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Radial- and mixed-flow turbines for low head microhydro systems

Author

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  • Alexander, K.V.
  • Giddens, E.P.
  • Fuller, A.M.

Abstract

This paper describes the design of two different specific speed microhydro turbines operating at heads between 6 and 12m, at small scale and up to heads of 50m at larger scales. The features are specifically tailored for ease of manufacture and uniquely resistant to debris blockage. Test machines are described and test results given; hydraulic efficiencies of over 70% have been achieved in all test models despite the fact that the turbine blades are made from flat plate, specifically to simplify manufacture. Outline drawings are given with key dimensions for each reference model, along with the equations for scaling to arbitrary sizes. These turbines are the mixed- and radial-flow members of a family of turbines developed to cover the microhydro range from 2 to about 50m of head, which is below the range where Pelton wheels are applicable.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexander, K.V. & Giddens, E.P. & Fuller, A.M., 2009. "Radial- and mixed-flow turbines for low head microhydro systems," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 34(7), pages 1885-1894.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:34:y:2009:i:7:p:1885-1894
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2008.12.013
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alexander, K.V. & Giddens, E.P., 2008. "Optimum penstocks for low head microhydro schemes," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 33(3), pages 507-519.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kadier, Abudukeremu & Kalil, Mohd Sahaid & Pudukudy, Manoj & Hasan, Hassimi Abu & Mohamed, Azah & Hamid, Aidil Abdul, 2018. "Pico hydropower (PHP) development in Malaysia: Potential, present status, barriers and future perspectives," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 81(P2), pages 2796-2805.
    2. Modesto Pérez-Sánchez & P. Amparo López-Jiménez & Helena M. Ramos, 2018. "Modified Affinity Laws in Hydraulic Machines towards the Best Efficiency Line," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 32(3), pages 829-844, February.
    3. Payambarpour, S. Abdolkarim & Najafi, Amir F. & Magagnato, Franco, 2020. "Investigation of deflector geometry and turbine aspect ratio effect on 3D modified in-pipe hydro Savonius turbine: Parametric study," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 148(C), pages 44-59.
    4. Hoghooghi, Hadi & Durali, Mohammad & Kashef, Amin, 2018. "A new low-cost swirler for axial micro hydro turbines of low head potential," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 128(PA), pages 375-390.
    5. Giosio, D.R. & Henderson, A.D. & Walker, J.M. & Brandner, P.A. & Sargison, J.E. & Gautam, P., 2015. "Design and performance evaluation of a pump-as-turbine micro-hydro test facility with incorporated inlet flow control," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 1-6.
    6. Laghari, J.A. & Mokhlis, H. & Bakar, A.H.A. & Mohammad, Hasmaini, 2013. "A comprehensive overview of new designs in the hydraulic, electrical equipments and controllers of mini hydro power plants making it cost effective technology," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 20(C), pages 279-293.
    7. Elbatran, A.H. & Yaakob, O.B. & Ahmed, Yasser M. & Shabara, H.M., 2015. "Operation, performance and economic analysis of low head micro-hydropower turbines for rural and remote areas: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 40-50.

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