Water Wheel Research Articles

Experimental research of Micro HPP. Determination of the efficiency of a water wheel

The results of experimental studies of microhydroelectric power plants (microHPP) designed for low-pressure flows are presented. Oscillograms are obtained that determine changes in the torque on the shaft of the water wheel and its rotational speed. On the basis of the oscillograms, graphic dependences of the parameters were constructed and analyzed. The efficiency of the water wheel is determined. Keywords: MicroHPP, energy, low-pressure flow, water, wheel, torque, rotational frequency, efficiency. mgulomjon_m@mail.ru, hakimov.utkirbek1990@mail.ru

Microscale iron spherules as a trace of metallurgical activity in Old-Polish Industrial District river valleys

Abstract In the last few centuries, a metallurgical industry based on forges driven by water wheels developed in many European valleys. One such area is the Old-Polish Industrial District (OPID) in Central Poland, which is one of the largest of this type of industrial center. Metallurgical activity developed here from the Prehistoric to modern times. The transformation of metallurgical technology led to the collapse of production, and the ongoing renaturation obliterated most of the traces of former industrial activity. The Magnetic Spherule Separation method used so far in Western Europe, and recently in Poland, has been able to detect traces of former metallurgical activity preserved in alluvium. Fluvial deposits contain microscopic, perfectly spherical iron hammerscales formed during metallurgical production. The results of the study of the alluvium of selected rivers in the OPID indicate the presence of iron spherules of various origin and facies in the sediments of the floodplain, which accumulated during the period of metallurgical activity and were redeposited in modern times. This allows us to estimate, among other things, the age, rate of accumulation and impact of anthropopressure on sedimentation conditions.

Design, Testing and Analysis of an Anti-Phase Electromagnetic Hydro Generator for Self-Powered Sensors

This study proposes a novel anti-phase electromagnetic hydro generator for a larger power generation. The design consists of two waters wheels where conducting coils were fixed onto one wheel and permanent magnets were attached to the other wheel. Both wheels were made to rotate in an anti-phase motion relative to each other by supplying two water sources at different locations to increase the relative speed between the magnets and the coils. The generator was fabricated, assembled and tested experimentally, demonstrating a 70.1% larger voltage output than a conventional generator. A theoretical model was provided and was seen to agree well with the experimental measurements. However, due to the resistance from the slip ring, the water wheel with the coils attached displayed a relatively lower rotation speed compared to the other wheel. This caused the generator to exhibit a lower mechanical efficiency than the conventional generator. On the other hand, it demonstrated a higher electrical efficiency due to the larger power generated. In terms of overall efficiency, the anti-phase generator has a smaller efficiency at lower flow rates but a higher efficiency at flow rates larger than 3.7 L/min. Finally, the anti-phase generator proved to be superior to the conventional generator in terms of power density, recording a maximum value of 50.6 × 10−3 mW/cm3.

Development of an Unmanned Mobile Current Turbine Platform

A prototype low-flow (~0.5 m/s) marine current turbine for deployment from a small unmanned mobile floating platform has been developed at Florida Atlantic University for autonomously seeking and harnessing tidal/coastal currents. The support platform is an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) in the form of a catamaran with two electric outboard motors and with capabilities for autonomous navigation. An undershot water wheel (USWW), aided by a custom flow concentrator, has been selected as the basic design for the marine current turbine, which is mounted on the stern of the USV. The concept of operation is that the unmanned surface vehicle would navigate to a designated marine current resource, autonomously anchor at the location, align itself in the current, and deploy the USWW turbine using a custom cable-lift deployment mechanism. As the USWW harnesses the local current, an onboard power-take-off (PTO) device converts the harnessed mechanical energy to electricity which is stored in onboard batteries. The selected PTO utilizes a spur drivetrain/gearbox coupled with a NuVinci Ball-continuously variable transmission (CVT). It is estimated that the small prototype turbine system will produce over 12W power for currents over 0.5 m/s. The automated anchoring system consists of an electric winch, a Rocna anchor, anchor chain/rode and a line locking mechanism designed to aid in taking tension off the winch. Preparations have been made to test and demonstrate the application of the platform in harnessing tidal currents in the Intracoastal Waterway in South Florida and coastal currents at locations off Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The preparations include obtaining the necessary environmental permits for conducting in-water testing; developing required mitigation measures in protecting local wildlife and their habitats; and identifying potential in-water test sites and surveying them for their suitability in terms of current resource, bottom type, water depth and local boat traffic. Application of the marine current turbine platform to serve as an unmanned mobile floating recharge station for small aerial drones will be demonstrated. For this purpose, the USV includes a flight deck for landing and takeoff of small aerial drones whose batteries would be recharged via a wireless direct-contact recharging pad powered by the onboard batteries. Modeling in support of turbine design and parametric studies in support of optimization of the performance of the system will be discussed. Scaling of the prototype system in terms of size and capacity will be discussed.

