MODELING OF AN ARCHIMEDES SCREW HYDROELECTRIC MICRO-POWER PLANT TO SUPPLY A ROCK CRUSHING AND SCREENING FACTORY IN KINSHASA

The Democratic Republic of Congo possesses considerable hydroelectric potential, estimated at approximately 100,000 MW, of which only 2 to 3% is currently exploited. Faced with the chronic energy deficit that particularly affects industrial zones, the LUTENDELE crushing and screening plant, located in Kinshasa, faces major difficulties in electricity supply, with daily load shedding reaching 8 hours and costly use of generator sets. This study aims to model an Archimedes screw hydroelectric micro-power plant to supply this plant. The adopted methodology combines analytical, quantitative and experimental approaches, including an electrical audit of the machinery, a hydrological characterization of the site, and a complete sizing of the structures. The electrical audit revealed a total installed power of 571 kW and a minimum required power of 244 kW to ensure production continuity. The hydrological analysis of the Congo River in the Pool Malebo area showed a low flow rate of 1.2 m³/s, an average annual flow rate of 8.2 m³/s, and a net head of 4.8 m. The sizing resulted in an Archimedes screw with an external diameter of 2.50 m, an internal diameter of 1.35 m, a pitch of 3.74 m, a threaded length of 8 m, an inclination of 25°, and a rotational speed of 25 rpm. The net electrical power delivered is 270 kW with an overall efficiency of 87.4%. The economic analysis indicates an annual saving of 481,000 USD and a payback period of 1.63 years. Environmentally, the project allows a reduction of 748 tons of CO₂ per year and preserves aquatic fauna thanks to the fish-friendly nature of the Archimedes screw.