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INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The electricity is one of the fundamental needs, because it gives life to

technologies that we used today. But in some remote areas in our country is far from

the breakthroughs. Perhaps, they are rich in the natural resources. The one of these

was to the great rivers and streams can a precious reason to put this kind of

technology. Some places in the world already formed different devices in the use of

strength of the body of water.

Electric Power and Energy Conversion Systems or EPECS, put up a Pico-

hydro power plant (PHP) using the water from traditional irrigation pumps, which are

widely used for agricultural purposes in the rural areas of Bangladesh. In addition, it

hand over the achievable possibility of PHP as an electricity generating system in

perspective Bangladesh, being an expanding country with scarcity of electricity and

facing many privation towards making it, is continually in search of an another source

of energy, in which case, Renewable Energy has gained a stature for.

The Pico-hydroelectric power plant installed by the School of Mechanical and

Manufacturing Engineering (SMME) in Northern Luzon, Philippines provides 3 kW

of power to the indigenous community of Barangay Talite in Aguinaldo, Ifugao.

Barangay Talite consists of several sitios (zones). The sitio involved in this project is

Sitio Henalong. Currently, the power plant provides 25 – 35 W to each of the 15

households of Sitio Henalong

Here in Davao del Norte Pico-hydro didn’t exist yet. Fortunately to those

communities live in urban areas which already have electricity. But for those who live

in remote areas they are less fortunate because they are unreachable by the
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electrification. Yet, they have ample resources that can be an alternative source of

energy. The researcher proposes to design a device to address the needs of the isolated

areas especially to their power system.

Objectives of the Study

The main objective is to design an alternative source of energy to remote area

in Purok Durian, Mainit, Maco, Compostela Valley Province.

The following statements are the designer’s specific objectives:

 Construct a prototype of a hydrocat-style boat for the system floater, and

come up with an inlet.

 The system will have a floating cross-flow turbine.

 The gear system which uses spur gears.

 To achieve a one (1) ampere and twelve (12) volts dc full-load.

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Significance of the project

This design project is made to serve an alternative renewable energy source

that can charge a battery. Also, the portability of the project is focal point because you

can harvest energy anywhere you want as long as it has a current flow of water. Given

that it is floating, it cannot affect the aquatic animals especially fishes.

Target Beneficiaries

This design project addresses the needs of electricity of the people lives in remote

areas which is near river and streams. This lightens the inconvenience of the people to go to

town just to charge batteries. This “Pico-hydro floating turbine with gear system” provides

enough power to light-up single household at night. The system does not require dam, only

the current flow of run-of-river or streams.

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Review of Related Literature

The use of potential or kinetic power from water in order to provide driving

force and more specifically electric energy is widely known. There are a number of

water resources, such as irrigation canals, feeding or discharge canals, rivers, lakes or

estuaries with sufficient flow rate to produce electric power. There are several of

researches regarding with harvesting of some energy of any bodies of water.

Curtis, M. (1989) invented a floating water turbine. Design for taking the

kinetic energy from linear current flow and converting it into mechanical energy and

subsequently into electrical energy. The turbine is constructed of a buoyant material

to support itself on top of the water, thereby eliminating any drag from the apparatus.

This breakthrough gives us an idea to set up new floating turbine so that it will be so

buoyant to equilibrate the weight of the generator and the gearings of the whole

device.

According to Gardner, K. (2010) Pico-hydro turbines are generally classified

in the range of 5kW below. The categorization of turbine is found on the “head” or

water pressure that pushes the turbine. Medium-head turbines are usually the most

frequent turbines, in which the turbine blades are immersed and create electricity as

an integral response with the water pressure. Since they service with medium head,

these turbines ordinarily need average quantity of water to build useful power,

specified that water pressure is remarkable.

Since our turbine work at the surface of the water requires the linear current

flow of the water. It will need an inlet so that the pressure of the water will be used at

its optimum state. Moreover, the laminar flow is what we aim to collect to be feed
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into turbine. Yet the turbulent flow of the water is irresistible the inlet plays its role to

the device so that the turbulent flow will be tolerable.

Broderick, W. (2012) invent a floating fluid inlet is constructed preferably of

stainless steel and food grade plastic tubing. Fluid inlet keeps away from gathering

sediment from the lowest part of the soda keg. This development hand over a vision

on how to keep away from unwanted debris to be fed into turbine.

To cope up with the revolution per second require with the generator gear

system is involve. The best type of gear for generators is the spur gears. In view of the

fact that the meeting surfaces in the middle of contiguous gears are completely

tangential to the direction of the rotating axes. This assures the most well-founded

connection and doesn’t produce any push in the system either, there-by remove the

need for push bearings.

Current alteration in Pico-hydro technology has made it an economic starting

point of power even in some of the world’s poorest and most unreachable places. It is

also a versatile power spring. Hydro power systems of this size ease in expression of

cost and clarity from different inch toward in the design, arrangement and installation

than those which are applied to larger hydro power.

