Prototype development of micro-hydropower house: Testing
Abstract
Micro-hydropower system is a division of hydropower system which capable to produce
electricity up to 100 kilowatt (kW). Water energy basically produces from flowing water
which causes the rotation of a turbine generator. A prototype development of micro hydropower
house is produce with the purpose to generate electricity from water
sources. This project consist of few stages starting from designing process, material
selections, installation, assembly, and testing. Designing process divide into three
categories consist of conceptual design, prototype design, and selection of the most
suitable design. A few equipments and device are use in testing on micro-hydropower
house such as pressure gauge, tachometer, multi meter, bulb and LED. Theoretical
values for water flow rate, velocity of water output, driven pulley, maximum power
available for the system, and shaft power are determine from the variable value. The
mechanical efficiency for micro-hydropower house determine from the comparison
between theoretical and actual values. From the testing, micro-hydropower house
prototype produce power output of 2.35 W at 68.95 kPa water pressure and 0.26 /s
water flow rate with the mechanical efficiency of 48.6 %. For overall, this project is
successful and able to produce electricity from water source with the maximum output
of 2.35 W.