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GWVT CHAPTER 1 3 Final

The document discusses the optimization of blade design for Gravitational Water Vortex Turbines (GWVTs) to enhance efficiency in Pico-hydro generators, particularly in the Philippines where energy access is limited. It highlights the importance of blade shape, angle, and number in improving turbine performance and outlines a study that aims to optimize these parameters using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. The research seeks to provide a more effective renewable energy solution for rural communities while also addressing environmental and economic impacts.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
110 views29 pages

GWVT CHAPTER 1 3 Final

The document discusses the optimization of blade design for Gravitational Water Vortex Turbines (GWVTs) to enhance efficiency in Pico-hydro generators, particularly in the Philippines where energy access is limited. It highlights the importance of blade shape, angle, and number in improving turbine performance and outlines a study that aims to optimize these parameters using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. The research seeks to provide a more effective renewable energy solution for rural communities while also addressing environmental and economic impacts.

Uploaded by

john quiazon
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Optimization of Blade Design for Enhanced Efficiency in Pico-

Hydro Generators Using Gravitational Water Vortex Turbines

___________________________________________________

A Project Study

Presented to the Faculty of College of Engineering

Mechanical Engineering Department

Tarlac State University

Tarlac City

______________________________________________________

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree in

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

_______________________________________________________

By:

Cuenca, Kevin Laurence E.

Cuevas, Vonne Joshua S.

Dela Cruz, Mark Lester G. Inocentes,

Christian Gio E.

Tipay, Jhan Paul R.


CHAPTER 1

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The Philippines currently has a severe energy crisis, especially in remote and off-grid locations

where electricity is limited. Most rural villages continue to use diesel generators and traditional

biomass, which are not only expensive but also environmentally harmful. To reduce this,

alternative energy sources like hydro, solar, and wind are being extensively researched.

Nevertheless, most small rivers and streams in the Philippines are untapped for energy

production because their low-head water flow is not sufficient to drive conventional hydropower

systems. One of the technologies floated to extract energy from low-head water supplies is the

Gravitational Water Vortex Turbine (GWVT), which can produce power from water passing

through a vortex without the need for high-altitude dams. Although promising, current

Gravitational Water Vortex Turbine (GWVT) designs are beset with low efficiency, non-optimal

blade design, and energy losses, which restrict their use in real-world applications. In order to

achieve maximum extraction of energy, the turbine blade design must be optimized.

The government of the Philippines has been promoting small hydro technologies to provide

renewable electricity to rural areas. This is under programs like the Renewable Energy

Act of 2008. Research centers and institutions have been looking into Gravitational Water Vortex

Systems as a promising alternative source of power in a decentralized process. But most of these

programs still use traditional or experimental blade designs, which need to be optimized for

efficiency.

Many studies across the world have analyzed the efficiency of Gravitational Water Vortex

Turbine (GWVT) depending on the shape of the blades. Research shows that curved blades

perform better in making things efficient by preserving the smoothness of water flow and

increasing rotational power. Moreover, inclined blades enable the trapping of energy more

effectively by managing the vortex better (Warjito et al). The number of blades also affects

performance, as most research asserts that three or five blades work best (Vinayakumar et al.).
Another parameter influencing turbine efficiency is the position of the blades in the conical

basin, which affects vortex stability and power generation (Dhakal et al.). In spite of these

findings, many studies have not optimized all these parameters at the same time, and therefore

there is still some uncertainty regarding how shape, angle, material selection, and blade

placement can help in efficiency improvement. Most research also relies heavily on simulations

and lacks extensive real-world testing in different flow regimes.

Improvement of Gravitational Water Vortex Turbine (GWVT) blade design has several benefits.

