Research Title

FALLING
WATER
ELECTRIC
GENERATOR
Researchers
Bayot, Frans Radi Benedict
Salimbagat, Michael

Lauron, Anagen Eve

Saul, James Khyle
Moya, Emmanuel

Nuez, Danielle Gayle

Bucay, Chrisel Nia

Acknowledgment
The study aimed to use water as a sufficient supply of electricity that can charge cellphones.
Nevertheless, this study wouldnt be possible without the everlasting love, care and
assistance from the researchers family, who supported them in the procurement of the much
needed logistics and references, cultivated and propagated the Falling Water Electric Generator,
and uplifted the researchers emotions when they taken back with discouragements.
The researchers would never forget to acknowledge Ms. Ma. Tresica C. Silvederio who
extended her invaluable time, giving her words of encouragement and patience in explaining the
whole course of the research.
Furthermore, the researchers would like to thank their classmates for the shared information
during casual talks and discussions.
Most of all, the researchers would like to thank God, our Father, the source of all strengths
and wisdom for without His unfaltering love and guidance this study would never be realized.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________
Title Page
Acknowledgment
Table of Contents ................................................................................................................... 1 - 2
List of Figures............................................................................................................................. 3
List of Tables .............................................................................................................................. 4
Abstract ....................................................................................................................................... 5
Chapter One Introduction
1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 6
1.2 Statement of the Problem ....................................................................................... 7
1.3 Formulation of Hypothesis....................................................................................... 7
1.4 Significance of the Study .................................................................................. 7 - 8
1.5 Scope and Delimitations.......................................................................................... 8
Chapter Two Review of Related Studies
2.1 Review of Related Studies ................................................................................. 9 - 11
Chapter Three Methodology
3.1 Materials ................................................................................................................. 12
3.2 Procedure ......................................................................................................... 13 - 15

Chapter Four Results and Discussion

4.1 Data and Results................................................................................................ 16- 18
4.2 Discussion ........................................................................................................... 19

Chapter Five Conclusion and Recommendations

5.1 Conclusions ............................................................................................................. 20
5.2 Recommendation ............................................................................................. 20 - 21
Bibliography ........................................................................................................................ 21 - 22

List of Figures
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________

Fig. 1 Materials ............................................................................................................................ 12

Fig. 2 Attaching the Spoons ........................................................................................................ 13
Fig. 3 Drilling the Plastic Bottle .............................................................................................. 14
Fig. 4 Drying up the Set-up ..................................................................................................... 15
Fig. 5 Testing the Set-up ............................................................................................................. 15
Fig. 6 Voltage of Trial 1-C (3/4 was covered) ........................................................................ 18
Fig. 7 Voltage of Trial 2-C (3/4 was covered) ..................................................................... ...18

LIST OF TABLES
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________
Table1. Data Gathered From the Faucet (Trial 1) ........................................................................ 17
Table2. Data Gathered From the Faucet (Trial 2) ........................................................................ 18

ABSTRACT
Ancient times, people used a simple machine called water wheel to produce a specific
motion using the movement of the water in the rivers or any other source. The water wheel is
located below a source of falling water. It captures the water in plates that is normal to the wheel;
the water hits the plates causing the wheel to turn. People want power to heat, light their homes
and to run machines.
The researchers thought and searched for alternative sources of energy. They made a
hydroelectric generator out of indigenous materials and tried if it can charge a phone. They tried
it using water from the faucet where the turbine concentrating to the faucet. When the faucet
turned on, the turbine turned but the energy produce is not enough to charge the phone but when
they partially covered 3/4 of opening of the faucet, the speed of water became faster than before
so does the turbine too. When they observed the phone, it charged for 1% in 3 minutes and 47
seconds on the first trial while on the second trial is 2 minutes and 13 seconds. They compared
their data gathered from charger that is connected from common outlet and the result is 1 minute
and 16 seconds.
This study proves that even you are using your water in your house; it can generate energy
that can lessen your electric bills and can recycle water. It does not produce atmospheric
pollutants and does not generate greenhouse gases.

CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
Hydroelectricity is the term referring to electricity generated by hydropower; the production
of electrical power through the use of the gravitational force of falling or flowing water. A power
source is used to turn a propeller-like piece called a turbine, which then turns a metal shaft in
an electric generator, which is the motor that produces electricity. Hydroelectric power
reservoirs store water that can be use in a number of ways not only on producing
electricity but also in water supply, flood control and etc. The reservoir acts much
like a battery, storing power in the form of water when demands are low and
producing maximum power during daily and seasonal peak periods. Modern hydro

