Introductory Design Studio: Barcelona 0 Emissions
Neighborhood: 16. Putxet i Farro, Vila de Gracia, El Camp d’en grassot y Gracia Nova.
Group: Daniela Quesada, Luz Michelle Lavayen, Yashaswini Apte.
There has been an important growth in Hydroelectric production in Spain due to the high rainfall and a considerable increase in self-generators. The total installed power as of December 31st 1996 was 48,736 MW (36.3% hydroelectric, 48.4% thermal and 15.3% nuclear). There are more than 900 hydropower plants of < 5 MW with an installed power of 1031 MW. Putxet is a small mountain located between Vallarca and Sant Gervasi in Barcelona, 181metres high which has a potential for generating hydroelectricity from rain water. Taking advantage of the mountainous area and amount of rainfall received here, we have undertaken a study of the rain water flow pattern, rain water collection, areas of water flooding to conclude with a zero-emission proposal for powering the area of Putxet.
To arrive at our conclusion we have undertaken the following studies:
1) Mapping of the street rain water collection network in the area, this includes mapping the location of rain water collection chambers along the road and sewers, highlighting the rain water flow and areas of flooding.
2) Identifying building with terraces for rain water collection and calculation of the quantity of water collected. Mapping of the buildings differentiated accordingly to their heights to assess the velocity of the water flow from the terraces to the rain water collection chambers.
3) Study of the above two maps in conjunction to comprehend the rain water collection pattern and flooding zones to enable us to provide a proposal for generating electricity for the neighborhood of Putxet.
Conclusion
Hydroelectric power (hydropower) is a largely untapped source of energy which can be harnessed without producing harmful emissions. The mountainous area of Putxet is well suited for hydro-electric power production.
The rain water flows down at high velocities through the slopes, and down the building and drains. This rain water _flowing down the streets and that is collected on the terraces of the buildings shall be used to power the neighborhood using the ‘Micro-hydroelectric system’. We propose to locate turbines and generator houses at infrastructure of the existing sewer systems located at the flooding areas and at the highest pressure head locations. In order to tackle the irregularity in the precipitation, reservoirs to store water can be located strategically, so that this water can be used to generate electricity during periods of low or no rainfall.