In-pipe hydropower vertical axis parallel turbines prototype: performance and workability testing

Abstract

ABSTRACT An improvised version of a vertical axis twin turbine in-pipe hydropower prototype, with bigger power generation (PG) channels and turbines as compared to the previous one was developed and designated as P40. The P40 was fabricated mainly using mild steel. This study aims to evaluate the flow properties, power generation performance, and workability of the P40. At the maximum flow rate of 0.076 m3/s, each of the PG channels at both sides of the P40 allowed about 13% of the water to flow through them and the P40 absorbed 34.4% of the 1.25 bar stagnation pressure of the flow. Both turbines showed almost identical performance, generating a total mechanical power up to 0.608 kW at the maximum flow rate. Overall, a turbine efficiency of more than 70% was obtained at respective flow rate conditions and the highest was 84.7%. All the valves at the inlets and outlets of the PG channels functioned perfectly not to let water flow through them to allow for maintenance work of the turbines’ system when necessary. Overall, the P40 performed effectively as a device that allowed most water to flow uninterruptedly, while simultaneously generating power. Based on the water splash effect in the turbine casing, further study is recommended to increase turbine efficiency by improvising the prototype design.