Hydro Power

Generator
Ian Lhitz C. Aca-ac
Ernest Nathaniel S. Balangao
Kim B. Cabasag
Trisha Faye E. Calizar
Garyl Luvani Bray L. Lamparas
Kristine J. Lanipa
Threna M. Santos
Laurice Gail M. Sepe
Angel M. Tapon
RESEARCHERS

Mrs. Rea Malou C. Saren

RESEARCH ADVISER

Misamis Occidental National High School

S.Y 2017-2018
 Abstract

Electricity is a necessity. This study aimed to develop hydropower generator out of the

12V brushless motor. Three types of propeller was used. First, the researchers made a Do It

Yourself propeller out of the popsicles sticks, plastic spoons and stainless spoons to differentiate

the amount of electricity that each propeller can produce. Three trials were conducted by the

researchers to test and evaluate the differences of the propeller. After each trials the researchers

then conclude that there is no significant difference between the three propellers in the first trial

of the Do it Yourself stainless propeller the starting point of charging and generating the

brushless motor is 77 seconds after it starts spinning in which the current of the water is still in a

slower pace. The second trial is done with an average speed of the current of the water. This

results in having 45 seconds as its starting point of charging. The last trial was done with a more

improved starting point of charging the power bank at 8 seconds. After the three trials the

researchers then conclude that there is no significant difference between the three propellers. The

researchers found out that the weight of the propeller matters because the brushless motor

produces electricity when the rotation is fast. Researchers then used the multimeter to know the

power generated from the brushless motor

 Table of Contents

Acknowledgement

Chapter I: Introduction

Background of the study

Objectives

Hypothesis

Significance of the study

Scope and Limitations

Review of Related Literature

Definition of Terms

Chapter II: Methodology

Precautionary Measures

Setting-up

Testing of the product

Data Analysis

Waste Disposal

Flow of experimental procedure

Chapter III: Results and Discussions

Chapter IV: Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

Summary

Conclusion

Recommendation

Bibliography

Appendices

Appendix A

Collection of Materials

Assembling of Materials

Connecting of the brushless motor

Data Analysis

Researcher’s Profile
 List of Figures and Tables

Chapter II: Methodology

Figure 1

Chapter III: Results and Discussions

Table 1

Table 2

Table 3

Table 4

Table 5
 Acknowledgement

This study will not be possible without the help of the following:

First and foremost, we, the researchers would like to thank our Almighty Father God for

giving us knowledge, wisdom, understanding, patience, guidance and protection throughout the

making of the research project.

To the parents who showered endless support and guidance in helping and

accommodating the researchers while continuing the research study, especially the Calizar and

Sepe family for letting the researchers stay at their homes late. And to our family who

continuously understood us until the end.

To our research adviser, Mrs, Rea Malou C. Saren for guiding us in our research papers

and for the patience being given throughout the consultation process. Also, to our panel of

judges, Jovivre S. Babol, Ms. Renalyn Villaraiz and Ms. Dhea Balaga for helping the researchers

improve their study and research papers by giving advices and suggestions.

Lastly, to everyone who contributed for the researcher’s success and to the ones who

exerted effort and patience in making the research papers.

 CHAPTER I

Introduction

Background of the study

Electricity is an essential part of modern life. People use electricity for lighting, heating,

cooling and for operating appliances, computers, electronics, machinery and public

transportation systems. Uses of electricity also include power medical, security and fire

suppression equipment. Electricity is a fundamental form of energy observable in positive and

negative forms that occurs naturally (U.S. Department of Energy).

Moving water is a powerful source of energy. The power harnessed from moving bodies

of water is called hydroelectric power. The Philippines make use of two methods in order to

harness power; dam storage or impoundment, and run-of-river relies on flowing bodies of water

like waterfalls. Both methods turn a turbine in order to generate power. Hydroelectric power

plants in the Philippines are located in Pangasinan, Benguet, Laguna, Isabela, Bulacan, Nueva

Ecija, Ilocus Sur, Bohol, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, Davao del Sur, and Misamis

Oriental, (Solar Panel Philippines,2016).