It can allow Pico-hydro systems to operate more effectively for small communities using less

energy. It can lower the production cost by providing a design with less maintenance

requirement. This improvement allows Gravitational Water Vortex Turbines (GWVTs) to respond

better to different water flow situations and favors the environment by using clean power with

less destruction to nature. In addition to benefiting rural communities to gain access to electricity,

improved Gravitational Water Vortex Turbines (GWVTs) can be applied to irrigation in

agriculture, aeration of aquaculture fish farms, and meeting small industrial energy needs. Such

turbines can be deployed on remote farms, fisheries, and eco-tourism operations, offering a

reliable source of power for water pumps, aerators, and light systems in un-electrified regions.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Gravitational Water Vortex Turbines (GWVTs) are promising as a renewable source of energy

for low-head water systems, but the efficiency with which they can be harnessed is greatly

determined by the runner blade design. From research, blade shape, angle, number of blades and

material are important factors in determining how efficient the turbines can be. Most existing

Gravitational Water Vortex Turbine (GWVT) designs, especially those with flat blades, are

inefficient in converting water flow into mechanical energy. A previous flat-blade GWVT design

achieved only 11.5% efficiency, which is insufficient for practical and cost-effective energy

production. Although research suggests that curved and inclined blade designs can improve

performance, there is a lack of tested configurations that balance efficiency, durability, and

usability.
In this research, the blade design is optimized for enhanced energy conversion from the analysis

of blade modifications using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. The optimized

design will be manufactured and tested under real conditions to confirm if simulated efficiency

gains are reflected in real-world improvements. Through uncontrolled experimental

confirmation, this research will advance small-scale hydropower technology with information on

efficient Gravitational Water Vortex Turbine (GWVT) blade designs that can be applied to

renewable energy technologies.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to optimize the blade design for Gravitational Water Vortex Turbines (GWVTs)

by investigating various blade design using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations.

1. To design and simulate an optimized blade for Pico-Gravitational Water Vortex Turbines

(GWVTs) by analyzing the blade design using CFD simulations in terms of:

A. Blade inclination

B. Blade arc angle

2. To fabricate and implement the optimized blade design

3. To evaluate the performance of the newly optimized blade design under real-world

conditions, specifically assessing:

A. Power Output

B. Efficiency

4. To compare the performance of the optimized blade design with the previous study

design by evaluating difference in:

A. Power Output

B. Efficiency

SCOPE AND LIMITATION


This research aims to enhance the runner blade design of a Gravitational Water Vortex Turbine

(GWVT) to be more efficient and to generate more power. The research has three primary

components: simulation analysis, blade manufacturing, and performance testing.

The researchers will also perform Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. These

simulations will investigate the influence of blade shape, number, angle, and position of blade on

vortices development and energy transformation. We will determine the optimum blade design in

aerodynamics before we create physical models.

The second segment entails a design and manufacturing of the optimized blade from simulation

outcomes. The manufacturing will take into account material availability, structural stability,

manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness to achieve real-world applicability.

The third component is field testing the efficiency of the new blade under practical conditions.

We will mount the blade on a real Gravitational Water Vortex Turbine (GWVT) system at Saipan

Beach, San Jose, Tarlac, and compare its power generation and efficiency. We will compare the

measurements to a flat-blade of the previous study and simulation results for validation of

improvements.

This research has some limitations that could impact the generalizability of its findings. The

testing conditions will be non-controlled, external conditions like seasonal changes in water

current, sedimentation, and long-term wear of materials will not be examined in detail. Also the

study will utilize the existing body and structural framework of previously studied Gravitational

Water Vortex Turbine (GWVT) models while exclusively modifying and analyzing the blade

geometry. Testing will take place only at Saipan Beach, San Jose, Tarlac, which might limit

understanding of how the optimized blade performs in different environments and water

conditions. The research is also time-limited, which eliminates long-term durability tests, wear

tests and structural degradation effects after extended use. These limitations imply that efficiency

and power output gains can be quantified, but impacts on long-term sustainability and

adaptability will have to be examined in detail beyond this research.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY


The findings of this research will be highly significant in the development of smallscale

hydropower solutions, particularly for rural and off-grid communities with no access to quality

electricity. Through the optimization of Gravitational Water Vortex Turbines (GWVTs) blade

design and experimental verification of the innovations, this research will enhance efficiency and

power. This will render Gravitational Water Vortex Turbines (GWVTs) a more cost-effective and

viable alternative source of energy. The findings will provide significant insights for researchers,

engineers, policymakers, and local communities who are interested in designing and developing

decentralized, sustainable energy systems appropriate for low-head water resources regions.

