Publication: Implementation of micro hydroelectric generation system using vortex turbines in malaysia river
Date
2020-09
Authors
Syed Muhammad bin Syed Hood
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Abstract
The world is moving away from fossil fuels and leaning towards greener, sustainable renewable energy in an effort to mitigate harm to the environment. However, fossil fuels still provide the majority of electricity consumed by the populace as renewable energy sources cannot generate enough to meet up with current demands. In order to fill that gap, renewable sources must be thoroughly studied and opportunities to utilize any new sources must be taken. Earth’s surface is comprised of 70% water making hydroelectricity a lucrative candidate for energy generation. However, current hydroplants focus on large reservoirs which are just as detrimental to the environment as fossil fuel counterparts. It is also limited to certain geographical areas therefore a lot of flowing water sources such as rivers are underutilized. If it can be used to generate electricity sustainably through microhydro technology, electricity can be supplied even to rural populations increasing energy security with minimal impact to the environment. A microhydro system involves the design of the penstock and turbine used. The idea behind vortex turbines is that water is forced to flow is a vortex due to the shape of the penstock before channeled through the turbine. This report focuses on a preliminary design of the system using a Kaplan turbine. The setup is then simulated in a flow analysis software to see the relationship between flow rate and output rpm. The relationship allows engineers to select the right motor for any given river. The costs of the construction and operation of the microhydro system should be estimated and compared against readily available sources to identify cost efficiency and whether if the system is a viable, sustainable solution for the given landscape.
Description
Interim sem 2020 / 2021
Keywords
River , Hydroelectricity , Microhydro