Title: Harvesting mechanical torque and electrical power in a micro-hydro power system: effect of multiplier gear train

Authors: Isaac F. Odesola; Ebenezer O. Ige; Olusola A. Akinsulie

Addresses: Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 200284, Nigeria ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, 360001, Nigeria ' Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 200284, Nigeria

Abstract: Low hydraulic head has been attributed as the limiting challenge to hydropower generation in many rural settlements situated to natural water bodies. This study presented speed boosting innovation (multiplier) system designed and constructed to compensate for the low head. Pelton turbine and artificial water-body with the 3m head were constructed for the experimental rig set-up. The multiplier gear-train ratios of 1 : 2, 1 : 4, 1 : 6, 1 : 8 and 1 : 10. Average speed, torque and voltages of different multiplier ratios showed 536.25 rpm, 23 Ncm, 0.05 V; 643.75 rpm, 63 Ncm, 0.11 V; 751.25 rpm, 103 Ncm, 0.16 V; 1251.9 rpm, 183 Ncm, 0.28 V for the respective gear-train ratios. The speed of the turbine shaft without and with multiplier was 200 rpm and 1253 rpm respectively with the efficiency of 63%. The shaft-torque increased with increasing gear-train ratio while output-voltage increased with increased speed.

Keywords: voltage generation; renewable energy; multiplier system; rural development.

DOI: 10.1504/PIE.2017.088871

Progress in Industrial Ecology, An International Journal, 2017 Vol.11 No.2, pp.182 - 194

Received: 24 Aug 2016
Accepted: 17 Sep 2017
Published online: 21 Dec 2017 *

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