Additionally, the study also demonstrates how Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

simulations can help on-site testing in the turbine design process. The methods and findings will

provide the basis for future research into Pico-hydro technology and blade optimization.

This research will be of value to the community of the testing location in Saipan Beach,

San Jose, Tarlac, where we will be testing the new turbine. By demonstrating how Gravitational

Water Vortex Turbines (GWVTs) can be a renewable source of energy that serves local demand,

the research can stimulate additional small hydropower schemes in the region. This would be

low-cost, renewable power that improves lives, generates employment, and provides more

energy for local businesses and families.

This research aids global initiatives towards the use of clean and renewable energy. It aids

objectives that seek to minimize the consumption of fossil fuels. By improving the efficiency of

Pico-hydro systems, the study enables more individuals to utilize gravitational water vortex

technology. This can enable developing nations to be more self-sufficient in terms of energy

while utilizing power generation that is environmentally friendly.

CHAPTER 2

This chapter integrates existing literature on Gravitational Water Vortex Turbines (GWVTs)

regarding design characteristics, features enhancing efficiency, and environmental as well as


economic impacts. This chapter aims at summarizing, comparing, and integrating research

findings on runner design, blade settings, and turbine adaptations to present a clear vision of their

impact on efficiency

Blade Shape

The turbine is also a crucial component of the Gravitational Water Vortex Turbine (GWVT). It is

placed in the center, parallel to the center opening of the basin. The turbine is driven by the

energy of the water provided by the water vortex. The majority of research has focused on

enhancing turbines to make the plant more efficient. Dhakal et al. (2017) conducted a

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) study comparing curved, twisted, and straight blade

designs for Gravitational Water Vortex Turbines (GWVTs). Their findings demonstrated that

curved blades were the most efficient, achieving 82% efficiency in simulations and 71% in

experimental tests at a 0.5m head, emphasizing the role of blade geometry in performance

optimization. Further analysis revealed that blade inclination was a critical factor, with a 19°

angle yielding peak efficiency of over 80%, while efficiency remained stable between 18° and

22°. Experimental validation confirmed these results, reinforcing the significance of both blade

shape and inclination angle in maximizing Gravitational Water Vortex Turbine (GWVT)

efficiency.

It is of critical importance to refine the shape of the blade and regulate the water flow in a

manner that provides the highest efficiency by Gravitational Water Vortex Turbines (GWVTs).

Researchers have investigated blade angles and water flow regulation. Handako et al. (2023)

investigated the influence of varying blade arc angles (75°, 90°, and 105°) on the power output of

Gravitational Water Vortex Turbine (GWVT) systems using conical basins. The research
demonstrated that the application of a blade angle of 60° with a blade arc angle of 90° yielded

maximum turbine efficiency, suggests that applying the correct blade angles is crucial to achieve

maximum energy output.

Blade Number

The number of blades has a direct influence on the efficiency of the turbine for energy capture

and conversion. Dhakal et al. (2017) found that efficiency fell when the number of blades

increased from six to twelve, while Christine Power et al. (2015) noted that a rise in the number

of blades from two to four enhanced performance. According to Sritram and Suntivarakorn

(2019), the number of blades significantly affects turbine performance, with a five-blade

configuration generating the highest torque among turbines tested with 2 to 7 blades. Their

results agree with Wanchat et al., who conducted the same experiments in a laboratory setting. At

a variable load of 0 to 100 W, the five-blade turbine was consistently capable of generating the

maximum torque, showing its ability to maximize water impact and energy conversion. Five

blades were the best for attaining the best balance of water flow capture and minimizing drag,

making it the most efficient turbine design.


