13th World Congress in Mechanism and Machine Science, Guanajuato, Mxico, 19-25 June, 2011

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Micro Hydropower Plant with Rotors Pintle and Hydrodynamic Profile of Blades
I. Bostan, V. Dulgheru, V. Bostan
Technical University of Moldova
Chishinau, Republic of Moldova
AbstractThe analysis of hydraulic energy
conversion systems has demonstrated the opportunity for
the development of water kinetic energy conversion
systems compared to potential energy conversion
systems. The micro hydropower plants designed
modularly, allow change of destination and of functional
characteristics by replacing some units with others. The
experimental research of the integral technical system hydrodynamic rotor coupled kinematically with
component units of micro hydro power plants aims at
increasing efficiency of water flow kinetic energy
conversion into useful energy by identifying and, where
necessary, introducing in the technical documentation of
partial structural changes and, sometimes, of conceptual
and technical solutions adopted previously.
Keywords: micro hydropower, hydrodynamic blades, rotor.

1. General overview
The analysis of hydraulic energy conversion systems
has demonstrated the opportunity for the development of
water kinetic energy conversion systems compared to
potential energy conversion systems. A number of
advantages are observed obviously. Technical
advantages: relatively simple hydraulic energy
conversion systems. Economic advantages: the cost of
civil engineering works is reduced considerably.
Ecological advantages: absence of dams and storage
basins. The analysis of existing micro hydroelectric
power plants for river water kinetic energy conversion
has pointed that there are reserves to increase the
efficiency of the utilized turbines. Betz coefficient, equal
to 0,59, represents the maximum theoretical efficiency of
the hydraulic energy conversion. The majority of the
existing systems provides an output factor (coefficient)
for water kinetic energy in the value range of 0,2.
When developing industrial prototypes of micro
hydropower plants for river water kinetic energy
conversion the following criteria and requirements were
taken into account:
- Exclusion of dam construction and of the negative
impact on the environment, implicitly;
- Lowest cost;
- Simplicity of construction and operation;
- Increased reliability at dynamic overload in operating
conditions;
- Resistant composite materials, including conditions
of high humidity;
1

- Automatic adjustment of the micro hydropower plant

platform position in conditions of water level changing.
To justify the constructive and functional parameters,
additional numerical modeling and simulations were
performed, using ANSYS software CFX5.7, and the subsoftware developed by the authors for MathCAD,
Autodesk MotionInventor, etc., namely, simulation of the
fluid blade interaction and floating stability,
hydrodynamic optimization of the blade profile in order
to increase kinetic energy conversion efficiency of river
water at its different velocities using 3 and 5-blades rotor.
The efficient operation of micro hydropower plants by
individual customers for particular destination depends
on their constructive configuration choices and on the
functional
characteristics
of
component
units
participating in the conversion of flowing water kinetic
energy into useful energy.
Pre-feasibility study shows the economic efficiency of
micro hydropower plants in producing electrical and
mechanical energy by means of river water kinetic
energy conversion.
To meet the objectives and consumer demands for
micro hydro power plants, and also to increase the
efficiency of conversion of flowing water kinetic
potential in the certain river area, the authors have
developed the following structural and functional
concepts based on modular assembly:
micro hydropower plant with hydrodynamic rotor
for river water kinetic energy conversion into mechanical
energy for water pumping (MHCF D4x1,5 M);
micro hydropower plant with hydrodynamic rotor
for river water kinetic energy conversion into electric and
mechanical energy (MHCF D4x1,5 ME);
micro hydropower plant with hydrodynamic rotor
for river water kinetic energy conversion into mechanical
energy at low speeds (MHCF D4x1,5 ME);
micro hydropower plant with hydrodynamic rotor
for river water kinetic energy conversion into electric
energy (MHCF D4x1,5 E) [1,2].
The micro hydropower plants designed modularly,
allow change of destination and of functional
characteristics by replacing some units with others
(generator, pump, blades with other hydrodynamic
profile, 3- and 5- blade rotor).
The micro hydropower plants possess similar
resistance in structure construction calculated for strength
and rigidity to dynamic applications.

13th World Congress in Mechanism and Machine Science, Guanajuato, Mxico, 19-25 June, 2011

Buoyancy and maintenance of hydropower plant rotor

axis perpendicularity at variable river water level is
ensured by patented technical solutions [3-6].
Continuous orientation mechanism of the blades at the
constant entering angle relative to the direction of fluid
stream contains Know-how elements and is not described
here. The main working body, which depends mainly on
the amount of kinetic energy converted into useful
energy, is the blade with hydrodynamic NACA 0016
profile, developed on the basis of carried research and
presented in [1].