turbines can convert more than 90 percent of available energy into electricity, making it the most
efficient generation source.
Ismail Seragildin (August 1995) once said The wars of the twenty-first century will be
fought on waters and as 21st century learners, we are looking forward to exploit water that we
are using for our daily living and utilize every hour in fighting against electricity crisis. By
means of this project, we can lift our country from deficiency of electricity. The researchers
conducted this study because our country has an ample amount of water but has insufficient
amount of electricity. So, the researchers figured out in making hydroelectric generator and use
recycled materials that can be seen anywhere or inside the house to make it more affordable.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Hydroelectricity is the term referring to electricity generated by hydropower; the
production of electrical power through the use of the gravitational force of falling water.
Common hydroelectric generators are used in large scale wherein the source can either be a falls
or dam. In lieu with this, the researcher opted for a study that investigates the possibility to use
falling water electric generator as a source of energy to charge a cellphone.
Specifically, this research intends to answer the following questions:

What is/are the factor/factors that can affect the speed of the water?
How can the speed of water affects the amount of energy produced by the set-up to the

charging status of the phone?

What is the relationship of the area of the faucet to the speed of water?
How long does the generator increase the battery level into 1%? 5%?

FORMULATION OF THE HYPOTHESIS

The falling water generator can supply energy needed to charge a phone.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

To attain the visibility of the most demanded avenues as the population grows, such as
electricity, the researchers ought to look for some alternative sources for it to be more applied
and flexible. Water which has been the most essential element for quenching one's thirst, taking
baths, and washing could also be a source of electricity.

This study aims to use water as an alternative source of supply of electricity and admits
advantages for it's safe and simple. It does not produce atmospheric pollutants and does not
generate greenhouse gases. It avoids depleting non-renewable fuel resources (i.e., coal, gas, oil).
It saves fuel. Since the use of electrical energy is really going adamant, the science of
possibilities containing strategies with the researchers capability aspires to voice this study out.
Furthermore, in large-scale generators, problems regarding the quality and temperature of
water arise. But in this set-up, either the temperature or the quality of water will not be affected
thus it cannot pose danger to the person using the water and the environment.
The study contributes one solution to this dilemma. Using the falling water generator every
time we consume water is like hitting two birds with one stone - use water for its common
purposes and harness energy that can charge cellphones.
The set-up of this study provides low operating and maintenance costs since the materials
used are either recycled or reused. There is an assurance that this promotes 3Rs.

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY

This study was conducted for it releases free energy as we keep the water falling. Its
elements are the turbine, the shaft, dynamo, and charger. As much as the researches would want
to help everyone to conserve our natural resources, they have conducted this kind of study.
The hydroelectric research was conducted on third week of June until second week of
February (S.Y. 2015-2016) in Consolacion National High School Day Class. This research has
been done with the use of indigenous materials and some tools like an electric drill, cutter, glue
gun, screwdriver, voltmeter and alligator clips.

CHAPTER II
Related Literature and Studies
The power of water has been used by humans for thousands of years. The Greeks used water in wheels where
they grind wheat into flour more than 2000 years ago (U.S. Department of Energy, 2008). 19th century was the
turning point for the utilization of water power. The improvements in technology and need for electricity replaced
the waterwheels with modern day turbines (Korkmaz, 2007).

There is uncertainty as to the date of the first water wheel, but T. S. Reynolds cites British
scholar Joseph Needham as finding evidence in ancient Indian texts of waterwheels from 350
B.C.E. (Reynolds, p.14, 1983). However, there is question as to the soundness of this evidence,
due to possible interpretation errors from reading the ancient scriptures. Instead, scholars turn to
next piece of historical evidence, which comes from ancient manuscripts by Philo the Greek, a
technician who lived under the Byzantine Empire around the 3rd century B.C.E. (Reynolds, p.14,
1983). It is believed that the Greeks used waterwheels to grind wheat into flour at this time
(Department of Energy, 2008).
Waterwheels eventually found their way into the Middle East by the 10th century C.E., as
well as late medieval and Renaissance Europe (Smil, p.79, 2006). Even by the time of the
Western Industrialization, power from waterwheels was relied upon as much as the steam engine
(Smil, p.80, 2006). During the time of the Western Industrialization pre-1800s, there existed only
wooden waterwheels that suffered from low efficiencies and maintenance problems (Smil, p.82,
2006). After the 1800s, however, the metal waterwheels by Benoit Fourneyron, and then Samuel
B. Howd which was later improved upon by James B. Francis, led to the development of the
water turbine. Water turbines were originally directly connected to industrial plants, but later