People living in rural places are one of the most important beneficiaries in this study

because for instance they can use this to help their lives easier. Life without electricity is hard.

Unlike some renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, which can be harnessed by

individual buildings. Historically, watermills were used for generating small-scale hydropower,
but they need to be next to some kind of falling water relatively rare today (Hanley Wood Media,

2016)

Water is a substance composed of the chemical elements hydrogen and oxygenand

existing in gaseous, liquid, and solid states. It is one of the most plentiful and essential of

compounds. A tasteless and odourless liquid at room temperature, it has the important ability to

dissolve many other substances. Indeed, the versatility of water as a solvent is essential to living

organisms (Zumdahl,2017).

Hydropower is fueled by water, so it's a clean fuel source, meaning it won't pollute the air

like power plants that burn fossil fuels, such as coal or natural gas.The energy generated through

hydropower relies on the water cycle, making it a renewable power source, making it a more

reliable and affordable source than fossil fuels that are rapidly being depleted.Some hydropower

facilities can quickly go from zero power to maximum output. Because hydropower plants can

generate power to the grid immediately, they provide essential back-up power during major

electricity outages or disruptions.In addition to a sustainable fuel source, hydropower efforts

produce a number of benefits, such as flood control, irrigation, and water supply (U.S.

Department of Energy).

Objectives

The main objective of the study is to develop a hydropower generator that can generate

electricity out of rainwater and a source of flowing water. Specifically this study aimed to:

1. Compare the rate of charging the power bank using three different propellers
 a. Popsicle Sticks

b. Plastic Spoons

c. Stainless Spoons

2. To test the significant difference between the three different propellers using statistical

analysis (ANOVA Single Factor).

Hypothesis

Ho= There is no significant difference between the three different propellers; popsicle sticks,

plastic spoons and stainless spoons in terms of charging the power bank.

Ha= There is a significant difference between the three different propellers; popsicle sticks,

plastic spoons and stainless spoons in terms of charging the power bank.

Significance of the Study

Electricity is one of the most powerful forces in our daily lives. Electricity can make any

machines work and supplies energy for continuous use. The most dynamic part of electricity is

called electrical energy. This is what comes in our mind when we hear or encounter the word

electricity. This study is beneficial and crucial as this will provide an alternative source of

electricity enough to charge or power most of the smartphones or any USB post-charged power.

The output of this study is beneficial by the following various individuals as stated

below:

To the campers/mountain climbers

 Campers or mountain climbers can benefit in this study for this study is specifically

designed for them. They can use the output of this research to own an easy to use machine that

comes with an affordable cost. Campers or mountain climbers who needs to charge their

batteries can use this research output to have an easy access with an electrical source whenever

and wherever they may go.

To the people living in rural areas

The society can also benefit from this study specifically the person who livesin rural

areas who does not have a sufficient and consistent source of electricity for they are living away

from the city. They can benefit our research in a way that they can also innovate their own way

of charging their cellphones or smartphones. Society like the students can also benefit in this

research as it is able to accommodate and welcome them with a new way of making an

alternative source of electricity and it helps them in providing a more active and creative

lifestyle.

To the community

This study is also significant to community for this study provide a more flexible energy

source and this will also help lessen the environmental struggles being experienced now as the

energy consumed is increasing and the energy shortage is very likely to happen now.

To the researchers

The outcome of the study is important and beneficial for the present researchers and for

the future researchers. This study can be their bases in forming new ideas on innovating

hydropower generators.
Scope and Limitations

The amount of electricity produce will based on the current of the water or how long the

rain is continuously falling. It can be conducted only in flowing water in which the amount of

electricity produced is based on the current of the water.If the brushless motor gets wet it will not

work. If the current of the water is strong enough then the propeller will rotate but if its rotation

is slow it can’t generate electricity or it will generate electricity but it will take such time. Also if

there is no source of rainwater and flowing water then generating electricity will be impossible

since this study focuses on generating electricity with or using water. If the brushless motor is

not covered with a plastic or any material such as a box that is enough to cover the brushless

motor then it is possible for the water to run through or inside the brushless motor resulting for

the brushless motor to not work or to not produce electricity.

