INTRODUCTION

According to the “Top Ten Problems of Humanity for Next 50 Years” by

Richard Smalley the number one problem according to him is energy. And we all

know that oil and other fossil fuels currently supply most of the energy that is

consumed by humans. But these fuels will eventually run out and the by-products

of these fuels harm the planet. It is estimated that in 2088 the three types of fossil

fuel will run out if not it will be harder to find. So the global focus on clean and

renewable energy sources, such as solar, hydro and wind power, has increased

dramatically in the past few decades and continues to do so.

Renewable energy sources offer us another way, a way to avoid this fossil-

fuelled energy time bomb, but we must start now. We can get all the energy we

need from the wind, from the sun, and the sea. The technology is advanced, and

the renewable energy revolution has already taken off around the world. As the

Saudi Oil Minister said in the 1970s, “The Stone Age didn’t end for lack of stone,

and the oil age will end long before the world runs out of oil.”

In the late 19th century, hydropower became a source for generating

electricity. The first hydroelectric power plant was built at Niagara Falls in 1879.

Hydroelectric power provides almost one-fifth of the world's electricity. China,

Canada, Brazil, the United States, and Russia were the five largest producers of

hydropower in 2004.

1
 Since about three quarters of the Earth’s surface is covered in water, there

exists a vast network of untapped energy in the form of wave, tidal, underwater

(marine) currents, and even thermal systems. But rushing things only leads to

failure so before the fossil fuel runs out we need to informed the people how this

energy work or produced that’s why we need to start from our home.

Every day we use water for washing dishes, doing laundry, in our baths and

etc. but little did we know we can generate electricity that can be used to light our

houses or run our appliances. Our objective is to design and fabricate a small scale

hydropower generator that doesn’t need a vast water supply like the traditional

hydroelectric generators to generate electricity.

The outcome of this study will benefit other personnel such as students,

instructors, other researchers that’s wants to continue our research, people who

living in a remote places and people who want to reduce their electricity bill.

The scope of this study was focused in designing and fabrication of mini

hydroelectric generator system; its power output; cost of materials needed and

the equipment and tools to be used. However the design for a bigger system is not

included in our study.

2
 Chapter 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

This chapter presents related literature and related studies written by other

authors whose have similarities with the present study. These articles and

publications provide valuable insights in the conceptualization and in the

interpretation of this study.

SOLAR PANELS

Solar panels work by absorbing sunlight with photovoltaic cells, generating

direct current (DC) energy and then converting it to usable alternating current (AC)

energy with the help of inverter technology. AC energy then flows through the

home’s electrical panel and is distributed accordingly. In the Philippines u can buy

a 540 WP solar panel for 49,000 pesos and have an average monthly savings of 670

pesos. But finding a reliable and experience installer can be difficult especially if

you live in provinces and that didn’t cover the maintenance cost. It has many pros

too like lower your electricity bill or totally eliminate it, reduce your carbon

footprint and improve your value of life.

Figure 2.1 Solar power diagram

3
 Figure 2.2 Rooftop solar panels

One of the most common place to put solar panels is in your roof but keep in

mind that not all rooftop are the same. Solar panels should always face true south

if you are in the northern hemisphere, or true north if you are in the southern

hemisphere. True north is not the same as magnetic north. If you are using a

compass to orient your panels, you need to correct for the difference, which varies

from place to place. Solar panels are not limited on your rooftops it can also be

placed in yards and walls. So it should be placed to somewhere that can generate

its peak generating power.

WIND TURBINES

4
 Wind turbine is expensive you can spend a minimum of 750,000 pesos for a

5kw of wind power capacity if u want your whole house to be powered by it. But

wind is considered more efficient than solar because these system use less energy,

release less carbon dioxide and produce more overall energy. A single wind turbine

can generate the same amount of electricity in kWh or kilowatt-hours) as

thousands of solar panels

Large commercial wind turbines are most commonly found in wind farms or

floating offshore, but if you have enough real estate you can install a small wind

turbine on your property to power your home.

Figure 2.3 Small scale wind turbine

There are a few downsides to a wind turbine that make them less popular in

residential areas. They can be ugly and make a lot of noise. They take up space,

and depending on where you live, local laws and zoning regulations may outright

5
 forbid it. But if these disadvantages don't apply to you or don't bother you, wind

power may be a great asset.

Figure 2.4 Wind turbine diagram

HYDRO GENERATORS

There are a number of ways to go about doing this, but at its most basic, you'll want

to find the largest vertical distance the water will travel, and divert that water so it flows

through a turbine in a controlled manner. Depending on the amount of water and vertical

distance, you can produce a substantial amount of power this way. And the advantages to

hydro power are immense. Unlike solar and wind, hydro is stable and continuous, which

means you'll always get the same input no matter what. You'll never have to worry that

6
your generator won't be able to power your home. That piece of mind might be worth a

little engineering project.

Figure 2.5 Example of

If your property contains a source of flowing water, you're in luck. You can divert some or

all of the stream or river to flow through a turbine and power your home. Some use canals

and forebays to redirect the flow of water to the power houses.