used to generate electricity (Smil, p.82, 2006). Today, the worlds hydroelectric plants are
primarily powered by water turbines that capture the energy in water flowing through a dam
(Department of Energy, 2008)
A hydroelectric dam converts mechanical energy to electrical energy by means of a turbine
and alternator. Hydroelectric power is produced as water passes through a dam, and into a river
below. The more water that passes through a dam, the more energy is produced. Whenever
electricity is produced, it is transported along huge transmission lines to an electric utility
company. Dams are one of the products of this study. Retrieved February 10, 2016, from
http://www.mbgnet.net/fresh/rivers/dams.html.
Throughout the 1990s in order to maximize this source of energy for electricity production,
a hydropower facility consists of a water reservoir enclosed by a dam whose gates can open or
close depending on how much water is needed to produce a particular amount of electricity.
Once electricity is produced, it is transported along huge transmission lines to an electric utility
company. Dams are one of the products of this study. Hydroelectric Power.
AlternativeEnergy.Web.28.Sept.2015. http://www.altenergy.org/renewables/hydroelectric.html.
As to how this generator works Corps of Engineers explains it this way: A hydraulic turbine
converts the energy of flowing water into mechanical energy. A hydroelectric generator converts
this mechanical energy into electrical energy. The operation of a generator is based on the
principles discovered by Faraday. He found that when a magnet is moved past a conductor, it
causes electricity to flow. In a large generator, electromagnets are made by circulating direct
current through loops of wire wound around stacks of magnetic steel laminations. These are
called field poles, and are mounted on the perimeter of the rotor. The rotor is attached to the

10

turbine shaft, and rotates at a fixed speed. When the rotor turns, it causes the field poles (the
electromagnets) to move past the conductors mounted in the stator. This, in turn, causes
electricity to flow and a voltage to develop at the generator output terminals. (Perlman, 2015)

CHAPTER III
Methodology
11

Materials Needed:

20L Plastic Gallon

10 Plastic Spoons
18-inch long Curtain Rod
Thin Wire
Dynamo (ceiling fan)

Cellular Phone
Charger
3 Glue Sticks
2 DVD/CD Discs
Permanent Marker

Marine Epoxy
1Bearing (motor bearing/small)
1 Spray Paint

Cutter
Glue Gun
Pair of Scissors

Phillip Screw (Screwdriver)

Ruler

Tools Needed:

2 Alligator Clips
Electric Drill
Voltmeter

Figure 1. Materials

Procedure:
A. The Turbine
1.

Gather 8 plastic spoons. Using the wire cutters, cut the spoon handles leaving a 1 cm
stem from the bowl of the spoon.

2.

Warm up the glue gun and load it with glue stick.

12

3.

Mix the epoxy properly.

4.

Put the first spoon on the disc and paste it with the use of glue gun. Apply it with the
epoxy.

5.

Repeat step 4 with the remaining 7 spoons. Adjust the angle of the spoons so that they
are evenly spaced and all projects from the disc at the same angle.

6.

Cover it with the other disc.

7.

Insert the bearing into the rod and slide it into the disc passing through the bearing.

8.

Stick it with glue. Apply epoxy in it.

13

Figure 2. Applying Epoxy to Spoons to the Disc

B. The Housing or the Body
1. Get the plastic container and tear off any labels that might be attached to the sides. Using
scissors or a cutter, cut part of the bottom off.

14

2. Using a ruler, find the center of the side as accurately as you can. Mark this point with the
permanent marker. Repeat for the other side.
3. Drill a hole through the plastic at the mark on each side of the container.

Figure3. Drilling the Plastic Bottle

C. Final Assembly
1.
2.
3.
4.

Slide the rod into the plastic.

Attach the dynamo facing to the turbine.
Cut the thin wire and hook it up into the dynamo.
Repeat step 3 until all holes are hooked up on the rod. Stick them with glue

and apply epoxy.

5. Paste the other part of the dynamo into the rod. Cut the remaining rod, if it is too long.
6. Spray it with the spray paint.
7. Leave it to dry.

15

Figure4. Drying up the Set-up

D. Test the set-up
1. Get the set-up; be sure that the set-up is already dry.
2. Gather the materials such as alligator clips, charger, cellular phone, and voltmeter.
3. Use the alligator clips to hold the tip of the wire from the dynamo and clip it to the other.
Repeat this to the other side.
4. Place the set-up near the faucet. Be sure that the turbine is concentrated at the faucet.
5. Turn on the faucet and measure the flow of the water.
6. Observe the results of the set-up

Figure5. Testing the

Set-up

CHAPTER IV

Results and Discussion

Data and Results:

During the first testing of the set-up, the cellphone didnt charge even if the faucet was

turned on to its maximum level.

When the opening of the faucet was covered, these data were gathered:

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Table1. Data gathered from the faucet (Trial 1).