Review of Related Literature

Hydropower is a renewable energy source that has been harvested for centuries. It has

been used for grinding grain, breaking ore, and in early papermaking, and after the

industrialization it has been utilized for producing electricity. After the first modern, water

turbine was developed in 1849; the construction of HPPs soon began all across the globe. The

first plant was opened in Winconsin, USA in 1882 and many quickly followed. All through the

1990’s dams and plants were built in many parts of the world, culminating in the largest plant
constructed in 2008, Three Gorges Dam in China with a capacity of 22 500 MW (International

Hydropower Association, 2016).

The most common type of hydroelectric power plant uses a dam on a river to store water

in a reservoir. Water released from the reservoir flows through a turbine, spinning it, which in

turn activates a generator to produce electricity. But hydroelectric power doesn’t necessarily

require a large dam. Some Hydroelectric power plants just use a small canal to channel the river

water through a turbine (US Army Corps of Engineers, 2014).

The use of hydropower throughout the world has been charging since thousands of years.

It’s because it is an indigenously available, clean and renewable source of energy. Currently,

15% of the world’s electricity comes from hydroelectric power (Global Status Report, 2007).

While this number is impressive, new technologies will help hydroelectric power play a larger

role in meeting global energy needs in the future. New developments are made to achieve best

results on harnessing water as an energy source. All aimed at reducing other energy sources

depletion and pollution in order to increase the efficiency of the power. This has said to have a

huge potential, both huge and small levels (Dr.NandKishor, 2015).

Hydropower plants can be based either as run-off river type or with reservoir built. Both

levels can base by either of the two depending on the capacity of power generation. Small levels

is usually a run-of-river plant uses fixed speed drive with mechanical regulation of the turbine

water flow for controlling the active power generation(J.L Marquez, et. Al., 2009)

In other studies, hydropower generators are generated from pure water (H2O) by applying

DC current. Demineralized (or Deionized) water is used as feed. The water passes through the

Electrolyzer cell stack where DC current is applied causing water to split into Oxygen and
Hydrogen. Oxygen is safely vented, whereas the Hydrogen is delivered as the product gas.

Hydrogen is taken to a dryer where the excess moisture is removed. Hydrogen gas is delivered to

the customer process at high pressure directly from our system (MVS Engineering, 2018).

Through there are new technologies upcoming, there is also a conflict which depicts the

disadvantages of certain uses or operation. It has been reported that certain problems handling

the plant may cause devastation over an area around the built power plant (Asia News Network,

2010). Lack of further inspection and or miscalculations during the design and constructions may

cause future conflicts.

Definition of Terms

The following terms are defined conceptually and operationally:

1. Water The liquid that descends from the clouds as rain forms, streams, lakes, and seas

and is a major constituent of all living matter and that when pure is an odorless, tasteless,

very slightly comprehensible liquid oxide of hydrogen.

In this study, flowing water is used as a medium to make the propeller move or rotate. It

enables the propeller to turn into a one-sided way (right pattern).

2. Brushless MotorA DC brushless motor is an AC motor. It has a distinct advantages over

a brush motor and is more economical in the long run, although the initial costs are

higher. Brushless motors are used in various aspects of trenchless construction (Wilson,

2014).

In this study the brushless motor is the device that the researchers used as the source of

electricity and it is the device that produces electricity being powedered by the help of the
 rotation of the three different propellers; popsicle sticks, plastic spoons and stainless

spoons.

3. Power BankIs a type of multipurpose portable charger created and designed in various

capacity, colors, LED light, materials, mechanisms, shapes, sizes and styles with the

necessary cable, connection and lead to connect it to an electrical device to recharge it

according to the design.

In this study it is where the electricity is stored.

4. Electricity A type of energy fueled by the transfer of electrons from positive and

negative points within a conductor. Electricity is widely used for providing power to

buildings, electric devices, and even some automobiles. Electricity is a form of energy

and is a flow of electrons (Bells, 2017).

In this study electricity is the energy produced by the brushless motor and is stored to

charge any usb connector that the brushless motor can carry.