Baffle Plates

Wichian et al. (2016) and Sritram and Suntivarakorn (2019) both showed that baffle plates

improve turbine efficiency by facilitating water flow and increasing torque. Wichian et al. (2016)

found that five baffle plates with a 50% propeller area ratio improved torque by 10.25% and

efficiency by 4.12% using CFD simulations. Similarly, Sritram and Suntivarakorn (2019) found

that a turbine with top and bottom baffle plates, a 50% curved area ratio, and a flow rate of 0.06

m³/s had an efficiency of 43.83%, an increase of 6.59% from a turbine with no baffle plates.

These findings show that optimally positioned baffle plates improve water flow and energy

conversion, and thus it is a good modification for free-vortex water turbines.


Blade Placement

Blade position within the vortex plays an important role in energy transfer. Dhakal et al. (2017)

verified that the velocity of the vortex is highest near the outlet, verifying that this position

enhances power generation and turbine rotation. . Sharif et al. (2020) also verified that placing

the turbine at the position close to the outlet of the basin (around 65%-75% from the top)

provided maximum vortex stability and energy transfer. Based on these investigations, in this

study, turbine blades will be placed 70% from the top of the basin for maximum energy

extraction.

Bajracharya et al. (2020) recognized runner height as a determining factor in maximizing

Gravitational Water Vortex Turbine (GWVT) efficiency. Through CFD simulations and laboratory

experiments, they established that a runner height-to-basin height ratio of 0.31–0.32 greatly enhanced

performance, raising the power coefficient to 0.64 in simulations and 0.478 in experiments. This ratio was

the most significant parameter in improving efficiency, rendering the system more feasible for pico-hydro

applications. Their results emphasize the need to choose an optimal runner height for maximizing energy

conversion in conical basins. In terms of the rotor dimensions, Ullah et al found the ratio of 0.6 for

the rotor and basin diameter to be best performing while studying GWVT with single and triple

stages.

Environmental and Economic Impact

Gravitational Water Vortex Turbines (GWVTs) also provide important environmental and

economic benefits. Environmentally, they are low-impact relative to conventional hydroelectric

dams, minimizing ecological disturbance and favoring aquatic organisms through safe fish

passage and natural aeration, improving water quality. In the Philippines, the National
Renewable Energy Program (NREP) lists the contribution of renewable energy sources, such as

Gravitational Water Vortex Turbines (GWVTs), in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and

climate change. Moreover, the compact and usually underground nature of Gravitational Water

Vortex Turbines (GWVTs) minimizes visual and noise pollution, hence making them more

acceptable to host communities. Economically, Gravitational Water Vortex Turbines (GWVTs)

provide energy security and local development through the harnessing of local water resources,

thus minimizing the use of imported fossil fuels. The Philippines' Renewable Energy Act of 2008

has also greatly encouraged investment in renewable energy, generating employment

opportunities and local economic stimulation. For example, Germany's shift to renewable energy,

which produced a high degree of green jobs created, signifies the wider economic potential of the

expansion of Gravitational Water Vortex Turbine (GWVT) deployment.

Gravitational Water Vortex Turbines (GWVTs) offer significant environmental and energy

benefits, especially to the Philippines. Gravitational Water Vortex Turbines (GWVTs) are a green

way of generating electricity, especially in low-head and low-flow water-rich areas. Gravitational

Water Vortex Turbines (GWVTs) involve fewer infrastructures than big hydroelectric dams and

do not alter natural water courses considerably, thereby protecting aquatic ecosystems (Sierra et

al., 2020). The Gravitational Water Vortex Turbine (GWVT) design allows fish and other aquatic

animals to swim through undamaged, and it is beneficial to the environment (Khan et al., 2018).

Additionally, the spinning water in Gravitational Water Vortex Turbines (GWVTs) naturally

increases the dissolved oxygen concentration, improving water quality and aquatic ecosystems

(Sritram & Suntivarakorn, 2019).


