Design and Development of Pico-hydro Generation System for Energy Storage Using Consuming Water Distributed to Houses

Abstract

This paper describes the design and development of pico-hydro generation system using consuming water distributed to houses. Water flow in the domestic pipes has kinetic energy that potential to generate electricity for energy storage purposes in addition to the routine activities such as laundry, cook and bathe. The inherent water pressure and flow inside the pipe from utility's main tank that used for those usual activities is also used to rotate small scale hydro turbine to drive a generator for electrical power generation. Hence, this project is conducted to develop a small scale hydro generation system using consuming water distributed to houses as an alternative electrical energy source for residential use. Keywords—Alternative Energy, Energy storage, Permanent Magnet DC Generator, Pico-Hydro Generation System. I. INTRODUCTION HE Pico hydro is hydro power with a maximum electrical output of five kilowatts (5kW). Hydro power systems of this size benefit in terms of cost and simplicity from different approaches in the design, planning and installation than those which are applied to larger hydro power. Recent innovations in pico-hydro technology have made it an economic source of power even in some of the world's poorest and most inaccessible places. It is also a versatile power source. AC electricity can be produced enabling standard electrical appliances to be used. Common examples of devices which can be powered by pico-hydro are light bulbs, radio and televisions.