수차 모양에 따른 수력발전 효율

We designed and conducted experiments to convert potential energy stored in a bucket of water positioned at a height of 0.8 m into electrical energy using a home-built hydropower generation setup. We quantitatively compared the amounts of stored energy with the energy obtained. The results of the first experiment showed a surprisingly low energy conversion efficiency, approximately 0.8% using the setup. To increase the efficiency of the conversion, we adopted several shapes for the water wheels and compared the resulting conversion efficiencies. This project will contribute to the understanding of energy conversion and preservation in physics for the research participants.

Turning the Wheel through the Ages

Methods for reliably generating alternating current via placing metal coils in a rotating magnetic field were discovered by two individuals almost simultaneously: Italian engineer and physicist, Galileo Ferraris, and Austrian-American engineer, Nikola Tesla. While Tesla attained the patent for the AC-generator, Ferraris, who published the discovery a few months prior, is credited with having paved the way for the modern-day alternator, now used ubiquitously.The origins of rotational energy conversion can be traced back to sugar plantations in the 1600s. At that time, the milling process was initially sustained through slave-driven turning of a wheel, which was geared to large wooden rollers that would squeeze sugar cane. The Caribbean and South American variant of this system was known as a trapiche, which employed three geared rollers. Over time, slaves were replaced with oxen and horses, which were eventually supplanted by water wheels and finally by steam engines. The water wheels implemented for sugar milling ultimately paved the path for creating electrical currents. Water turbines for hydroelectric power subsequently took off. Principles of steam engine operation were adapted for electrical power as well, ultimately culminating in the use of nuclear plants to generate “wheel” turning for electricity.Electricity and magnetism, as well as interactions between them, are frequently discussed in introductory undergraduate physics. However, practical applications of these principles are often omitted from lectures. If taught under an experiential environment, these concepts can be introduced at even the middle school level, taught by first year college students taking basic college physics - a synergistic learning environment. With this in mind, we developed a middle school kit consisting of simple 3D-printed components, recycled DVDs and four bearings for support of 4 mm nail shafts. Enameled wire (30 AWG) is used to prepare the wire-wound coils. A large rubber band is used as the pulley-belt. The above represents the generator component. The power use component is assembled on an accompanying bread board. Power processing is demonstrated using diodes for rectification to DC. The DC power is used to recharge a 3V, 40 mAh lithium-ion coin cell. AC power from the generator can also be directly applied to load resistors. Students will be able to see the effects of varying the load by changes in the time of the free rotation of the generator wheels. Students will experience the charge and discharge of batteries with safe voltages and currents.Middle school students will record data from the generator and conditioning systems and draw conclusions on worksheets that accompany the hardware.