5. Hydropower Is an electrical energy produced through the power of moving water.

Traditional uses include water mills. In modern technology, hydropower moves turbine

that pass on their energy to a generator which then produces electric power. Hydropower

is a type of renewable energy and once the power plant is constructed it produces little to

know waste (Reegel, 2016).

In this study, hydropower is what our study is called and it is the power that comes from

the water by using an electrical device.

6. Travel Adapter Is a plug that connects a piece of electrical equipment brought from one

country to the electricity supply in another when they cannot be connected directly, used
 especially when travelling (Cambridge University Press, 2018).

In this study the travel adapteris used to connect the brushless motor and to know if it is

functioning andis used to travel the electricity produced by the brushless motor.

7. Popsicle Sticks Is a tiny stick of wood (The Pink Emerald, 2015).

In this study popsicle sticks is one of the medium used to be a do it yourself propeller
with a much lighter weight.

8. Plastic Spoons Plastic is a material which is produced from oil by a chemical process

and which is used to make many objects. It is light in weight and does not break

easily(English-Simple Definition, 2017).

In this studyplastic spoons is one of the medium used to be a do it yourself propeller

which is also in a lighter weight and is not easily rotten since it is also a disposable

product.

9. Stainless Teaspoons Is an item of cutlery, a measuring instrument, of approximately

5ml, or a unit of measurement of volume (Wikipedia, 20018).

In this study the stainless teaspoons is used as another medium to measure the

effectiveness of generating energy with the help of a flowing water or rain water.
 CHAPTER II

METHODOLOGY

Precautionary measures in constructing the Hydropower Generator

To conduct the study properly and completely, gathering the materials is also of utmost

importance. The need to familiarize the uses of each devices or materials is also needed to

conduct the study safely.

Constructing the product needs necessary safety precautions for the researcher’s welfare

and for the study’s successful outcome. The need to maintain carefulness is of priority to avoid

accidents and harm to the researcher’s. When materials are already gathered and are in shape to

be used, the making of the Hydropower Generator can be continued.

Setting-up the Hydro Brushless motor

The researchers cut the PVC pipe into three equal parts. Then the researcher’s made a

hole that looks like a rectangular shape. The gathered spoons were then attached to the plastic

circle, forming a circular pattern with the spoons catching water to make it turn right in

sideways. Next to it I the attaching of the other end of the metal that is measuring 30 cm. at the

center of the plastic circle and the other end is attached to the brushless motor. The other end of

the wire is now attached to the travel adapter and the travel adapter is also being connected to the

device that is going to be used.

 Next to these steps is the installment of the brushless motor to the PVC pipe and it will be

placed in a place where a flowing water and rain water is safely and easily accessed.

Figure 1. Setting-up the hydropower generator

Testing the Hydro brushless motor

After setting up the brushless motor inside the pipe, the researches test its effectiveness.

The researchers used three different types of do it yourself (DIY) propellers; wood, plastics and

stainless tablespoons to know which of those three are faster and much effective to charge a

power bank. The researchers found out that the weight of the propeller matters when it comes to

power generating and making it work to have it perform faster. The results shows that when

using the do it yourself (DIY) wood propeller is more effective when it comes to generating or

producing electricity.

Data Analysis

The formula below is used to analyze and interpret the data:

Sum of Squares: a2 + b2 = (a + b)2 – 2ab

 Figure 2. ANOVA Single Factor formulas

Waste Disposal

The flowing water was stored in a bucket and was used to water the plants and flowers.

The other materials that were useless and broken were kept and others were disposed properly.

Other materials were also separated properly and were safely thrown in the researchers garbage

bin.
Flow of Experimental Procedure: Constructing the Improvised Hydropower Generator

Collection of materials

Assembling each materials

Connecting the brushless motorwith the

propeller and the othermaterials in the pipe

Testing of the products

Data gathering/analysis

Waste Disposal
 CHAPTER III

Results and Discussion

This study is about generating electricity through an improvised hydropower generator.

The main objective of the study is to develop a hydro power generator that can generate

electricity out of rain water or flowing water.

Minimum charging is the least or smallest amount or quantity possible or attainable.

Popsicle Sticks is a tiny stick of wood. It was used in the study as one of the medium or

material to be used in catching water from the flowing water to generate electricity.

