Experimental Study of a High Speed Micro Waterwheel

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

The Mechanical Engineering Research Center of the Iranian Research Organization for Science & Technology (IROST)

Abstract

Waterwheels are the oldest types of hydraulic machines. These turbines are of relatively simple design, large diameter, low rotational speed and high torques. But applying them as micro hydros of high speed and small diameter is yet to be explored. A micro hydro waterwheel of one meter diameter was designed and manufactured at the Iranian  esearc†h Organization for Science and Technology (IROST) as a part of a joint research program between IROST and the Iranian Ministry of Power. The model turbine was then tested. Test results as standard turbine curves are also presented in this article. According to the results it was concluded that micro hydro waterwheels can operate efficiently at sites with high flow velocity.

Keywords

Main Subjects


[1] Shojaifard, M.H., "Turbo Machinery Hydraulic & Compressible (Trans.)", IROST Publication, (2002).
 
[2] Jones, Zoë," Domestic Electricity Generation using Waterwheels on Moored Barge", School of the Built Environment, Heriot-Watt University (dissertation), (2005).
 
 
[4] Oliver, P., "Small Hydro Power: Technology and Current Status", Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Vol. 107, No. 6, pp. 537-556, (2002).
 
[5] Denny, M., "The Efficiency of Overshot and Undershot Waterwheels", European Journal of Physics, Vol. 25, pp. 193-202, (2004).
 
[6] Bromley, P., "Re-inventing the Waterwheel", International Water Power and Dam Construction, (1999).
 
 [7]Gotoh, M., Kowata, H., Okuyama, T., and Katayama, S.,
"Characteristics of a Current Waterwheel Set In A Rectangular Channel",
Proceedings of FEDSM’01, ASME Fluids Engineering Division Summer Meeting,
 New Orleans, USA, (2001).
 
 [8] Muller, G., and Kauppert, K.,"Performance Characteristics of Waterwheels", Journal of Hydraulic Research, Vol. 42, No. 5, pp. 451-460, (2004).
 
 [9] Muller, G., and Wolter, C.,"The Breastshot Waterwheel: Design and Model Tests", ICE Proceedings- Engineering Sustainability, Issue ES4, pp. 203-211, (2004).
 
[10] Wissenzentrum Wasserrader Forschung- Hydraulische Modellversuche.
 
 [11] Electric Power Industry in Iran (In Farsi), Ministry of Power, Energy and Power Division, (1982).
 
 [12] A Report on Hydro Potentials of Limited Capacity in Iran, Water Resources Section, Ministry of Jihad, (1983).
 
[13] Yassi, Y.," An Experimental Study of Improvement of a Micro Hydro Turbine", University of Glasgow, (1999).
 
[14] Yassi, Y.," The Effects of Improvement of the Main Shaft on the Operating Conditions of the Agnew Turbine", Energy Conversion & Management, Vo. 50, Issue 10, pp. 2463-2692,  (2009).
 
[15] Shannon, Ron, "Waterwheel Engineering", Designing for Substantial Future Conference,          (1996).
 
[16] Raymond, A., Serway J., John, W., "Physics for Scientists and Engineers; Cengage Learning", (2009).
 
[17]  Lal, J., " Hydraulic Machines (Including Fluidics)", Metropolitan Book Co. Pvt. Ltd. , New Delhi,(1989).