KASAMBANG VILLAGE, MAMUJU DISTRICT: DEVELOPMENT OF PIKO HYDRO POWER PLANT USING FLOW RICE IRRIGATION IN KASAMBANG VILLAGE

Pico Hydro Power Plant (PLTPH) is one of the power plants that uses water as an energy source. Piko Hydro is included in the category of hydropower plants with small power because it does not need to use a water discharge that is too large to produce power. The tool developed in this study is a Pico Hydro Power Plant by Utilizing Flow Irrigation. The purpose of this research is to find out the results of the development of a Pico Hydro Power Plant, the electrical energy produced, and the community's response. The research method used is descriptive-quantitative with Research and Development (R&D) research and a prototype development model consisting of 4 steps, namely needs analysis, building prototypes, installing, and evaluating. The research data obtained by observation, questionnaires, and documentation. The results showed that the pico-hydro power plant works well, as indicated by the very good product validation value; the water wheel at the generator has a maximum power of 308 watts; and in development with the application of MPPT type charger control regulators, the results are able to stabilize the electrical energy produced and increase the power capability of the power plant with the help of a backup battery supply. For the results of the responses from the Kasambang Village community in Mamuju Regency, as many as 15 respondents obtained very decent results.

Surface Roughness of Enamel and Dentin after Preparation Finishing with Rotary Burs or Piezoelectric Instruments

This study compares the effect of different handpieces (turbine, high-speed electric handpiece and piezoelectric device) on surface roughness of enamel and dentin when using diamond-coated working tips and burs of the same grit size. The experiment was conducted on 15 extracted first molars from patients aged 45 to 60 years. The occlusal portion was removed using a diamond-coated water wheel and then refined with a 120–130 μm grit bur in order to obtain a flat surface with an adequate exposition of the dentin core. Each surface was divided into three portions and every portion was finished with one of the three tested instruments. The rotary burs and piezoelectric tips had the same grit size (60 μm), and the load on handpiece during preparation never exceeded 150 g. Roughness parameters (Ra, Rsk, Rku) were recorded with a profilometer, and a SEM analysis of treated surfaces and working tips was conducted. Ra and Rsk differed significantly between enamel and dentin only after using turbine (p = 0.004 and p = 0.007, respectively). No significant differences were observed in Ra, Rsk and Rku between enamel and dentin when using a high-speed electric handpiece or piezoelectric device. The turbine produced higher Ra and Rsk values on dentin than the other devices, while no significant differences were found between piezoelectric handpiece and high-speed electric contra-angle on both substrates. Summarizing, the findings of the present study demonstrated that turbine generated rougher surfaces on dentin compared to the other handpieces. Moreover, the turbine produced more asymmetrical surface profiles on both enamel and dentin. However, it should be considered that these differences in roughness (Ra) were within the range of 0.25–0.30 μm: it is still unclear if these variations, although statistically significant, will influence final clinical outcomes.

Design Modification of Water Wheel Turbine With Various Configuration Variations

Design Modification of Water Wheel Turbine With Various Configuration Variations

Archaeometric Study of Masonry Red Bricks and Pottery Water Pipes from the Tanks of A Coptic Water Wheel, Sheikh Hamad, Athribis, Sohag, Egypt

Archaeometric Study of Masonry Red Bricks and Pottery Water Pipes from the Tanks of A Coptic Water Wheel, Sheikh Hamad, Athribis, Sohag, Egypt

Groundwater quality for agricultural use in Zacoalco de Torres and Autlan de Navarro, Mexico

In Mexico, one of the main sources for agricultural irrigation is groundwater, which irrigates approximately 2 million hectares, accounting for 75% of the country's rural and urban water volume. These water resources are affected by industrial waste and residual pollutants, as well as the leaching of chemical substances from agricultural soils. In order to evaluate the physical and chemical characteristics of groundwater, this study was conducted in Zacoalco de Torres and Autl á n de Navarro. Sampling was conducted during the dry and rainy seasons in 2017. The sampling locations were deep wells and water wheels. A total of 48 samples were obtained from two sites. In each sample, pH value, anion and cation, electrical conductivity (EC), residual sodium carbonate (CSR), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and hydrogeochemical classification were analyzed. The underground water of Zacoalco is mostly chlorinated-magnesic and in Autlán it is bicarbonate-magnesic with medium and low concentrations, so it is recommended for irrigation. With respect to salinity, Zacoalco has 40% high salinity water in dry conditions and 66% medium salinity water in rains; Autlan has 75% high salinity water in dry and 75% medium salinity water in rainfall, so its use shows moderate restrictions.

