Theoretical Analysis and Fabrication of Portable Archimedes Screw Micro Hydro Generator
Abstract
There are many free flowing water bodies that are ignored because their water flow rate is too less or the head is not enough to generate energy. Our project is based on building a small scale generator that can generate energy in low water flow rate and low head conditions and is light enough to be portable but can generate enough power to charge electrical appliances. The body of the generator is in the form of a screw, thus making it easy to generate power at low flow rate and head.
This paper intends to study the screw turbine rotor for remote area electricity production. The research is done by comparing theoretical calculation to experimental results. The performance of Archimedes water turbines that has different blade numbers that are thoroughly evaluated to obtain proper blade configuration. Various losses in the system are discussed, showing that the experimental power outputs and theoretical predictions have variations.
The micro-hydro power plant based on Archimedes Screw is a type of renewable energy power plant that also operates on low costs. It requires no reservoir in order to power the turbine. The water will run straight through the turbine and back into the river or stream to use it for the other purposes. This has a minimal environmental impact on the local ecosystem.
The Archimedes Screw
It is believed that the Archimedes screw was invented by Archimedes of Syracuse (287-212 BC), the Greek physicist, mathematician, and inventor. It is an ancient technology that has seen much use throughout history for many different purposes. Traditionally, the device was implemented as a pump, but more recently it has been employed as a hydro-electric generator.
Archimedes Screw Generator
Archimedes screws have been used as water pumps for irrigation and de-watering for a long time. It is a machine used for transferring water from a low-lying body of water into irrigation ditches. Water is pumped by turning a screw-shaped surface inside a pipe. Archimedes screws are also used for materials such as powders and grains.
Ideation and Drafts
3D Slicing
3D Printing
Prototype (Made of PLA)
Autodesk Fusion 360 Renders
