Prototype Mini Hydroelectric Generator

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The demand for energy has become relentlessly increasing especially in this era of booming economy, industrial activity and population. Finding energy alternative sources of energy have become increasingly popular as well to address the impending power crisis. The introduction of a new generator design is envisioned to minimize the cost and consumption of power in a community.

METHODS

A descriptive method was used in this study. The Prototype Mini Hydroelectric Generator was mostly made by recyclable materials. The performance of the machine were tested in terms of its power generation and machine efficiency. There were two trials in testing the generator. First, a low water pressure was used in testing the minimum power generation and a high water pressure to know the maximum power generation. The turbine will rotate as long as there is a flowing water to drive it. The rotor is attached to the turbine shaft and rotates. When the rotor turns, it causes the field poles to move past the conductors mounted in the stator. This caused electricity to flow and power to generate at the generator output terminals.

RESULTS

The power generation performance was based from the power generation machine efficiency (power output/power input x 100) . The result showed that the average power production of volts per minute with a power inverter is 224.4 volts. In terms of the efficiency of the hydroelectric generator, it was noted that its average power generation efficiency is 96.96 percent. The result produced from the machine with power inverter is different from the rate of voltage generated. For the power generation efficiency, it was observed that it has a high percentage capability in producing enough volts to power a bulb (220 volts). Based on the tests, the generator is feasible to generate power.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the gathered and testified data, the results showed that the Prototype Mini Hydroelectric Generator is capable of producing voltage in both high water pressure and low water pressure. It produces higher voltage when driven by high water pressure and it produces lower voltage when driven by low water pressure.