Domestic potential head utilizer

INTRODUCTION
Our group has selected the Domestic potential head utilizer project in order to utilize knowledge and experience obtained from different power engineering classes. The most difficult part of the project will be synchronizing the speed at which we can spin the turbine with the optimal speed of the motor/generator. We may need to boost the signal from the motor in order to obtain our goals. This project will be exciting because it will allow us to design and build a small hydro-generation system. This system will give insight into the complex task of finding a reliable energy source for future use.

How Hydropower Works?

Hydropower converts the energy in flowing water into electricity. The volume of water flow determines the quantity of electricity generated and the amount of "head" (the height from turbines in the power plant to the water surface) created by the dam. The greater the flow and head, the more electricity produced. A typical hydropower plant includes a dam, reservoir, penstocks (pipes), a powerhouse and an electrical power substation. The dam stores water and creates the head; penstocks carry water from the reservoir to turbines inside the powerhouse; the water rotates the turbines, which drive generators that produce electricity. The electricity is then transmitted to a substation where transformers increase voltage to allow transmission to homes, businesses and factories.

Types of Hydropower Plants

Conventional: Most hydropower plants are conventional in design, meaning they use one-way water flow to generate electricity. There are two categories of conventional plants, run-of-river and storage plants. Run-of-river plants: These plants use little, if any, stored water to provide water flow through the turbines. Although some plants store a day or week's worth of water, weather changes, especially seasonal changes, cause run-ofriver plants to experience significant fluctuations in power output. Storage plants: These plants have enough storage capacity to off-set seasonal fluctuations in water flow and provide a constant supply of electricity throughout the year. Large dams can store several years worth of water. Pumped Storage: In contrast to conventional hydropower plants, pumped storage plants reuse water. After water initially produces electricity, it flows from the turbines into a lower reservoir located below the dam. During off-peak hours (periods of low energy demand), some of the water is pumped into an upper reservoir and reused during periods of peak-demand.

Building Hydropower Plants:Most hydropower plants are built through federal or local agencies as part of a multi-purpose project. In addition to generating electricity, dams and reservoirs provide flood control, water supply, irrigation, transportation, recreation and refuges for fish and birds. Private utilities also build hydropower plants, although not as many as government agencies. Product Features of the Hydroelectric Generator using Syphon Easy hook up of faucet to hose. Draining of water will be provided. Self-contained water compartment for safe household use. 2 outlets allowing multiple devices to be powered. 120 V at 60 Hz output. 100 W maximum loads.

Various components used in project:

An intake collects the water and a pipeline delivers it to the turbine, The turbine converts the water's energy into mechanical shaft power. The turbine drives the generator which converts shaft power into electricity. In an AC system, this power goes directly to the loads. In a battery-based system, the power is stored in batteries, which feed the loads as needed. Controllers may be required to regulate the system. Water: Water is the driving force for the turbine. It will be obtained through a standard household faucet and transported to the turbine via a hose. The kinetic energy and potential energy from the water will be transformed into rotational energy by the turbine.

Turbine: The turbine will be a metallic wheel with fins based on the Pelton Wheel design. It will be enclosed in a box and attached to the motor shaft through the center bore of the turbine. The water will run through a nozzle and spray against the turbine to cause the turbine to rotate and thus drive the motor shaft.

Motor/Generator/Dynamo: A permanent magnet DC motor will be used as a generator. The turbine will turn the shaft of the motor and alternating fields experienced by the rotor will induce a current in the rotor windings thus transforming rotational energy into electrical energy. The leads of the motor will be connected to a DC-DC converter.

Pipeline: Most hydro systems require a pipeline to feed water to the turbine. The exception is a propeller machine with an open intake. The water should pass first through a simple filter to block debris that may clog or damage the machine. The intake should be placed off to the side of the main water flow to protect it from the direct force of the water and debris during high flows. It is important to use a pipeline of sufficiently large diameter to minimize friction losses from the moving water. When possible, the pipeline should be buried. This stabilizes the pipe and prevents critters from chewing it. Pipelines are usually made from PVC or polyethylene although metal or concrete pipes can also be used. Storage Tank:-

DC-DC Converter: The input of the DC-DC converter will come from the leads of the motor. The voltage of the motor output will vary with the speed of the motor and the speed of the motor will vary with the pressure of the water. Thus, the DC-DC converter will serve to stabilize the voltage in order to generate a constant input voltage for the DC-AC stage of conversion.

DC-AC Inverter: The DC-AC inverter will take a constant DC voltage as input from the DC-DC converter and generate 120 volts at 60 hertz for the output. Since most household electrical goods require 120 volt 60 hertz input, the same value would be the most logical choice for the output of the inverter.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of the Hydroelectric Generator Non-polluting generation for operation in enclosed areas. Readily available supply of fuel (water). Provides an alternative to gasoline-powered generators. Save money by using water instead of gasoline. No flammable components. Emergency backup power supply.

Disadvantages of the Hydroelectric Generator Not a completely reliable source of electricity. Completely depends upon water supply. As water is used, there is danger of corrosion in the long run.

Benefits:
Hydropower is a clean, domestic and renewable source of energy. Hydropower plants provide inexpensive electricity and produce no pollution. And, unlike other energy sources such as fossil fuels, water is not destroyed during the production of electricityit can be reused for other purposes.

Obstacles:
Hydropower plants can significantly impact the surrounding areareservoirs can cover towns, scenic locations and farmland, as well as affect fish and wildlife habitat. To mitigate impact on migration patterns and wildlife habitats, dams maintain a steady stream flow and can be designed or retrofitted with fish ladders and fish ways to help fish migrate upstream to spawn.

BLOCK DIAGRAM OF THE PROJECT

DYNAMOO

TURBINE MOTOR

TANK

Actually working block diagram

Turbine unit

INTERNAL CONSTRUCTION OF TURBINE:-