Performance testing of Darrieus turbine in hydrokinetic power plant model

Abstract

Darrieus Turbine is a type of vertical axis hydrokinetic turbine that is often used in hydroelectric power plant. This research aims to performance test of Darrieus Water Turbine in hydro power plant experimentally. Darrieus Turbines uses blades with type NACA 0018 and Polylactic Acid material. In performance test of the Darrieus Turbine, 5 variations of fluid flow velocity are: 0.77 m/s, 0.89 m/s, 0.99 m/s, 1.17 m/s, and 1.25 m/s are used. Also the test uses variations in the number of turbine blades are: 2 pieces, 3 pieces and 4 pieces with 0º, 10º, and 15º angle of attack. The test results obtained the highest rotation at 195.17 rpm with a turbine mounted 2 blades and an angle of attack 0˚, the power generated at the rotation is 0.18 Watt. But the optimal power was obtained 0.1 Watt for 4 blades turbine, because the turbine could to do self-starting at fluids velocity 0.77 m/s for all angle of attack. The optimum result was produced by 4 blades turbine, because the turbine could do self-start at 0.77 m/s water velocity either at 0º, 10º, or 15º. The optimum power was produced by 4 blade turbine, which was 0.1 Watt.