Trials

Rate of Falling

Opening

Charging Status

Water

of the Faucet

(Charged for 1 %)

Voltage of
the
Set-up
(volts)

No cover

No status

11.1 17.2

was covered

Not stable

14.6 21.7

was covered

Not stable

43.9 49.6

No cover

Not stable

19.5 25.6

was covered

Not stable

31.7 37.8

was covered

Not stable

57.3 63.4

No cover

Not stable

46.5 52.6

was covered

Charged in 4 min & 32 sec

60.5

was covered

Charged in 3 min & 47 sec

87.8

(160 mL for 2.66s)

A

60.15 mL/s

(160 mL for 1.68s)

B

95.24 mL/s

(160 mL for 0.82s)

C

195.12 mL/s

Table2. Data gathered from the faucet (Trial 2).

Trials

Rate of Falling

Opening

Charging Status

Water

of the Faucet

(Charged for 1 %)

Voltage of
the
Set-up
(volts)

No cover

No status

20.8 25.7

was covered

Not stable

37.9 41.5

was covered

Not stable

59.2 63.7

(160 mL for 1.42s)

A

112.68 mL/s

17

(160 mL for 0.79s)

B

202.53 mL/s

No cover

Not stable

48.4 56.7

was covered

Not stable

54.8 63.4

was covered

Not stable

76.2 88.3

No cover

Not stable

86.2 - 89.7

was covered

Charged in 3 min & 08 sec

92.5

was covered

Charged in 2 min & 13 sec

118.3

(160 mL for 0.53s)

C

301. 89 mL/s

Data gathered from the common outlet:

Charging Status in 1% is 1 minute and 16 seconds

Charging Status in 5% is 6 minutes and 43 seconds

Figure6. Voltage of
Trial 1-C (3/4 was
covered)

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Figure7. Voltage of
Trial 2-C (3/4 was
covered)

Discussion:
Based on the
data gathered, the
energy
produced

that
by

the

generator will vary

depending on the
area of the faucet that is covered and the speed of water. When the speed of the water is slow,
which are trials A, the energy receive by the turbine is not enough to supply the voltage needed
by the charger to work; it is because the voltage is not stable eventhough the area of the opening
of the faucet is covered into 3/4. When the speed of the water is fast, which are trial C, it can
produce a stable voltage that can charge a phone. Using the set-up, the phone charged for 5% in
just 14 minutes and 6.9 seconds. On the other hand, the phone was charged that was ejected at
the outlet at charged for 5% in just 6 minutes and 43 seconds.
The data shows the inverse relationship between the areas of the faucet where water can
flow and the speed of the water exiting from the faucet. When the area of the faucet where the
water can flow is large, then the speed of the water is slow but when the area is small, the flow

19

rate is fast. This phenomenon is commonly known as the Continuity Equation. It means the mean
flow rates at all cross sections (inflow & outflow) having equal areas are then equal, and if the
areas are not equal, then the speed of water is inversely proportional to the areas of the respective
cross sections which are the inflow and the outflow. Thus, if the flow of water is constant in a
channel, then the product of the area of the opening of the faucet and the speed of water will be
equal for any two cross sections within that reach.

Moreover, when the speed of falling water is fast, this causes the dynamo to turn fast;
generating more energy called voltage thus resulting for the phone to charge.

CHAPTER V

Conclusion
Some of the factors that can affect the speed of water are the opening or the area of the
faucet where the water comes out is covered - and the source being turned on to its maximum
level or the flow rate. The study shows that the faster the speed of water, the greater the voltage
which the hydroelectric generator can produce and the slower the speed of water becomes, it also
affects the voltage of the generator as well. The data shows the inverse relationship between the
areas of the faucet where water can flow and the speed of the water exiting from the faucet.
When the area of the faucet where the water can flow is large, then the speed of the water is slow
but when the area is small, the flow rate is fast. Using the generator, the battery level increased

20

into 1% in an average of 3 minutes. And for 5% is 14 minutes and 6.9 seconds.

Furthermore, falling water electric generator can be a source of energy to charge a cellphone.

Recommendation
To improve this study, the researchers recommend the following:

If possible, make the voltage constant

If possible, connect the set-up to a bulb
Improve the structural form of the set-up
Increase the voltage that has been produced by the set-up
Do not expose the dynamo in water; it may lead to malfunctioning of the set-up.
If possible, made portable device that is similar to the study and can be easily used
during emergencies situations

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http://www.altenergy.org/renewables/hydroelectric.html

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Power, http://www.conserve-energy-

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Build your own hydroelectric generator. (2015, August 9). Retrieved January 26, 2016,
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Perlman, H., & USGS. Hydroelectric power. Advantages, from USGS water-science
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Get started with Microhydro power. Retrieved January 26, 2016, from
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Friedl, S. (n.d.). Hydroelectric energy: Definition, uses, advantages & disadvantages video & lesson transcript Available from http://study.com/academy/lesson/hydroelectricenergy-definition-uses-advantages-disadvantages.html

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http://www.fsl.orst.edu/geowater/FX3/help/8_Hydraulic_Reference/Continuity_Equation.
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