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Scope and Limitation

For this proponents’ design project, Pico-hydro floating turbine with gear

system, the minimum target current is one (1) ampere and twelve (12) volts DC (full-

load). It only works at horizontally flowing water with a minimum depth of 1.5 feet.

The design project has gear system which can help to cope up with the

required revolution per minute of the generator. For its output, it will have a battery

charger and can only charge a 12V battery for the storage of the converted electrical

energy.
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Chapter 2

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Research design

In this design, the proponents claim that pico-hydroelectric power generation

is one of the easiest to put up. This design is a convenient free energy source, due to

its portability and easy to install.

Proposed design

The figures below show the researchers’ ideal prototype.

RIGHT-SIDE VIEW

Figure 2.1 Right-Side View

FRONT VIEW

Figure 2.2 Front View

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Input – Process – Output Model

Current flow of the water will be fed into the system inlet for the minimization

of the turbulent flow of the water. The use of the inlet is to concentrate the water

pressure to drive the turbine. To cope up with the required revolution per minute of

the generator, gear system is placed after the turbine’s shaft. The input of the gear

system is the speed of the turbine and the output will be connected to the shaft of the

generator. Due to varying voltage output of the generator as a result of changing rpm

of the generator, a voltage regulator will do the rest. Finally, the regulated voltage

output of the generator is stored in the battery.

INPUT

WATER INLET TURBINE

VOLTAGE GENERATOR GEAR SYSTEM

REGULATOR

BATTERY
/LIGHT
BULB

OUTPUT

Figure 2.3 Input-Process-Output Model

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System Flowchart

INLET

TURBINE

SPROCKET AND
CHAIN

GEAR BOX

GENERATOR

REGULATOR

VOLTMETER AND
AMMETER

Figure 2.4 System Flowchart

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Conceptual framework

The overall concept of the system design is shown as seen in the figure.

River Water

REGULATOR GENERATOR GEAR BOX

AND
BATTERY

SPROCKET
AND CHAINS

TURBINE

Figure 2.5 Conceptual Framework

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Design constraints

The design team contemplates constraints that are necessary to the project

design. These are the functionality, economic and manufacturability constraints.

Functionality

The design aims to have minimal friction losses. If the gear system will not
have any lubrication it can affect the overall functionality of the design. Also, the
debris that will bump into the turbine will reduce the speed of rotation of it; as a
result, it affects the output of the generator.

Economic

The uniqueness and simplicity of the design is an added point when it goes in

terms of financial aspect. Upon making the design the researcher has big expenditures

in buying the materials due to unavailability here in our place. But by the innovation

of it, the cost is reduced and without sacrificing other components of the system.

Manufacturability

50% of the project’s parts will be submerging to the water. Therefore, the
researchers use Galvanized Iron type of material to the turbine and the casing, because
it has rust resistant. But the thing that the coated zinc in GI sheets is not permanent; as
a result of running out of zinc coating it’ll begin rusting.
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Trade-offs

Design Concepts

Pico-Hydro Floating Turbine with Gear Weight Design 1 Design 2

System

1. Reliability 13.85% 5 5
Functionality

2. Accuracy 18.46% 5 5
46.16%

3. Suitability 4.62% 5 4

4. Serviceability 9.23% 5 4

5. Satisfaction 3.5% 5 4

6. Efficiency 12% 5 5
Usability
27.50%
Selection Criteria

7. Effectiveness 9% 5 4

8. Operability 3% 5 5

9. Changeability 3.17% 5 4
Maintainability

10. Stability 6.33% 5 6

15.83%

11. Extensions 2.37% 5 3

12. Durability 3.96% 5 4

13. Adaptability 2.63% 5 4

Accessibility

14. Constancy 3.16% 5 5

10.53%

15. Co-Existence 1.58% 5 5

16. Replaceability 3.16% 5 4

TOTAL SCORE 80 71
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WEIGHTED SCORE 5 4.4375

Table 2.1 Trade-off Analysis Decision Table

From the computation above, the Pico-Hydro Floating Turbine with Gear System (design 1)
was the one with the greater result thus, the proponents made the design that is desired.

Design standards

In this design the researchers apply the following standard:

1. IEC 61116 Ed. 1.0 b: 1992- best also known as “Electromechanical

equipment guide for small hydroelectric installations”, appertain to
installations with outputs down to less than 5 MW and 3m diameter of
turbine.
2. IEEE 1248-1998 (R2007)- this guide is governing to the plant owners,
designers, and contractors included in the ordering of electrical
systems of hydroelectric plants.
3. ISO 8528-1:2005- elucidates different classifications for the
application, rating and performance of generating sets be composed of
a Reciprocating Internal Combustion (RIC) engine, Alternating
Current (AC) generator and any connected control gear, switchgear
and auxiliary equipment.
4. ISO 86:1974- tensile testing of sheet and strip less than 3mm and not
less than 0.5 mm thick.
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Research procedure

Data Planning Analysis Organizing Design

Gathering Implementation

Figure 2.6 Research Procedure

Data Gathering

During this time the researchers gathered data and aim to choose a specific

problem to address. And place in Mainit, Maco, Compostela Valley Province

captivate our attention due to the absence of electricity; people located in this

particular area needs to go to town almost every day just to charge battery to power

their lightings at night.