Table 1: Minimum charging time to generate electricity using popsicle sticks.

Trial Minimum Charging Time (s) Remarks

The power bank’s indicator

when charging blinks red after
1 31 the minimum charging starts.

The power bank’s indicator

when charging blinks red after
2 28 the minimum charging starts.

The power bank’s indicator

when charging blinks red after
3 21 the minimum charging starts.

Total 86 seconds
 Mean 28.67

The other material or do it yourself propeller that was used is a plastic spoons. A plastic

spoon are also a light weight material and is a disposable thing that is why it is not to be easily

rotten when being washed by water in a longer period of time.

Table 2: Minimum charging time to generate electricity using plastic spoons.

Trial Minimum Charging Time (s) Remarks

1 43 The power bank’s indicator

when charging blinks red after
the minimum charging starts.

2 37 The power bank’s indicator

when charging blinks red after
the minimum charging starts.

3 22 The power bank’s indicator

when charging blinks red after
the minimum charging starts.

Total 102

Mean 34
 The last do it yourself propeller being used is the stainless teaspoons. It weighs much

heavier than the first two propellers. Compared to the plastic spoons and popsicle sticks, stainless

spoons are not easily rotten and easily disposed after using.

Table 3: Minimum charging time to generate electricity using stainless teaspoons.

Trials Minimum Charging Time (s) Remarks

1 77 The power bank’s indicator

when charging blinks red after
the minimum charging starts.

2 45 The power bank’s indicator

when charging blinks red after
the minimum charging starts.

3 28 The power bank’s indicator

when charging blinks red after
the minimum charging starts.

Total 150

Mean 50

The three tables that were shown above shows that during the testing of the three

propellers being used; popsicle sticks, plastic spoons and stainless teaspoons indicates that the do

it yourself popsicle sticks can generate energy faster than the two do it yourself propellers,

plastic spoons and stainless teaspoons since the popsicle sticks are the mist lightest material

being used. However, even if the popsicle sticks can generate energy faster than the other two it
still don’t indicate that using the do it yourself popsicle sticks is more effective since the three

materials or propellers shows that the three propellers generates electricity.

Table 4: Summary to the three do it yourself propellers, popsicle sticks, plastic spoons, stainless

tablespoons.

Kind of Propellers

Trials Popsicle Sticks Plastic Spoons Stainless Spoons

1 37 43 77

2 28 37 45

3 21 22 28

Total 86 102 150

Mean 28.67 34 50

In the study about the improvised hydropower generator the analysis that was used is the

statistical analysis which uses the ANOVA Single Factor to test the significant difference

between the three different propellers; popsicle sticks, plastic spoons and stainless teaspoons.

ANOVA means analysis of variance, a statistical method in which the variation in a set of

observations is divided into distinct components. An ANOVA test is a way to find out if survey

or experiment results are significant. In other words, they help you to figure out if you need
to reject the null hypothesis or accept the alternate hypothesis. Basically, you’re testing groups to

see if there’s a difference between them.

Table 5. ANOVA Single Factor

Summary

Groups Count Sum Average Variance

Column 1 3 86 28.67 64.33

Column 2 3 102 34 117

Column 3 3 150 50 619

Source of SS df MS F p-value F critical

Variance calculated

Between 739.56 2 369.78 1.39 0.32 5.14

Groups

Within 1600.67 6 266.78

Groups

Total 2340.22
 Table 5 shows that F calculated < F critical wherein F calculated is 1.39 and F critical is

5.14, therefore we accept the null hypothesis. This explains that since F calculated < F critical,

there is no significant difference between the three different propellers; popsicle sticks, plastic

spoons and stainless teaspoons in terms of charging the power bank.

 CHAPTER IV

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Summary

This study aimed to produce electricity out of rain water or flowing water. The

researchers designed an improvised hydropower generator as an alternative source of electricity.

The researchers compared the rate of charging the power bank using three different do it yourself

propellers; popsicle sticks, plastic spoons and stainless teaspoons. The researchers found used

Statistical analysis which uses the ANOVA Single Factor to test the significant difference

between the three different propellers.

