One common problem in the utilization of micro-scale hydropower is the low energy extraction efficiency in shallow river flows or in those with very low head. This is because conventional water turbines generally require a head of 5 to 10 meters to operate, with 70% of them highly dependent on high water flow. Due to the low head in these gently sloping rivers, the mechanical energy potential available for conventional turbines to generate decreases drastically, as these turbines typically achieve optimal efficiency only in high-pressure flows and are highly prone to clogging by river debris.
To overcome this problem, research on the Design of an Archimedes Screw Turbine was conducted to increase energy absorption efficiency and optimize rotor rotation in low-head water flows. This screw turbine will be placed at an angle in the water channel. It will continuously rotate the generator shaft as the spaces between its helical blades are filled by water descending via gravity. The main objective of this research is to address the shortcomings of existing conventional water turbine designs, specifically their inability to operate at low water flow rates and their vulnerability to solid materials carried by the current. In this study, the turbine’s blade structure is made of stainless steel to ensure the material remains corrosion-resistant while being sturdy enough to withstand the water load. The turbine is also designed with a specific pitch and is housed within a casing with very tight clearance tolerances. This turbine design is projected to harness the available kinetic energy of a low-speed water stream.
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Figure 1. a) Top View of the Archimedes Turbine; b) Testing of the Archimedes Turbine in an Artificial Pool at the I-Cell Building, FTUI
