Introduction

Hydropower is based on simple concepts. Moving water turns a turbine, the turbine spins a generator, and electricity is produced. Many other components may be in a system, but it all begins with the energy already within the moving water. Hydropower is the combination of head and flow.



Both must be present to produce electricity. Consider a typical hydro system. Water is diverted from a stream into a pipeline, where it is directed downhill and through the turbine (flow). The vertical drop (head) creates pressure at the bottom end of the pipeline. The pressurized water emerging from the end of the pipe creates the force that drives the turbine.

More flow or more head produces more electricity. Electrical power output will always be slightly less than water power input due to turbine and system inefficiencies. Micro hydro power is probably the least common of the three readily used renewable energy sources, but it has the potential to produce the most power, more reliably than solar or wind power if you have the right site. This means having access to a river or creek that has a high enough flow to produce useable power for a good part of the year.



Many creeks and rivers are permanent, because they never dry up, and these are the most suitable for micro-hydro power production. A micro hydro turbine can take several forms, the most widely recognized of which would be the water wheel, used extensively for grain grinding up until this century. Waterwheels are still used in some situations that do not require a fast-spinning turbine, such as for pumping water. However, other types of turbines have become quite common.



Hydro electric generating plants come in many sizes from huge plants that produce more electricity than most countries can use, to very small plants that supply electricity for a single house. A hydro electric plant which supplies electric power in the range from 15 kilowatts to 15, 000 kilowatts is called mini hydroelectric or mini hydro. Other phrases that mean the same thing are “small-scale hydro” and “small hydro”.



Fifteen kilowatts is about amount of power used by seven or eight houses in the industrial countries or be a very small manufacturing plant or it can provide lightning and other basic services for a village of 50-80 houses. Fifteen thousand kilowatts is enough for medium sized town. Hydro plants which are larger than 15,000 kilowatts are usually called “large hydro” or “conventional hydro” plants, but there is no sharp line dividing “mini hydro” from “large hydro”. All mini hydro and large hydroelectric plants use similar machinery, and must be designed by trained engineers. Both types of plants are also fairly expensive. Because of this, mini hydro plants are not well suited to village level development in most cases, a larger organization such as town, a collection of village or an industrial plantn is usually needed.

Other type of hydro plants, called “micro-hydro”, is better suited to village level development and local self help projects. These plants are usually smaller than 15 kilowatts and can be built by people without much special training, using mostly local materials and skills. Micro hydro plants are usually very low in cost but they are less efficient and the quality of the electricity is not as good. Micro hydro plants are suited to running lights, small motor or any small electrical appliances which did not need high voltage to on. Micro hydro power is another option of gathering electric power from moving water sources. By using small water turbines from a river or stream, individual can gather consistent power from the water. This is why this project has been selected for this final year projects.

Objective

The aim of this project is provide the opportunity for students to apply and integrate the theoretical knowledge and principles taught in the course in solving technical problem. It also provides the opportunity for the students to demonstrate independence and originality as well as to plan and organize a project over a certain period of time.

A propose to design and construct the smart 12v micro-hydro generator system for pre commercialization. These projects focus on electrical and mechanical system. The student will study on types of blades and selection of the generator motor. The objectives are:

· To research and study for development of micro hydro generator system.

· To design suitable micro hydro generator to implement to the area of the project for pre commercialization.

· To construct functional system of this project.

The main function of the system is to store the generated power by means of battery charging for future use particularly during electricity faulty or blackout in the resident area. However, this research is conducted to show the potential of the water in resident can be an alternative renewable energy.

Micro-Hydro Generator Components

1. Turbine - is responsible for converting the motion of the water to rotational energy. The type of turbine to be used will depend greatly on the type of water source to be harnessed. If it is of high head/low flow, typically a pelton wheel type turbine is used. If it is of low head/high flow.

2. DC generator - converts the mechanical rotation of the turbine into direct current electricity.

3. Inverter (optional) - converts the DC electricity into AC electricity. There are some cases where a generator which produces AC electricity is already used.

4. Batteries - Batteries are an integral part of the self-sufficient energy system. Lead-acid, deep-cycle batteries are usually used in hydro systems. Deep-cycle batteries are designed to withstand repeated charge and discharge cycles typical in renewable energy systems. Ideally, lead-acid batteries should not be discharged more than about half their capacity. Alkaline batteries, such as nickel iron and nickel-cadmium, can withstand complete discharge with no ill effects

5. Electronic Load Controller - is the most important addition to the micro hydro design that simplifies greatly the creation of a steady flow of electricity. The Load controller has made it possible to automatically regulate the electricity generated, even when the speed of the flowing fluid varies.

Micro Hydro Generator benefits

Efficient energy source

It only takes a small amount of flow (as little as two gallons per minute) or a drop as low as two feet to generate electricity with micro hydro. Electricity can be delivered as far as a mile away to the location where it is being used.

Reliable electricity source

Hydro produces a continuous supply of electrical energy in comparison to other small-scale renewable technologies. The peak energy season is during the winter months when large quantities of electricity are required.

No reservoir required

Microhydro is considered to function as a ‘run-of-river’ system, meaning that the water passing through the generator is directed back into the stream with relatively little impact on the surrounding ecology.

Cost effective energy solution

Building a small-scale hydro-power system can cost from $1,000 – $20,000, depending on site electricity requirements and location. Maintenance fees are relatively small in comparison to other technologies.

Power for developing countries

Because of the low-cost versatility and longevity of micro hydro, developing countries can manufacture and implement the technology to help supply much needed electricity to small communities and villages.

Integrate with the local power grid

If your site produces a large amount of excess energy, some power companies will buy back your electricity overflow. You also have the ability to supplement your level of micro power with intake from the power grid.