Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

Sixteen percent of total renewable electricity worldwide comes from

hydroelectricity. Hydroelectricity is a term used in referring electricity generated

by hydropower, the production of electrical power through the use of gravitational

force of falling or flowing water. While observing the dense flow of water in the

rain gutter during a heavy rain, the researchers have arrived to a study that will

harness the hydropower from the falling rain into hydroelectricity by means of a

device called rain gutter hydroelectric generator.

The device consists of a turbine that will rotate, with the aid of the flowing

water, and is connected to a spinning magnet that would generate magnetic flux

to the copper wire to create electric current. The generated electricity would flow

into a charger containing two AA batteries ready to be used during a power

shortage.
Background of the study

Electricity can be generated from hydropower. With the aid of a dynamo

and an external source of mechanical energy, electricity generation is possible.

The generator has three essential parts: (1) the turbine, (2) the rotating part of

the dynamo (rotor), (3) the stationary part of the dynamo (stator). The turbine is a

rotary mechanical device that extracts energy from the water flow with its blades

just like of a fan. The turbine is connected in one end of a shaft into the rotor of

the other end. The rotor rotates as the turbine turns. The rotor serves as the field

coil that generates magnetic flux for the armature to interact with. The stator

serves as the armature that interacts with the magnetic flux from the spinning

rotor to create an electric current that will flow into a power line to be used or to

be stored.

From the online article of World Watch institute, constructions of hydro-

power plants using the above principle to generate hydroelectricity have been

present into at least 150 countries worldwide. But disadvantages started to

sprung in the construction of these power plants. Large bodies of land were

submerges in construction of these power plants to create dams. Submerged

organic materials such as plants and trees undergo anaerobic decomposition

that releases great amount of methane unbalancing the greenhouse cycle. And

last, the need to relocate all people living on the planned reservoir.
 This study focuses on the construction of a simple hydroelectric generator

that would not consume space to create dams but to be built on rain gutters to

harness the hydropower of flowing water when raining base on the device's

electromagnetism and the density of water. The electricity generated would flow

into a charger containing two rechargeable AA batteries that can operate some

devices such as flashlights and radio during a power shortage.

Theoretical framework

In 1831, using his "induction ring", Michael Faraday made one of his

greatest discoveries - electromagnetic induction: the "induction" or generation of

electricity in a wire by means of the electromagnetic effect of a current in another

wire. The induction ring was the first electric transformer. In a second series of

experiments in September he discovered magneto-electric induction: the

production of a steady electric current. To do this, Faraday attached two wires

through a sliding contact to a copper disc. By rotating the disc between the poles

of a horseshoe magnet he obtained a continuous direct current. This was the first

generator. From his experiments came devices that led to the modern electric

motor, generator and transformer.

The above study gives the researchers an idea in making the Rain Gutter

Hydro-electric Generator that can produce electricity using the potential energy

came from flowing water on the rain gutter.

 Conceptual framework

The prepared paradigm about rain gutter hydroelectric generator is as

shown below.

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Density of flowing water

>heavy rain
Amount of current generated
>typhoon
>100-300mAh
>300-500mAh
Height of rain gutter
>500-1000mAh
>one-story house
>two-story house

Frame 1 Frame 2

Figure 1 Research Paradigm of the study

Frame 1 shows the independent variables of the study. These variables

are the factors that affect the amount of current generated by the rain gutter
hydroelectric generator such as the density of flowing water when raining and the

height of the rain gutter. On the other hand, Frame 2 shows the dependent

variables which consists of the amount of current generated by the device.

Statement of the Problem

The purpose of this study is to measure the current generated by the rain

gutter hydroelectric.

It seeks to answer the following questions:

1. Is there a significant difference in the current generated during different

densities of falling rain?

a. Heavy rain

b. Typhoon

2. To which type of house would generate higher amount of electricity.

a. One-story house

b. Two-story house
Hypothesis

The density of the flowing water and the height of the rain gutter has no

significant difference in the amount of current generated by the rain gutter

hydroelectric generator.

Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it is the answer to the mentioned

disadvantages of hydroelectricity power plants. The device would not occupy too

much space and does not need a reservoir but instead use the flowing water in

their rain gutters as source of hydropower. There would be no anaerobic

decomposition present because there is no need to sink plants and trees to form

dams and cause large methane production. And there is no need to relocate

residents because they can have the generator installed in their houses.

The study will benefit most the places that regular rainfall occurs. Families

with the rain gutter hydroelectric generator installed in their houses could use the

generated electricity to charge the batteries during power shortage or black out.

And last, it would help in renewing energy than burning fossil fuel and coals to

generate electricity. Less burning, less carbon dioxide emissions, and less

natural destruction.
Scopes and Limitations

The focus of the study and its main concern was to measure the voltage

produced by an improvised hydroelectric generator installed in a rain gutter on

different rain intensities, and different electromagnetism. It was not a requisite of

the study to produce an ideal voltage and amount of electricity to fully operate

some types of electronic devices at home.

