Micro Hydroelectric Powered Streetlights

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Some barrios here in the Philippines don't have access to electricity. It happens when the barrio is too far from the town. Here in the Philippines, the main source of energy came from fossil fuels like the Malampaya power plant, but fossil fuels are a kind of non-renewable source of energy. in this country, the people should use renewable source of energy just like geothermal, solar and hydroelectric energy. Thus, the researchers conducted a study using micro-hydroelectric power for streetlights.

METHODS

The micro hydroelectric powered prototype streetlights were constructed following pre-designed specifications. The device consists of PVC pipes, dynamo, mini-turbine, etc. The parts were attached to the other parts using epoxy glue. Water was allowed to flow in the device to move the attached turbine creating mechanical energy. This energy is converted to electrical energy by a dynamo. The device was tested by allowing a certain amount of water per trial to flow in the device. The generated electricity was measured by liter of water.

RESULTS

Results show that in the first trial the device can generate 6 volts of electricity per 4 liters of water, then 9 volts of electricity per 12 liters of water and 13 volts of electricity per 20 liters of water. in the second trial, 6 volts of electricity per 4 liters of water, then 8 volts of electricity per 12 liters of water and 12 volts of electricity per 20 liters of water. in the third trial 6 volts of electricity per 4 liters of water, then 9 volts of electricity per 12 liters of water and 13 volts of electricity per 20 liters of water.

DISCUSSIONS

The result revealed that the amount of energy produced is based on the amount of water used. in other hands the more the water passing through the impeller the more the energy is produced.