Evolutionary diversity of proton and water channels on the oxidizing side of photosystem II and their relevance to function.

One of the reasons for the high efficiency and selectivity of biological catalysts arise from their ability to control the pathways of substrates and products using protein channels, and by modulating the transport in the channels using the interaction with the protein residues and the water/hydrogen-bonding network. This process is clearly demonstrated in Photosystem II (PS II), where its light-driven water oxidation reaction catalyzed by the Mn4CaO5 cluster occurs deep inside the protein complex and thus requires the transport of two water molecules to and four protons from the metal center to the bulk water. Based on the recent advances in structural studies of PS II from X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy, in this review we compare the channels that have been proposed to facilitate this mass transport in cyanobacteria, red and green algae, diatoms, and higher plants. The three major channels (O1, O4, and Cl1 channels) are present in all species investigated; however, some differences exist in the reported structures that arise from the different composition and arrangement of membrane extrinsic subunits between the species. Among the three channels, the Cl1 channel, including the proton gate, is the most conserved among all photosynthetic species. We also found at least one branch for the O1 channel in all organisms, extending all the way from Ca/O1 via the 'water wheel' to the lumen. However, the extending path after the water wheel varies between most species. The O4 channel is, like the Cl1 channel, highly conserved among all species while having different orientations at the end of the path near the bulk. The comparison suggests that the previously proposed functionality of the channels in T. vestitus (Ibrahim et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 117:12624-12635, 2020; Hussein et al., Nat Commun 12:6531, 2021) is conserved through the species, i.e. the O1-like channel is used for substrate water intake, and the tighter Cl1 and O4 channels for proton release. The comparison does not eliminate the potential role of O4channel as a water intake channel. However, the highly ordered hydrogen-bonded water wire connected to the Mn4CaO5 cluster via the O4 may strongly suggest that it functions in proton release, especially during the S0 → S1 transition (Saito et al., Nat Commun 6:8488, 2015; Kern et al., Nature 563:421-425, 2018; Ibrahim et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 117:12624-12635, 2020; Sakashita et al., Phys Chem Chem Phys 22:15831-15841, 2020; Hussein et al., Nat Commun 12:6531, 2021).

Water energy as a factor of industrialization in Russia at the beginning of the twentieth century (based on the materials of industrial censuses)

One of the main issues in the course of industrialization is the provision of dynamically developing industrial production with energy sources. Despite the rapid spread of new types of engines in Russia in the late XIX – early XX centuries, water as an energy source continued to be actively used in industrial production. The research, the results of which are presented in the article, based on the published materials of the first (1900) and second (1908) industrial censuses showed that at the beginning of the twentieth century the share of water engines in the structure of the total power in industry as a whole not only did not decrease, but, on the contrary, increased. Groups of industries and provinces distinguished by the active use of water energy in industry have been identified. Analysis of statistical sources allows us to conclude that industrial enterprises are moving from water wheels to water turbines that exceed them in power. On the basis of industry data, the interrelations between the specific values of the use of water engines in the overall structure of the energy capacity of enterprises and their main production indicators (net profit, cost structure, etc.) are revealed. On the basis of correlation analysis, the hypothesis of a higher level of labor concentration at enterprises and in industries that have retained a significant proportion of water engines in the structure of their energy base has been confirmed.