Definition of Terms

Anaerobic decomposition is the breakdown of molecules into simpler

molecules or atoms by microorganisms that can survive in the partial or complete

absence of oxygen.

Battery is a device consisting of one or more electrochemical cells that

convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy.

Battery charger is a device used to put energy into a secondary cell

or rechargeablebattery by forcing an electric current through it.

Density is a physical property of matter, as each element and compound

has a unique density associated with it. Density defined in a qualitative manner

as the measure of the relative "heaviness" of objects with a constant volume.

Dynamo is a machine that produces electric currents.

 Electric current is the rate of charge flow past a given point in an electric

circuit, measured in Coulombs/second which is named Amperes.The common

symbol for current is the uppercase letter I.

Electricity is a type of energy fuelled by the transfer of electrons from

positive and negative points within a conductor.

Gravitational force is the force which attracts two bodies together based

on the product of their masses and the reciprocal of the square of their distances.

Electromagnetism is the science of charge and of the forces and fields

associated with charge. Electricity and magnetism are two aspects of

electromagnetism.

Generator is an engine that converts mechanical energy into electrical

energy by electromagnetic induction.

Hydroelectric power plants are actually based on a rather simple

concept of water flowing through a dam turns a turbine, which turns a generator.

Hydroelectricity is electricity that is made by the movement of water. It is

usually made with dams that block a river or collect water that is pumped there.

When the water is "let go" the huge pressure behind the dam forces the water

down shafts that lead to a turbine, this causes the turbine to turn, and electricity

is produced. It is a form of renewable energy and reduces pollution.

 Hydropower (from hydro meaning water) is energy that comes from the

force of moving water. The fall and movement of water is part of a continuous

natural cycle called the water cycle.

Induction ring is the basis for the transformer, which is used today in

electric power systems to step up and step down voltages to different levels.

Magnet is anything that carries a static magnetic field around with it.

Magnetic flux is measurement of the quantity of magnetism, the

description of how certain materials relate to magnetic fields.

Mechanical energy is the energy acquired by the objects upon which

work is done is known.

Rain gutter is a narrow channel, or trough, forming the component of a

roof system which collects and diverts rainwater shed by the roof.

Renewable electricity is electricity that is produced using a fuel source

that is renewable. Wind and biomass (such as growing and burning trees) are

important examples; other examples include landfill gas and solar.

Rotor is the rotating part of a mechanical device.

Shaft is a solid or hollow cylinder or bar, having one or more journals on

which it rests and revolves, and intended to carry one or more wheels or other

revolving parts and to transmit power or motion; as, the shaft of a steam engine.
 Stator is the stationary part of a motor, dynamo, turbine, or other working

machine about which a rotor turns.

Turbines are used in boat propulsion systems, hydroelectric power

generators, and jet aircraft engines, any of various machines in which the kinetic

energy of a moving fluid, such as water, steam, or gas, is converted to rotary

motion.

Voltage is an electromotive force or potential difference expressed in

volts.
 Chapter 2

REVIEW ON RELATED LITERATURES AND STUDIES

Related Literature

Rain Gutter is a narrow channel, or trough, forming the component of a roof

system which collects and diverts rainwater shed by the roof. The main purpose

of a rain gutter is to protect a building's foundation by channeling water away

from its base. They also help to reduce erosion, prevent leaks in basements and

crawlspaces, protect painted surfaces by reducing exposure to water, and

provide a means to collect rainwater for later use. Rain gutters can be

constructed from a variety of materials, including cast iron, lead, zinc, galvanized

steel, painted steel, copper, painted aluminum, PVC (and other plastics),

concrete, stone, and wood. Water collected by a rain gutter is fed, usually via a

downspout (traditionally called a leader or conductor), from the roof edge to the

base of the building where it is either discharged or collected. A collection system

strategy for water carried from rain gutters may include a rain barrel or a cistern,

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rain_gutter).
Hydroelectricity is the term referring to electricity generated by hydropower; the

production of electrical power through the use of the gravitational force of falling

or flowing water. Most hydroelectric power comes from the potential energy of

dammed water driving a water turbine and generator. The power extracted from

the water depends on the volume and on the difference in height between the

source and the water's outflow. This height difference is called the head. The

amount of potential energy in water is proportional to the head. A large pipe (the

"penstock") delivers water to the turbine,

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroelectricity).

Rain

Pearson Earth Science 12th Edition (2009) the term rain is restricted to

drops of water that fall from the cloud and have a diameter of at least 0.5

millimeter (0.02 inch). Most rain originates either in nimbostratus clouds or in

towering cumulonimbus clouds that are capable in producing unusually heavy

rainfalls known as cloudburst. Raindrops rarely exceed about 5 millimeters (0.2

inch) in diameter. Larger drops do not survive, because of surface tension, which

holds the drops together, is exceeded by the frictional drag of the air.