In summary, the literature that was reviewed indicates that improved runner and blade designs.

Changes such as the implementation of curved blades, improved blade angles, and ideal blade

placements have huge potential for performance improvement. Blade and runner design

improvements will be fundamental in making Gravitational Water Vortex Turbines

(GWVTs) a reliable source of power, particularly for the rural towns of the Philippines.

Addressing these challenges might significantly enhance the long-term performance of

Gravitational Water Vortex Turbine (GWVT) systems. The results from the review will be used

to guide the experiments and procedures in the succeeding chapters.


CHAPTER 3

This chapter presents the procedure that will be used to attain the valid and relevant

results of the study.

Conceptual Framework

Research Design
This research employs an experimental research methodology with a Computational Fluid

Dynamics (CFD) simulation, production of parts, and actual test to optimize the blade design of

Gravitational Water Vortex Turbines (GWVTs).

There are four stages to the research: Preparation and Preliminary Assessment,

Conceptualization and Design, Fabrication of the Design, and Performance Assessment. The

phases are organized in such a way that there is a linear progression from design verification to

performance testing.

Phase 1: Preparation and Preliminary Assessment

This stage is all about collecting valuable information and resources required to enhance the

design of the blades for Gravitational Water Vortex Turbines (GWVTs). A critical analysis of the

literature is conducted to collect relevant researches and information pertaining to blade

optimization, including its shape, angle, number, and location. Analysis of previous research is a

good stepping stone for the study and aids in identifying the best parameters to be tested using

simulations.

Apart from literature review, this stage entails the identification of key variables in the research.

The independent variables include blade inclination, number, position, and shape, whereas the

dependent variables include power output, efficiency, and vortex stability.

Choosing a location is a key part of this phase. The location of testing is Saipan Beach, San Jose,

Tarlac, because of its good water flow and convenience for real testing. Choosing a good location

guarantees that the results of the test will be effective and can be used for the same hydro-power

conditions. The selected location has a uniform flow rate, which is very important in order to

effectively compare the performance of different blade designs.

Lastly, we prepare the equipment for the testing and simulation stages. This involves installing

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software such as ANSYS Fluent or SolidWorks for

simulations, and other equipment required to test power output and efficiency. Equipment
preparation helps minimize errors and ensure that the data we obtain during testing is accurate

and reliable.

Phase 2: Conceptualization of the Design

This phase aims to validate the optimal blade design using Computational Fluid Dynamics

(CFD) simulations. Based on findings from the literature, specific blade parameters such as

shape, inclination, number, and placement are analyzed to predict their performance. The

objective is to finalize a design that maximizes efficiency and power output before proceeding to

fabrication.

Key Parameters for Blade Design:

• Blade Shape: curved blades with 75°, 90° and 105° curvature

• Blade Baffle Plates: 50%

• Blade Inclination: 0° and 20°

• Blade Number: 5 blades

• Blade Placement: positions 70% from the top of the basin is evaluated

Table 1: Analysis for Gravitational Water Vortex Turbine with 2 different Blade Design

Inclination 75° Arc Angle 90° Arc Angle 105° Arc Angle

20°

Key Parameters for Body Dimensions

Basin Design Dimension (m)

Basin Diameter 0.55m

Frustum Bottom Diameter 0.15m

Total Basin Height 0.45m

For the Blade Dimensions, the following formula is implemented to find the width and

height of the blade with respect to the Body Dimensions For Blade Placement:
Blade Placement = Total Basin Height x 70%

𝐵𝑃 = 0.45𝑚 𝑥 0.70 = 0.315𝑚

For Blade Width:

Width = Basin Top Diameter x 60%

𝑤 = 0.55𝑚 𝑥 0.6 = 0.33𝑚

For Blade Height:

Blade Height = Basin Height x 30%

𝐻 = 0.45 𝑥 .3 = 0.14𝑚

Key Parameters for Blade Dimensions

Blade Design Dimension (m)

Width 0.33m

Height 0.14m

Hub Diameter 0.05 m

For the Blade design with different parameters

The researchers incorporated the parameters used by Handako et al. (2023) which

includes 3 arc angled blade with 75° Arc Angle, 90° Arc Angle, and 105° Arc Angle using

Fusion 360
Figure 1.1: 75° Arc Angle

Figure 1.2: 90° Arc Angle

Figure 1.3: 105° Arc Angle


For the Baffle plate with 50% area

The researchers divided the area into two different parts for easier computations where the

first area is the left side consisting of a right triangle while the second area is the right side

consisting of an arc.