Triple-mode hybridized generator for efficient water flow energy harvesting and water quality monitoring applications

Water quality monitoring is essential for river ecological environment. Harvesting water flow energy for river environmental monitoring is a promising solution for self-powered sensing technology. In this work, based on the triboelectric–electromagnetic (TENG-EMG) working principle, a comprehensive strategy appropriately hybridizes the solid-solid TENG (SS-TENG), solid-liquid TENG (SL-TENG) and EMG based on water wheel structure for harvesting water flow energy. The triple-mode hybridized generator (TMHG) in a limited space is combined effectively through ingenious structural design, which greatly improves the space utilization. An introduction of the combination of TMHG and buoy structure provides stable operating conditions for power supply. The basic TMHG in terms of structural parameters, response characteristics, power supply capacity and sensing characteristics is systematically discussed. Specially, after optimizing the structural parameters, the SS-TENG, SL-TENG and EMG deliver an instantaneous power of 1.44, 0.15 and 15.9 mW, and 480, 120 and 122 LEDs array can be simultaneously illuminated at the rotate speed of 90 rpm, respectively. The output of SL-TENG has strong correlation with flowing velocity and water PH, further demonstrating a potential application of TMHG on self-driven sensing of river state. A triple-channel hybridized power management (TcHPM) strategy consisting of energy collection module, storage module and mechanical switch is developed to co-manage the electrical outputs of three generating modules in TMHG. Furthermore, a wireless self-powered monitoring system using TMHG as power supply is further developed and demonstrated for water quality monitoring in terms of water temperature and total dissolved solids. This paper not only provides a potential strategy towards effective water flow energy harvesting, but also demonstrates the potential applications of the TMHG in water quality monitoring.

Micro-hydropower systems for smallholder farmers in rural communities of Taraba state, Nigeria: Socioeconomic assessment of needs and perceptions (Part I)

The Nigerian government’s recent initiative, “Electrifying Agriculture,” supports the rapid deployment of off-grid electricity solutions to transform food systems. Agriculture is the primary source of income for Taraba State residents. In rural communities, success of potential climate-smart agriculture interventions requires participation and acceptance of the community. This research article evaluates the socioeconomic needs and perception of hydropower solutions for three rural communities in Taraba State, Nigeria. The findings reveal a higher proportion of males (72.22%) than females, with majority (53.17%) of them having no formal education. Social facilities and services like roads, education and health institutions, water, electricity and communication, and public recreation facilities are generally available but poorly maintained. The majority of inhabitants depend on nearby rivers and commercial boreholes as major sources of water for domestic purposes, with 65.87% of the residents throwing solid wastes into the bush. Also, the major (98.41%) source of energy or fuel for cooking is firewood. On the basis of priority, the three most relevant personal and community needs identified for interventions are the provision of low-cost off-grid electricity (95.83%); primary health care clinics (84.13%) and farming inputs (83.33%), among others. A majority (90.48%) of the respondents agreed that installation of low-cost, off-grid water wheel generators will serve as an alternative to solve Taraba state’s energy challenges, ensure energy security and improve the economy, while 93.65% of them are willing to sustain off-grid water wheel generator in their communities if they are installed. The results further indicate that provision of security and surveillance to prevent stealing and vandalism using community vigilante (57.81%) is a viable way of sustaining the investment, even as a majority (77.22%) of them agreed that corruption is a challenge that can affect the sustainability of off-grid water wheel generators in the communities if not addressed.

STUDI PERENCANAAN PEMBANGKIT LISTRIK TENAGA MIKROHIDRO PADA SALURAN IRIGASI DESA ANGANTAKA ABIANSEMAL BADUNG

The utilization of renewable energy can be a solution to meet the current increasing demand for electrical energy in rural areas, one of which is the use of water energy with the development of PLTMH. In this study, the planning of a microhydro power plant was carried out in the irrigation canal of Angantaka Abiansemal Badung Village as a source of electrical energy to meet the needs of electrical energy. The Angantaka Village irrigation channel has a head 2,1 meters, a width of 1,95 meters, an average depth of 0,88 meters and a water discharge of 0,3045 m3/s. The PLTMH planning system uses a breastshot wheel type water wheel with an efficiency of 75% and TEK STC-5 kW 3 phase AC synchronous generator and a 6 kW ELC control panel. Planning for PLTMH on the irrigation canal of Angantaka Abiansemal Badung Village with a capacity of 3,76 kW / 4,70 kVA. The initial investment cost required is IDR. 72.055.375 with operational and maintenance cost of IDR. 720.553 in one year.

