Free-Rotor, River-Velocity Turbine

by Damber B. Nepali, Colorado State Univ, Ft. Collins, CO, USA,
Maurice L. Albertson, Colorado State Univ, Ft. Collins, CO, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Water Power '87

Abstract:

This paper discusses the development of a very simple and inexpensive underwater turbine which will extract power ranging from a fraction of a HP up to 20 HP from the velocity of the running water in a river or stream. The power obtained from the turbine can be used to generate electricity or to run a pump to lift water for drinking purposes and for irrigation along the river banks during the dry seasons. Various designs of models have been tested in the laboratory to find the optimum pitch angle, shape and size and number of blades to accomplish the cheapest, simplest, and most efficient turbine. Simplicity of design has been stressed so that the prototype can be fabricated in a local workshop, by personnel who have very limited technical knowledge, using indigenous materials as much as possible. The selection of a pump and coupling with the turbine is discussed. Various installation alternatives are suggested for different situations. The main objective is to develop a turbine for the remotest villages to extract renewable energy to facilitate the production of crops and to uplift the socioeconomic standard of villagers.

Subject Headings: Turbines | Hydro power | Electric power | Water supply systems | Rivers and streams | Pumps | Hydraulic design

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