7
 Figure 2.6 Small scale hydroelectric system that uses canals and forebay

HYBRID SYSTEMS

Hybrid systems are any combination of other systems like wind and solar system.

Wind speeds are low in the summer when the sun shines brightest and longest. The wind is

strong in the colder weather when less sunlight is available. Because the peak operating

times for wind and solar systems occur at different times of the day and year, hybrid

systems are more likely to produce power when you need it.

Figure 2.7 hybrid power system diagram

Chapter 3

Introduction

According to the “Top Ten Problems of Humanity for Next 50 Years” by

Richard Smalley the number one problem according to him is energy. And we all

know that oil and other fossil fuels currently supply most of the energy that is

consumed by humans. But these fuels will eventually run out and the by-products

8
of these fuels harm the planet. It is estimated that in 2088 the three types of fossil

fuel will run out if not it will be harder to find. So the global focus on clean and

renewable energy sources, such as solar, hydro and wind power, has increased

dramatically in the past few decades and continues to do so.

Renewable energy sources offer us another way, a way to avoid this fossil-

fuelled energy time bomb, but we must start now. We can get all the energy we

need from the wind, from the sun, and the sea. The technology is advanced, and

the renewable energy revolution has already taken off around the world. As the

Saudi Oil Minister said in the 1970s, “The Stone Age didn’t end for lack of stone,

and the oil age will end long before the world runs out of oil.”

In the late 19th century, hydropower became a source for generating

electricity. The first hydroelectric power plant was built at Niagara Falls in 1879.

Hydroelectric power provides almost one-fifth of the world's electricity. China,

Canada, Brazil, the United States, and Russia were the five largest producers of

hydropower in 2004.

Since about three quarters of the Earth’s surface is covered in water, there

exists a vast network of untapped energy in the form of wave, tidal, underwater

(marine) currents, and even thermal systems. But rushing things only leads to

failure so before the fossil fuel runs out we need to informed the people how this

energy work or produced that’s why we need to start from our home.

Every day we use water for washing dishes, doing laundry, in our baths and

etc. but little did we know we can generate electricity that can be used to light our

9
houses or run our appliances. Our objective is to design and fabricate a small scale

hydroelectric generator that doesn’t need a vast water supply like the traditional

hydroelectric generators to generate electricity.

The outcome of this study will benefit other personnel such as students,

instructors, other researchers that’s wants to continue our research, people who

living in a remote places and people who want to reduce their electricity bill.

The scope of this study was focused in designing and fabrication of mini

hydroelectric generator system; its power output; cost of materials needed and

the equipment and tools to be used. However the design for a bigger system is not

included in our study.

Methodology

In this chapter we discuss the progressive steps and techniques for the
development and constructing of the project. The plan, design, selection of
appropriate material to be used, construction, fabrication, also testing and
revision.

The study was based on existing theories, information and also relevant
study of hydro generator, the development methodology research objective to
make an output of electricity.

10
 Several phases and stages of development, construction, assembly, testing

Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 4

Phase 3
Gather relevant Identify design Procurement Pre- testing
information on requirements and ordering of Does it work?
existing design Identification of needed If no, then
of hydroelectric appropriate materials rectification
generators materials Material If yes,
Scheduling of preparation Gathering data
research work Project Comparing
fabrication gathered data
to the
computed data

and revisions have gathered to make this research right and complete this thesis
project.

11
 Figure 3.1 Conceptual frame work

Phase 1: Preparatory research

 Gathering relevant information on existing design of hydroelectric generators

In this stage, preliminary data was gathered regarding hydroelectric power

plants by reading books and browsing on the internet. Also some existing design of
small scale renewable energy generators, materials usually used in constructing
hydroelectric generators, formulas to be used in manually computing the data’s and
common problems when building renewable energy generators.

 Scheduling of research work

Table 3.1 Scheduling of research work

MONTH
1ST Month 2ND MONTH 3RD MONTH
ACTIVITIES
WEEKS WEEKS WEEKS
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
1. PLANNING

3. DESIGNING

5. IDENTIFICATION OF APPROPRIATE
MATERIALS
7. PRPOCUREMENT OF NEEDED MATERIALS

9. PREPARATION OF NEEDED MATERIALS

12
 11. FABRICATION FOR THE PROTOTYPE MODEL

13. TESTING AND REVISIONS

15. FINISHING THE PROTOTYPE MODEL

LEGEND: PROPOSED SCHEDULE AS PLANNED:

ACTUAL COMPLETION OF ACTIVITY:

Phase 2: Planning and Design

 Designing the project and design drawing
Several factors were considered in designing of the small scale hydroelectric
generator using household water supply. To come up with the desired design and
performance of the generator, proper consideration and identification of these factors were
of great help to the researcher. These factors include the following:

1. Capacity of the water tank –

2. Desired power output
3. Motors
4. Pipes
5. Size of the design

 Identification of appropriate materials

Motor

Figure 3.2 Mini hydroelectric turbine

13
Model D50-12V: DC 12V voltage regulator output, you can give the 12V radio power.
Features:
No corrosion, the structure is strong, the mechanical noise: less than 55dB, Generator
single volume: 90g, the life of generator: more than 3000h.Output characteristics: the
output voltage with no voltage regulator is proportional to the water pressure.
Specification :
1. Water inlet/outlet : 1/2"
2. Output Voltage : 12V
3. Max power : 10W
4. Output Current : max 220Ma
5. Outlet closed highest pressure : 0.6MP
6. Outlet opening the highest pressure : 1.2MP
7. Startup pressure 0.05 Mpa
8. Working Temperature Range : 5°C ~ 85°C
9. Size:8.8x5.8x3.9cm(L X W X H)
WATER FLOW SENSOR

Figure 3.3 Mini water flow sensor

Specification:
Material: Plastic / monocrystalline
Color: Transparent
Working voltage: DC 5～15V
Maximum operating current: 15 mA (DC 5V).
Working voltage range: DC 5~15 v.

14
Load capacity: ≤ 10 mA (DC 5V).
Work temperature: ≤ 80°C
Work humidity range: 35%~90%RH (no frost)
Allowing pressure: pressure 1.75Mpa
Storage temperature: -25~+80 ° c
Save humidity: 25%-95%RH
Flow Range: 1-30L/min
Insulation resistance:> 100MΩ
Accuracy (in 1 ~ 30L MIN): ± 10%
Flow pulse characteristics (5xQ): Q = L / Min ± 3%
Output pulse duty cycle: 50% ± 10%
External threads: Approx. 1/2"
Interface Type:1/2"(1/2" Tubing)
Dimension:54 x 29mm/2.13 x 1.14"(L x W)

Phase 3: fabrication

 Procurement and ordering of needed materials

The choice of the materials were based on its availability in the market and

the supplier that offered the lowest price was selected for the purchasing of the

materials needed for fabrication of the components of the system.

QUANTITY UNIT PARTICULAR ITEM UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

Order item
3 Pc Hydro Generator PHP 432.00 PHP 1,296.00
2 Pc Digital Flow Meter PHP 203.00 PHP 406.00
2 Pc Digital Pressure Meter PHP 480.00 PHP 960.00
2 Pc Mechanical Flow Meter PHP 200.00 PHP 400.00
1 Pc Solar Control Panel PHP 345.00 PHP 345.00
1 Pc Parameter Tester PHP 500.00 PHP 500.00
Local Product

15
 1 Pc Blue Drum PHP 1,400.00 PHP 1,400.00
2 Pc Blue PVC Pipe ½ PHP 70.00 PHP 140.00
10 Pc Blue PVC Tee PHP 16.00 PHP 160.00
10 Pc Blue PVC Elbow ½ PHP 12.00 PHP 120.00
16 Pc Blue PVC female Adaptor PHP 15.00 PHP 240.00
9 Pc Blue PVC Male Adaptor PHP 15.00 PHP 135.00
2 Pc GI Steel Pipe ¼ PHP 345.00 PHP 690.00
2 Pc GI Elbow Reducer ¾ to ½ PHP 23.00 PHP 46.00
2 Pc GI Tee Reducer ¾ to ½ PHP 48.00 PHP 96.00
½ Pc Angle Bar 1” PHP 230.00 PHP 115.00
½ Pc Flat Bar 1 ½” PHP 240 .00 PHP 120.00
5 Pc Globe Valve ½ PHP 400.00 PHP 2,000.00
1 Pc Check Valve PHP 350.00 PHP 350.00
1 Pc Pipe Cement PHP 23.00 PHP 23.00
3 Pc Tape Lon PHP 10.00 PHP 30.00
3 Pc Faucet PHP 21.00 PHP 63.00
5 Pc 1kg Welding Rod (GENCORD) 1/8 PHP 120.00 PHP 600.00
½ Lit Primer Red Oxide PHP 35.00 PHP 35.00
½ Lit QDE Silver Metal PHP 48.00 PHP 48.00
1 Pc Motolite Maintenance Battery PHP 1,100.00 PHP 1,100.00
2 Pc Rubber mini wheel w/ lock PHP 38.00 PHP 76.00
2 Pc Rubber mini wheel w/o lock PHP 52.00 PHP 104.00
1 Set Arduino Nano PHP 500.00 PHP 500.00
1 Set Arduino Pro PHP 500.00 PHP 500.00
2 Pc LED strap 1’’ PHP 90.00 PHP 180.00
1 Pc LED strap 2’’ PHP 200.00 PHP 200.00
Miscellaneous PHP 1,000.00 PHP 1,000.00
Total cost PHP 13,978.00

 Materials preparation

All materials and equipment needed for the fabrication of the generator were

prepared so that there was no interruption and delay in the fabrication.

Phase 4: Performance evaluation

 Pre-testing

 Final testing

16
 Data collection

17