Consequently, large raindrops regularly break apart into smaller ones.

Generator

Generator is essentially an axle with many loops that rotates in a magnetic

field. The axle is turned by some form of mechanical energy, such as a water

turbine or a steam turbine, which uses steam generated from fossil fuels or

nuclear energy. As the coil rotates in a magnetic field, a current is induced in the

coil, (McGraw-Hill "Physical Science 9th edition").

Voltage

Voltage can be generated at a power plant, produced in an

electrochemical reaction, or caused by light rays striking a semiconductor chip. It

can be produced when an object is moved in a magnetic field, or is placed in a

fluctuating magnetic field.

In a dry cell, the voltage is usually between 1.2 and 1.7V, in a car

battery, it is 12 to 14V. In household utility wiring, it is a low frequency alternating

current of about 117V for electric lights and most appliances, and 234V for a

washing machine, dryer, oven, or stove. In television sets, transformer converts

117V to around 450V for the operation of the picture tube. In some broadcast

transmitter, the voltage can be several kilovolts.

Voltage represents the driving force that impels charge carriers to move.

If all other factors are held constant, high voltages produce a faster flow of

charge carriers, and therefore larger currents, than low voltage, (McGraw-Hill

“Teach Yourself: Electricity and Electronics 4th Edition).

Related Studies

Michael Faraday built two devices to produce what he called

electromagnetic rotation: that is a continuous circular motion from the circular

magnetic force around a wire. Ten years later, in 1831, he began his great series

of experiments in which he discovered electromagnetic induction.

Marasigan, et al. (2008), constructed an “Improvised Battery Charger” that

converted the physical work done by the user to the bicycle into a useful energy

by charging a battery and at the same time promoting healthy lifestyle and saving

the environment.

Valsorable, et al. (2010), used in their study entitled "Pendulum Battery

Charger" a magnetic coil that acts as a swinging pendulum to produce electricity.

Aparan, et al. (2012), construct an "Electric Generating-Step Platform"

that produce electricity once a person steps on the platform. They used a

dynamo to convert the Mechanical energy, produced by stepping on the platform,

to electrical energy.
 Chapter 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This part of the research discuss about the research method used, the

procedures in gathering data needed, the research instrument and the statistical

treatment for the data.

Research Designs

The present study utilize the experimental method of research. According

to Calmorin and Calmorin, as cited by Tobias (2012), this method of research is a

problem-solving approach that the study is described in the future on “what will

be” when certain variables are carefully controlled or manipulated. Its purpose is

to discover the influence of one or more factors upon a condition, group or

situation.In relation to the present research, the experimental method was utilized

because it is the most appropriate with regards to the purpose of the

researchers.

Data Gathering

The following are the steps, procedures, instruments and materials used

in making the rain gutter hydroelectric generator.

 Table 1

Supplies, Materials, Tools, and Equipment

Supplies and Materials Tools and Equipment

>1Electricfan motor >Measuring tape

>1Improvised turbine >Metal roofing scissors

>1AA battery charger >Pliers

>2mSteel wire >Drill

>2mElectric wire >Screw Driver

>1Electric tape >Saw

>10pcsScrew >Multimeter

>2PVC joint

>20”x30”Galvanized Corrugated Metal

Roofing
Construction Procedure

1. Cut the blade of the electricfan blade.

2. Replace the blades with smaller blades with the plane facing each other

perpendicular to the shaft just like a water wheel.

3. Install the improvised turbine into the shaft of the electric fan motor.

4. Remove the plug part of the battery charger.

5. Connect the extending wire ends of the motor directly into the wires of

the charger.

6. Measure a cube from the iron roofing with a side of 9 inches to provide

as a casing for the generator.

7. Bore holes the size of the PVC pipe passing from the top to bottom of

the case where the turbine is located.

8. Install the generator in a household rain gutter at a height of 3feet from

the ground.
Try-out and Revisions

First Trial. The researchers found out that the wires are too thin and long giving

too much resistance for the current to pass through. The height of the falling

water to the generator could affect the amount of electricity generated.

Second Trial.The researchers replace the long thin wires with shorter and

thicker wires for the electric current to pass through with less resistance. The

device was also moved to 1 foot from the ground to have the water falling from a

higher distance from the roof.

Construction time frame

It took ten (10) days to complete the “Rain Gutter Hydroelectric

Generator”.

Table 2

Construction Time Frame

Activities Numbers of hours Numbers of days

Planning and designing 24 1

Acquisition of supplies 72 3

and materials used

Preparing the tools and 48 2

 equipment

Measuring and making 24 1

layout

Testing and revising 72 3

Total 240 10

Statistical Treatment

The researchers used the computed weighted mean as a statistical

treatment. According to Ileto, as cited by Arban (2010), is a proportion or part

considered in its quantitative relation to the whole.