The upgrading the benchmarks for the Kiriwong hydro turbine in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province through participatory processes

The Kiriwong hydro turbine community enterprise in Kam Lon subdistrict, Lan Saka district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, is a local group that has developed pico hydroelectric turbines with capacities ranging from 0.3 to 1 kW. Currently, 160 of these turbines have been installed in Kam Lon subdistrict and surrounding communities in the Nakhon Si Thammarat mountain range. However, wider expansion is limited due to the product's suitability for specific areas. This research aims to develop and upgrade the innovation benchmarks for the Kiriwong hydro turbine to inclusive innovation by involving the Kiriwong hydro turbine community enterprise, turbine users, educational institutions, local government agencies, and the general public. The approach includes: 1) testing the existing Kiriwong turbines under relevant standards, 2) analyzing the strengths and weaknesses based on test results, 3) increasing the power rated of the turbines to 3 kW, 4) improving the manufacturing process, 5) technology transfer through pilot installations in Kiriwong village, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, 6) studying investment returns, and 7) developing the capabilities of the Kiriwong hydro turbine community enterprise. This results in the creation of the KRW-3000 model (3 kW), which triples electricity production, improves efficiency by 20%, and offers a payback period of one year compared to generators, or four years and four months compared to purchasing electricity from the Provincial Electricity Authority. The cost of electricity produced is 0.26 Baht/kWh. Consequently, the Kiriwong hydro turbine community enterprise's market potential has increased, generating additional revenue of over 500,000 Baht. Villagers now have alternative electricity generation technology, reducing fuel costs, enhancing family and social stability, and improving local community well-being.