Conclusion

The conducting and finishing of the product, Improvised Hydropower Generator was

done at Magsaysay St. Lower Loboc, Oroquieta Ciy. Before the researchers concluded the

outcome or results of the study, multiple trials were done. After each trial the researchers then

concluded that there is no significant difference between the three different propellers namely

popsicles sticks, plastic spoons and stainless spoons.

Recommendation

In line with the present study, the researchers would like to recommend the following for the

future studies and researchers:

1. Look for another alternative device that can produce greater energy.
2. Create another design to improve physical attributes of the study.

3. Conduct studies related to the study.

4. Improve or innovate the present study for the Hydro Power Brushless Motor.

5. Improvise and find a way to secure the brushless motor and the wirings.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Ciria, M., (2014).

Retrieved November 27 2013

(Solar Panel Philippines,2016).

Retrieved N.D

Lekshmi, S. (2010). Importance of Electricity

Retrieved March 08 2010

(US Army Corps of Engineers, 2014). Hydro electric energy

Retrieved N.D

(Asia News Network, 2010) Power Plants

Retrieved N.D
 APPENDICES

Preparation of Materials

The materials used in this study is listed in Appendix A.

APPENDIX A. Material Bought:

Materials Number of Materials

Brushless Motor (DC Motor 12 volts) 1

Power Bank (Samsung 9000 mAh) 1

Popsicle Sticks (11.5 cm) 8

Stainless Spoons 8

Travel Adapter (DC Charger) 1

Party Plastic Spoons (10 cm.) 8

Plastic Circle (from damaged mini-electric 3

fans)

PVC Pipe (1 meter) 1

Collection of Materials

Brushless Motor 12V Power Bank (Samsung 9000mAh)

Popsicle Sticks Plastic Spoons

Stainless Spoons Travel Adapter

Assembling of Materials
Connecting the brushless motor
Data Analysis
Researcher’s Profile

Name: Angel M. Tapon

Age: 15 years old
Birthdate: June 21, 2002
Email: angeltapon02@gmail.com
Hobby: Doing what I like and love.
Motto: “Rule no. 3”
Ambition: To help other people.

Name: Trisha Faye E. Calizar

Age: 16 years old
Birthdate: April 3, 2001
Email: trishacalizar@gmail.com
Hobby: Tennis
Motto: “Play hard. Work hard."
Ambition: To become a doctor.
Name: Threna M. Santos
Age: 17 years old
Birthdate: January 24, 2001
Email: teurina.ssi@gmail.com
Hobby: Watching KDrama.
Motto: “Music can heal.”
Ambition: To become a Radiologist

Name: Laurice Gail M. Sepe

Age: 16 years old
Birthdate: September 4, 2001
Email: laurice.gail@gmail.com
Hobby: Cooking and singing.
Motto: “Always be you.”
Ambition: To become a chef.
Name: Garyl Luvani Bray L. Lamparas
Age: 16 years old
Birthdate: December 11, 2001
Email: garyllamparas@gmail.com
Hobby: Playing basketball.
Motto: “Never give up. Never give in.”
Ambition: To become an engineer.

Name: Ernest Nathaniel S. Balangao

Age: 17 years old
Birthdate: January 16, 2000
Email: ernestnathaniel@yahoo.com
Hobby: Playing Minimilithia
Motto: “Don’t be a sour loser.”
Ambition: To become an engineer.
Name: Kristine J. Lanipa
Age: 16 years old
Birthdate: January 10, 2002
Email: kishstewart74@gmail.com
Hobby: Firing
Motto: “Aim high.”
Ambition: To be a military doctor.

Name: Ian Lhitz C. Aca-ac

Age: 16 years old
Birthdate: January 26, 2002
Email: lhitzian@gmail.com
Hobby: Playing minimilithia.
Motto: “Always be prepared.”
Ambition: To become an engineer.
Name: Kim C. Cabasag
Age: 16 years old
Birthdate: January 7, 2002
Email: kimcabasag@yahoo.com
Hobby: Playing basketball and chess.
Motto: “Dream big and achieve.”
Ambition: To become a policeman someday.