Figure 2: 100% baffle with 2 different areas

In order to get 50% of the first area, the researchers used the formula for the area of a

triangle then dividing it by 2

50% of first area = 𝐵𝑎𝑠𝑒

𝑥 𝐻𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
2𝑥2

Arc Angle Base Height 50% of First Area

70° Arc Angle 0.026m 0.070m 0.000455m2

90° Arc Angle 0.035m 0.070m 0.0006125m2

105° Arc Angle 0.044m 0.070m 0.000770m2


Then, in order to get the desired thickness needed for the baffle, the researchers used trial

and error method with different outer triangle height and base using the following formula:

Area of Rectangle – Area of outer Triangle = Resulting Area

𝐻𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑥 𝐵𝑎𝑠𝑒
(𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑥 𝑊𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ) − =
𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 2

Figure 3: Shaded Area of the Outer Triangle

For 70° Arc Angle

Height of outer Triangle Base of outer Triangle (thickness) Resulting Area

0.0215m 0.009m 0.000533m2

0.020m 0.008m 0.000480m2

0.0185m 0.007m 0.000425m2

since 0.000480m2 has the nearest resulting area to the computed 50% area of the baffle

(0.000455m2), 0.008 thickness is to be used for the thickness of the baffle with 70° Arc Angle.
For 90° Arc Angle

Height of outer Triangle Base of outer Triangle (thickness) Resulting Area

0.022m 0.011m 0.000649m2

0.020m 0.010m 0.000600m2

0.018m 0.009m 0.000549m2

since 0.000600m2 has the nearest resulting area to the computed 50% area of the baffle

(0.0006125m2), 0.001thickness is to be used for the thickness of the baffle with 105° Arc Angle.

For 105° Arc Angle

Height of outer Triangle Base of outer Triangle (thickness) Resulting Area

0.022m 0.014m 0.000826m2


0.0205m 0.013m 0.000776m2

0.018m 0.012m 0.000732m2

Since 0.000776m2 has the nearest resulting area to the computed 50% area of the baffle

(0.000770m2), 0.013 thickness is to be used for the thickness of the baffle with 105° Arc Angle.

Then, for the 2nd area of the Baffle plate, the researchers identified below that by using the

dimension of the slope of the first area between point A and point B and by using the same slope

measurement on the 2nd area applying an arc with 90° angle on point C and point D yields to both

upper and lower curved region yielding an approximately same area.

A
B C

Figure 4: Divided area of the curved part

For 70° Arc Angle with 0.0215m slope and 90° Angle

Section Area

Upper Curved Section 0.000860m2

Lower Curved Section 0.000830m2

For 90° Arc Angle with 0.023m slope and 90° Angle

Section Area

Upper Curved Section 0.00129m2

Lower Curved Section 0.00127m2

For 105° Arc Angle with 0.0245m slope and 90° Angle
Section Area

Upper Curved Section 0.001770m2

Lower Curved Section 0.001785m2

Lastly, the blade shape was designed and modified by using Fusion 360, with the ability

to accurately model and analyze different configurations in 3D. Fusion 360 also facilitates design

validation through its built-in simulation tools to simulate fluid interaction and mechanical

performance.