Planning

The light that is needed of the people in the area is one of the concern. At this

specific location is has a river near from it. As a result, the researchers come up with

an idea to use the kinetic energy of the flowing water as a catalyst of the undecided

design.

Analysis

At this stage the researchers ponder the things they needed to attain their

certain goal and scrutinized the gathered data to identify the overall direction of the

design project.

Organizing

This time the researchers arrange the steps in making the design. They made a

time frame to achieve their specific step by step objectives. First, they look for

generator for the prototype, next the turbine that could effectively drives the turbine

and so on and so forth.

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Designing

At this stage, the researcher starts searching the suitable components that the

design comprises. First the specification of the generator to be used, computing the

specs of the turbine that could effectively rotate the generator with the desired rpm,

also the size of the hydrocat-style boat and its buoyancy to balance.

Implementing

The researchers build the overall project prototype with help of the experts and

skillful people.
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Material Used and Hardware Specification

Hardware Illustration Specification

-Spur gears
- oil for lubricant
Gear System
- I/O ratio 1:8

Rated Power: 20W

1-pc
Voltage: 6V, 12V, 24V
Geared DC-
Current: 1.5 A (full-load)
Generator
RPM: 720 rpm

Type: Cross-flow
Turbine
Made of GI sheet

Type: hydrocat-style boat

Floater
Made of GI sheet

Voltmeter safe voltage: 400v

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maximum allowable current: 10

Ammeter
amperes

XRM voltage Output:12v-14v

regulator

Dimension: 12’x8’

GI sheet Gauge: 16

Table 2.2 Materials Use and Hardware Specifications

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Chapter 3

FINDINGS OF THE STUDY

This chapter presents the gathered data and results of the research done.

Trials Results

No of Generator Output Regulator Output

Trial (Voltage, Ampere) (Voltage, Ampere)
1 13.3 V, 1.5 A 13.5 V, 1.5 A
2 14.7 V, 1.7 A 13.5 V, 1.7 A
3 15.2 V, 2 A 13.5 V, 2 A
4 14.5 V, 1.6 A 13.5 V, 1.6 A
5 15 V, 1.9 A 13.5 V, 1.9 A

Table 3.1

Conclusion

The Pico-Hydro Floating Turbine with Gear System meets the specifications

that are needed, thus, its output depends on any cases.

The said design was composed of a floating cross flow turbine that can help

the floater in terms of buoyancy; therefore, the turbine helps to lessen the weight that

is present in the entire system. Gears are also present in the system that can help in

terms of how to have a high speed in a smooth flow of the water, the gears that are

used in the gearbox is a spur gear (transmission) for the purpose that they are compact

and easy to install, these gears offer constant velocity ratio, no slip, highly reliable

and can transmit large amount of power.

Base on the table, the system produces more voltage and current than the

desired output due to its components good performance, by the time, the system can

work on its specified task when the specification on having the desired output was
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perform but its behavior depends on how the system is being used. A 4Ah, 12 Vdc

battery will be charge in a minimum of 4 hours.

The Pico-Hydro Floating Turbine with Gear System was designed with

creative understanding that results to better output than anyone did.

Recommendation

To enhance the performance of the system durability, the researchers

recommended to use stainless steel for the prevention of corrosion and as well as the

strength property of the said materials. For the efficiency, it is better for the gearbox

to be well lubricated and have higher gear ratio to improve rotation to drive the

generator with greater output. The coupling turbine and gearbox must be aligned to

prevent shear stress to minimize mechanical losses in the system. For the stability, the

floater must be modified to have a spacious container of water inside to improve

balance and buoyancy.

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Chapter 4

REFERENCES

Akhilesh A., Gopal D. (2015). Pico-Hydro-Plant for Small Scale Power Generation

in Remote Villages [pdf]. Retrieved from http://www.iosrjournals.org/

Bella M. (2001). HYDROCAT BOAT WORKS. Retrieved from

https://www.yachtingjournal.com

Zar N., Htay H., Myint T. (2016). Design, Construction and Performance Test of

Cross-flow Turbine. Retrieved from

http://www.iraj.in/journal/journal_file/journal_pdf/2-324-148463812095-

100.pdf

Vidyaranya. B.S., (2011). How to select the DC generator. Retrieved from

https://www.physicsforums.com

John D. (2015). Honda Xrm 110 Wiring Diagram Pdf - Honda Wave 110 Wiring

Diagram John Deere Wiring Diagrams. Retrieved from http://jvohnny.life