A29_605

wheel with horizontal axle (Fig. 1). Thus, only this

surface of the blade participates at the transformation of
water kinetic energy into mechanical one. As well, the
preceding blade covers approximately 2/3 of the blade
surface plunged into the water to the utmost (h 2/3h),
that reduces sensitively the water stream pressure on the
blade. The blade, following the one that is plunged into
the water to its utmost, is covered completely by it and
practically does not participate in the water kinetic
energy conversion. Therefore the efficiency of such
hydraulic wheels is small.
Insistent searches of authors have lead to the design
and licensing of some advanced technical solutions for
outflow micro hydroelectric power plants. They are based
on the hydrodynamic effect, generated by the
hydrodynamic profile of blades and by the optimal
blades orientation towards water streams with account of
energy conversion at each rotation phase of the turbine
rotor (Fig. 2). To achieve this, it was necessary to carry

2. Conceptual diagrams
To avoid the construction of dams, it is possible to use
the river kinetic energy by utilizing water flow turbines.
This type of turbines can be mounted easily and are
simple in operation. Their maintenance costs are rather
convenient. The stream velocity of 1m/s represents an
energy density of 500W/m2 of the flow passage. Still,
only part of this energy can be extracted and converted
into useful electrical or mechanical energy, depending on

Fig. 2. Conceptual diagram of the water wheel with hydrodynamic

profile of blades andpositioning of blades towards the water currents.

out considerable multicriteria theoretical research on the

selection of the optimal hydrodynamic profile of blades
and the design of the orientation mechanism of blades
towards the water streams.
The main advantages of these types of micro
hydroelectric power plants are:
- reduced impact on the environment;
- civil engineering works are not necessary;
- the river does not change its natural stream;
- possibility to produce floating turbines by
utilizing local knowledge.
Another important advantage is the fact that it is
possible to install a series of micro hydro power plants at
small distances (about 30-50m) along the river course.
The influence of turbulence caused by the neighboring
plants is excluded.
The results of investigations conducted by the authors
(on the water flow velocity in the selected location for
micro hydro power plant mounting, on the geological

Fig. 1. Conceptual diagram of the water wheel with rectilinear

profile of blades.

the type of rotor and blades. Velocity is important, in

particular, because the doubling of water velocity leads to
an 8 times increase of the energy density. The section of
Prut River is equivalent to 60 m2 and its mean velocity in
the zones of exploration is (1-1,3) m/s, which is
equivalent to approximately (30-65) kW of theoretical
energy. Taking into account the fact that the turbine can
occupy only a part of the riverbed, the generated energy
could be much smaller. There are various conceptual
solutions, but the issue of increasing the conversion
efficiency of the water kinetic energy stands in the
attention of the researchers. The analysis of the
constructive diversion of micro hydroelectric power
plants, examined previously, does not satisfy completely
from the point of view of water kinetic energy conversion
efficiency. The maximum depth of blades immersion is
about 2/3 of the blade height h in a classical hydraulic
2

13th World Congress in Mechanism and Machine Science, Guanajuato, Mxico, 19-25 June, 2011

A29_605

the centrifugal pump 6 (model CH 400) with electrical

energy in order to pump water in drip irrigation systems
or for drainage of agricultural land adjacent to river (with
relocation of the centrifugal pump 6).
In the case of electric energy production, with
account of mechanical losses both in the micro

prospects of the river banks in the location of installing

the anchor foundation and on the energy demands of the
potential consumer) represent the initial data for the
conceptual development of the micro hydro power plants
and the working element.
1. Development of the micro hydro power plants
Two types of 3- and 5-blade rotors were designed for
the described micro hydropower plants. Installed capacity
of micro hydropower plants with diameter D = 4 m,
submerged height of blades h = 1,4 m and the length of
blade chord l = 1,3 m at water flow velocity V = 1...2 m/s
can be in the boundaries P = 2...19 kW (see fig. 3).
The micro hydropower plant MHCF D4x1,5 ME for
river water kinetic energy conversion into electrical and
mechanical energy (fig. 3) is polyfunctional and can be
utilised for electrical lighting of streets, heating, water
pumping in drip irrigation systems, and also for draining
agricultural lands adjacent to rivers.
Rigging the NACA 0016 profile blades 1 in the
hydrodynamic rotor 2 and its attachment to the multiplier
input shaft 3 is done similar to micro hydropower plant
MHCF D4x1, 5 M. Kinematic and construction
peculiarities of MHCF D4x1,5 ME are as follows:
rotational movement of the hydrodynamic rotor 2 (Fig.
3.186) with an angular frequency (velocity) 1, by means
of multiplier 3 and belt transmission 4 with effective
myltiplying ratio i = 212.8, is multiplied to the operating
angular frequency of the permanent magnet low speed
generator 5:
3=1i1 (s-1).
(1)

Fig. 3. Micro hydropower plant with hydrodynamic rotor for river

kinetic energy conversion into electrical and mechanical energy (rotor
diameter D = 4 m, submerged height of blade h = 1,4 m, length of blade
chord l = 1,3 m) (MHCF D4x1,5 ME): 1. Blade with hydrodynamic
NACA 0016 profile; 2 3-blade rotor; 3 planetary multiplier with
multiplying ratio i=112; 4 belt drive with multiplying ratio i = 1,9; 5 permanent magnet generator (characteristics see p. 5.4); 6. centrifugal
pump CH 400 (characteristics pump flow rate Q=(20-40)m3/h at
pumping height 15...32m); 7 plastic pontoons; 8 guide; 10 space
housing.