Experimental study of a breastshot waterwheel with the degree of inclination of the nozzle spray against the tip speed ratio

The energy crisis is a severe problem facing the world, including Indonesia. Along with the times, innovation is needed to implement sustainable energy. Non-fossil energy sources have not been widely used, and efforts are still needed to utilize these energy sources. The waterwheel was the first device used in water production. One of the innovations for the sustainability of non-fossil energy is to make a waterwheel. There are still several waterwheels in Indonesia, but an investigation is needed to determine their condition. So in this study, investigating the breastshot water wheel uses a nozzle-based construction with variations in the degree of inclination of the spray against the TSR value. The results showed that the greater the inclination of the nozzle angle, the higher the velocity of the water flow when it enters the wheel. Adding water speed to this wheel will increase the momentum and tangential force. An increase in the tangential force will increase the wheel's torque so that the wheel strength will increase. This increase in power will, of course, result in greater efficiency, thereby increasing the tip speed ratio (TSR).

Development and testing of a laboratory model of a two-turbine small hydroelectric power plant

This article considers the main methods of regulating water consumption and power of micro hydroelectric power plants. New technical solutions for screw jet turbines adapted to low pressures and water flow rates are proposed. The Archimede’s screw turbine is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly microhydropower technology that operates at high efficiency at low pressure and medium flow rates. In this case, the change in power depends on the following parameters: the number of blades, water flow, the angle of inclination of the blades and the height of the pressure. Preliminary calculations carried out by the authors show that the power of a microhydroelectric power station depends on individual factors of the area. With an increase in the speed of the water flow, the speed of the water wheel also increases, and in turn, the electric power of the microhydroelectric power station increases.

The Effectiveness of the STEM Project Based Learning Approach in Physics Learning to Improve Scientific Work Skills of High School Students

This study aims to improve students' scientific work skills by using a STEM-integrated Project Based Learning approach with simple water wheel props on energy and work in class X high school physics learning. The method used is classroom action research. The research was carried out in two cycles in class X SMA Negeri 1 Koto XI Tarusan on the material of work and energy by making a water wheel project. Aspects of students' scientific work skills observed were skills in asking questions, planning experiments, making observations, using tools/materials, analyzing experimental results, making conclusions, compiling experimental reports, and presentation skills. In the first cycle, students' work scientific skills were 64.35%, while in the second cycle, they were 78.5%. In addition to scientific work skills, students' conceptual knowledge also increased by 9.15%. The conclusion from this study is that the application of the STEM-integrated Project Based Learning approach with the waterwheel props can improve students' scientific skills. The STEM-integrated Project Based Learning approach with effective waterwheel teaching aids to improve students' scientific skills on energy and work materials in physics learning. Keywords: Scientific Work Skills, Physics, Project Based Learning, STEM

The Water-Powered Trip Hammer and Forge La Pianca as a Case Study of a Piedmont (Italy) Water Mill

For hundreds of years, water mills have supported the local economies of Piedmont by contributing to the production of flour, textile fibres, timber, and metal agricultural tools. Since the beginning of the last century, and in particular after the 1950s, many artefacts have been abandoned. Nonetheless, hundreds of mills are still present in southern Piedmont, both in the plains and in the mountains, sometimes in an excellent state of conservation. This work presents a hammer forge, the La Pianca mill in Busca, Cuneo, Italy, as a significant, detailed case study. The socio-economic context in which exists is analysed, its history is reconstructed, and the functioning of the machinery, including the water wheels, the motion transmission systems, and the various utilities consisting of tilt hammers, grinding wheels, and drills, is analysed in detail. Beyond the historical interest, concerning both the territory and the architecture, as well as the machines and mechanisms, this work aims to make a contribution to the prefiguration of effective scenarios for the reconversion of similar productive artefacts.