A Parametric of Basin Geometry of Gravitational Water Vortex Power Plant

Abstract

Energy demand is increasing and it raise a climate change issue. Greenhouse emissions, depleted fossil energy resources, increasing fossil energy cost are reasons to maximize the utilization of renewable energy source. Hydropower extend an alternative energy source to cover the growing energy demand and release no emission at the same time for maintaining the climate change. In recent years, major focus of hydropower research is moving to small hydropower, as large hydropower opportunities are exploited and have high capital expenditure to build. A water vortex stream is a common phenomenon that we can see everyday life. Water flow out from the bathtub through outlet or water flow down in the sink after we finish washing the dishes, that is what we call vortex flow. and is a free-surface flow, homogenous fluid that contained water and air. This water vortex can be applied in low head small hydropower plant, recently known as gravitational water vortex power plant. River off Gravitational Water Vortex power plant (GWVPP) is one of low head turbine that can be used to generate electricity in small scale, pico-hydro. This study is focus on basin geometry. Models are developed to investigate the outlet diameter, depth discharge and basin geometry. It is found out that parameter of the basin should refer to source, which are flow rate, and the head of the water. It shows that spiral geometry for the basin gives symmetric and strong vortex and can be used as an alternative of conical basin.