Torque T3, applied to rotor 5, is:

T3 =

T1 1 2 r
,(Nm) ,
i

(2)

where: 1 is multiplier mechanical efficiency (1 = 0,9);

2 is belt transmission mechanical efficiency (1 =
0,95);
r mechanical efficiency of hydrodynamic rotor
bearings (1 = 0,99).
i effective multiplying ratio equal to the multiplying
ratios product of the planetary multiplier and belt
transmission.
The electric energy produced by the permanent magnet
generator 5 (fig. 3) can be utilised to satisfy the energy
needs of the private consumers and, as well, to supply

hydropower plant linkage and in the permanent magnet

generator, the efficiency of energy utilisation at
generators terminals is,

= 12 r g = 0,9 0,95 0,99 0,87 = 0,736, (3)

and in the case of water pumping (at the centrifugal pump
shaft) the efficiency is:

13th World Congress in Mechanism and Machine Science, Guanajuato, Mxico, 19-25 June, 2011

= 12 r g me = 0,9 0,95 0,99 0,87 0,91 = 0,67,

In this context, the time table of experimental research

on the pilot station in field conditions includes:
study of diversity of water flow speed cadastre
within the boundaries of rotor effective section (the width
of the rotor blades and level of submersion) and
assessment of the water flow energy potential;
study of the influence of force factors on the
stability of the hydrodynamic profile blades positioning
(angle of attack ) and the kinetostatic analysis of the
blades positioning mechanism;
study of energy and kinetic conversion efficiency
parameters (for the electric generator terminals and the
input shaft of hydraulic pumps);
study of kinematic parameters of hydrodynamic
rotor and mechanical losses in the kinematic chain
(linkage);
setting the influence of structural and functional
parameters of hydrodynamic rotor on the hydrodynamic
effects and water turbulence flow mode under field
conditions;
study of functional characteristics of electrical
generator and centrifugal pumps.

Fig. 4. Kinematics of micro hydropower plant MHCF D4x1,5 ME.

where: g is the generator efficiency;

me is the efficiency of the hydraulic pump
electromotor.
Thus, the micro hydropower plant MHCF D4x1,5 ME
ensures the transformation into useful energy of 73,6%
and 67% of the energy potential of flowing water, picked
up by the hydrodynamic rotor, in producing electrical
energy and, respectively, in water pumping.
4

x 10

V. Conclusions
The experimental research of the integral technical
system - hydrodynamic rotor coupled kinematically with
component units of micro hydro power plants aims at
increasing efficiency of water flow kinetic energy
conversion into useful energy by identifying and, where
necessary, introducing in the technical documentation of
partial structural changes and, sometimes, of conceptual
and technical solutions adopted previously.

Momentul sumar T la diferite viteze, Profil:NACA 0016

v =1.3 m/s
0

v =1.6 m/s
0

3.5

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v0=1.8 m/s

References

T, (n m)

2.5

[1] Bostan I., Dulgheru V., Sobor I., Bostan V., Sochireanu A.
Renewable energy conversion systems. Ed. Tehnica-Info SRL,
Chiinu, 2007. 592p. ISBN 978-9975-63-076-4.
[2] Bostan I., Dulgheru V., Bostan V., Ciuperc R. Anthology of
inventions: renewable energy conversion systems. Ed. Bons
Offices SRL, Chiinu, 2009. 458p. ISBN 978-9975-8+-283-3.
[3] Bostan I., Dulgheru V., Bostan V., Ciobanu O., Sochireanu A.
Patent No. 2991(MD), CIB F03 B 7/00. Hydro Power Plant /
T.U.M. No. 2005 0136 ; Decl. 16. 05. 2005; Publ. BOPI, 2006.No.2.
[4] Bostan I., Dulgheru V., Sochireanu A., Bostan V., Ciobanu O.,
Ciobanu R. Patent No. 2992 (MD), CIB F03 B 7/00. Hydraulic
Plant / U.T.M. No. 2005 0270; Decl 15.09.2005 ; Publ. BOPI
2006.- No.2.
[5] Bostan I., Dulgheru V., Bostan V., Sochireanu A., Trifan N. Patent
No. 2993 (MD), CIB F03 B 7/00: F 03 B 13/00. Hydraulic Turbine
/ T.U.M. No. 2005 0272; Decl. 15.09.2005 ; Publ. BOPI 2006.No. 2.
[6] Bostan I., Dulgheru V., Bostan V. Sochireanu A., Ciobanu O.,
Ciobanu R. Dicusar I. Hydraulic Plant.Patent No. 3104 (MD).
BOPI no. 7/2006.

22887 N m

18084 N m

1.5
11938 N m
1
0.5
0

valoare medie

30

60

90

120 150 180 210 240 270

Unghiul de pozitionare, (Deg)

300

330

360

Fig. 3.184. Torque T1 at the hydrodynamic rotor shaft with NACA 0016
profile blades.

Schedule of experimental research on the pilot station.

Structural and functional parameters of hydrodynamic
rotor, planetary multiplier, generator and low speed
centrifugal pumps, determined separately for each
working body, needs to be checked by experimental
investigations in real conditions of their operation in an
integral technical system.
4