Simple Micro Controller Measurement Devices for Pico Hydro Turbines

Abstract

This study proposes alternative measurement devices based on an open-source micro controller that is suitable for pico hydro systems; these devices have low investment costs, are easy to build and have a good level of accuracy and low uncertainty. This study proposes three measurement instruments: a multimeter for DC current using a INA 219 sensor, a flow meter using a YF-DN40 sensor and a rotational speed meter using a proximity E18-D80NK sensor. The verification of the measurement instruments has been done by comparing them to the commercial digital measurement instruments with an error rate between 0.2-2%. Based on the results, the measurement devices proposed here that measure DC voltage and current, water flow rate or discharge and rotational speed had errors of no more than 5% and uncertainty levels below 1%. Moreover, the total investment cost for building these devices has been approximately USD 40 cheaper than the existing commercial digital measurement devices. Thus, these measurement instruments proposed for pico hydro systems using sensors and open-source micro controller are an alternative to traditional options because they are easier and cheaper to use and feature improved accuracy and uncertainty factors.