For 70° Arc Angle, 0° Inclined

Fig 5: Top and Isometric Views of a 70° Arc Angle and 0° Inclined blade

For 70° Arc Angle, 20° Inclined

Fig 6: Top and Isometric Views of a 70° Arc Angle and 20° Inclined blade

For 90° Arc Angle, 0° Inclined


Fig 7: Top and Isometric Views of a 90° Arc Angle and 0° Inclined blade

For 90° Arc Angle, 20° Inclined

Fig 8: Top and Isometric Views of a 90° Arc Angle and 20° Inclined blade

For 105° Arc Angle, 0° Inclined

Fig 9: Top and Isometric Views of a 105° Arc Angle and 0° Inclined blade
For 105° Arc Angle, 20° Inclined

Fig 10: Top and Isometric Views of a 105° Arc Angle and 20° Inclined blade

Vortex Body Design

The design for the body is created with the same measurement of the actual machine

based on the paper “Design and Development of a Vortex Type Pico Hydro Generator”
Fig 11.1 Top View of the Machine

Fig 11.2 Side View of the Machine

Fig 11.3 Isometric View of the Machine

Phase 3: Fabrication of the Design

This phase focuses on translating the validated blade design into a physical prototype. It involves

material selection, and precise manufacturing techniques. The aim is to produce a durable and

efficient blade prototype ready for real-world testing.


Bill of Materials

Material Cost

Alternator 4000– 9000

Sprocket set 400

Angle Bar 300

Flat Bar 200

Tubular 350

Round Bar 140

Galvanized Steel Roofing 200

Total PHP 5590 - 10590

Phase 4: Performance Assessment

The final phase involves installing the prototype at the selected site and evaluating its

performance based on power output and efficiency. The goal is to assess if the optimized design

outperforms previous configurations and meets the study's objectives.

Table 2: Assessment for Gravitational Water Vortex Turbine with Optimized Blade Design

Trials Flow Rate Power Output Voltage Current (ampere)

(m3/min) (watts) (volts)

Trial 1

Trial 2

Trial 3

Trial 4
Trial 5

Mean

Knowing the Flow Rate Equation:

Size of Bucket(L) 1m3


Time 1000𝑙

The following formula was applied in order to determine the Mean Score:

x=
ΣScore per
parameters

ΣNo. of Score

The following formula was used by the researcher to determine the system's overall efficiency:

𝑛𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙=(𝑛𝑡)(𝑛𝑔)

Where:

𝑛𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙 = 𝑂𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦,%

𝑛𝑡 = 𝑇𝑢𝑟𝑏𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝐸𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 ,%

𝑛𝑔= 𝐺𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝐸𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦,%

The following formula was used to determine the hydraulic power:

𝑃𝑤 = 𝛾𝑄𝐻

Where:

𝑃𝑤= 𝐻𝑦𝑑𝑟𝑎𝑢𝑙𝑖𝑐 𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟,𝑘𝑤


𝛾= 𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 W𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡,9.81 𝐾𝑁 𝑚3

𝑄= 𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒

𝐻= 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑑,𝑚

The following formula can be used to determine the turbine power:

𝑃𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑏𝑖𝑛𝑒
𝑛𝑡 =
𝑃𝑤

𝑃𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑏𝑖𝑛𝑒 = 𝑃𝑤𝑛𝑡

Where:

𝑃𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑏𝑖𝑛𝑒= 𝑇𝑢𝑟𝑏𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟,𝐾𝑊

𝑃𝑤= 𝐻𝑦𝑑𝑟𝑎𝑢𝑙𝑖𝑐 𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟,𝐾𝑊

𝑛
𝑡= 𝑇𝑢𝑟𝑏𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝐸𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦, 60% 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑛 𝑌𝑜𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑓𝐷𝑜𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑒𝑡
𝑎𝑙 2020

The following formula can be used to determine the generator's efficiency:

𝑝𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟
𝑛𝑔 =
𝑝𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑏𝑖𝑛𝑒
Where:

𝑛𝑔= 𝐺𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝐸𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦,%


𝑃𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟= 𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝐺𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟, KW

𝑃𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑏𝑖𝑛𝑒= 𝑇𝑢𝑟𝑏𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟,𝐾𝑊 REFERENCE

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