Given this, we can infer that the Mekong River passing through Mondulkiri might have sections with varying degrees of steepness. This resource “rom Chiang Saen to Kratie, the river has a moderately steep slope of about 0.25 m/km, on average. Downstream from Kratie, the riverbed is relatively flat on the Mekong floodplain and Delta, with an average slope of 0.03 m/km” Kratie is a close by province, and you can make assumptions for Kratie instead.

Hope that helps,let us know if you have further questions

[Lachlan LauParticipant]

In the river near Pu Ngaol is there enough “head” for a pico-hydro system to be feasible?

[Jean AquindeKeymaster]

Hi Lachlan,

I can tell you’ve already started evaluating the feasibility of a pico-hydro system in Pu Ngaol village. Why do you think this design might be a good one? Have you estimated the minimum head you can work on? Many variables can dictate the feasibility of your proposed design. Please check our list of design considerations to get more ideas on choosing a particular design.

I hope this helps.

Regards,
Jean

[Lachlan LauParticipant]

In the Pre-Design stage our team found some data which suggested that the village received very high rainfall, around 1900mm per year. We thought we could take advantage of this rain in the form of hydro-power.

[Jean AquindeKeymaster]

Hi Lachlan,

Thanks for that insight! There might be other student teams who’s also thinking of installing a hydro-power system for the village.

Regards,
Jean

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