UNIVERSITY OF MINDANAO

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
MATINA CAMPUS

Improvement of Hydro Kinetic Diffuser Augmented Power Turbine

PROPONENTS:
James Oidale A. Pesquera
Kenneth Ray M. Tupan
Ronel S. Pantoja

Introduction
Renewablesourcesofenergyareveryusefultousnow.Hydropowerisone
oftheserenewablesources.Hydropowersourceismuchbetterthansolarandwind
because it depends on the rivers current. By using different water turbines it can
generateelectricityfromthekineticenergytheriverscurrent.Hydrokineticturbine
electricitygenerationaimedtobeusedatlocationswhichhasinsufficientsourceof
electricityespeciallyruralareas.Itisveryusefulforimprovingthequalityoflivingof
peopleintheselocations.Therearedifferentdesignsofturbinethatareavailablefor
extractingenergyfromtheriverorevencanals.Therearetwogenericclassesexist
basedonthealignmentoftheturbineaxiswithrespecttowaterflow;theimpulse
turbinesandreactionturbines.TheverycommonturbinethatisusedareSavonius
turbine,Darrieusturbine,andHshapedDarrieusturbine (Norman, 2007).
Researchesonthewatercurrentturbinesarestilldevelopingevennowadays.
Somepeoplesuggestthatwaterturbinesaregainingpopularity.Differentkindsof
waterturbinesarebeingbuiltandtested. The increased demand for electric energy
gives us an idea to construct new technologies for extracting energy from the moving
water of the rivers. However, this task is not easy because of the different conditions
of the river. Several of these technologies have been faced with different
discouragements, sometimes it is turned down completely, and as of today there are
only a few concepts in the world that are successfully producing electricity. Still, the
research is still going on and the industry will continue to develop as the attention has

increased for these types of renewable. For the purpose of energy extraction and to
minimize the energy crisis, it has been more ideal for us to explore and study the
potential in rivers (Jackson, 2001).
The aim of the project is to improve the concept of hydro kinetic turbine in
producing an amount of electricity from a river which has laminar flow, and this thesis
is concerned with finding a location that has no turbulence in current for the energy
extraction. This project is designed to be able to improve the power generated from
previous study about the kinetic energy or movements of the water in the rivers into
electricity. By placing turbines directly in river with the help of the diffuser, the water
current generates hydrokinetic power from the kinetic energy of moving water
(current). The hydrokinetic powers availability depends on the speed of the rivers
current. In order to operate, hydrokinetic devices require a water current that is
enough to move the turbines and also the depth of the water. The depth of the water is
an significant factor in determining the total energy that can be obtained from the
device where it is being located.
Along with the researchers findings about energy crisis involving power
shortage, we are determined to find simple solution. Thus, the researchers came to a
decision to design and fabricate a hydrokinetic Diffuser Augmented Power Turbine
that will help lessen the energy crisis we are dealing with.

I. Objectives of the Study

The study aimed to improve and design a diffuser augmented hydrokinetic
electrical generator using Savonius turbine. Specifically it aims to be designed
according to the following constraints:
1. To improve the design that will be able to produce the needed power.
2. To fabricate the design within the given time.
3. To conduct a function test.
4. To show the cost of design.

II.

Importance of the Study

The study was designed to generate more power from the hydrokinetic

electrical generator and to test the machine in the river which is not turbulent in
orderto provide the school or even the community a more improved electrical device
which would help and give knowledge to any people on how to use the renewable
sources around us. This study would provide a simple solution for the source of power
that would be useful in facing energy crisis.

III.

Target Beneficiaries
The results of this study would benefit the following:
Researchers .This study would allow the researchers to gain knowledge
about hydrokinetics and provide learning experiences.
The Public.This study would provide the public with amore improved
design to use as alternative source of energy using the water current from the
rivers.
Students.This study would give the students more knowledge through
their first-hand experience on the different equipment and materials in
preparation for future applications.
School.This study would provide better teaching strategies and improve
instructional state of the art facilities and a high standard of learning and
enhanced curriculum.
Department of Energy.The study would help in minimizing the power
shortage the society is facing nowadays.

IV.Review of Related Literature

This chapter presents the different literatures and studies which is relevant to
the background of this study. This includes literatures that cover hydrokinetics, its

history, usage, and the different applications of hydrokinetics. This chapter also
includes the literature of the other materials in the project.
Based on the existing research of this concept, the first example of river turbine
was developed and tested by Peter Garman. Nine prototypes were built and tested in a
four years period at Juba, Sudan (Khan, 2006). A floating pontoon was the first design
that is submerged completely with a vertical axis turbine. Later design uses an
inclined horizontal axis turbine with almost the same floating system. Brief and
detailed investigation on a low cost water pumping unit resulted that the overall
efficiency is 7% and decided to focus on societal and cost issues (Norman et al.,
2007).
Another Australian design also known as Tyson Turbine consisted of a
horizontal axis rotor submerged in a 90 degree transmission mechanism that powers a
generator located at the pontoon. A Belgian concept (Rutten Company, Herstal,
Belgium) consisting of a double cylindrical pontoon with floating turbine and a
straight bladed waterwheel, first installed and tested in Zaire, Africa (Hardeep, 2012).
There is some information on many similar designs with horizontal and vertical axis
rotors that were tested in Brazil particularly in Amazon regions since it has rural type
of location. This report emphasizes the success of the tested hydrokinetic turbine
system for use in remote places. Because of the several conditions of this concept,
protection is very needed because of the debris and other objects that affect the
mechanism. However, detailed information on these designs and their output is not
available (Pride et al., 2010).

River and tidal current hydrokinetic devices typically use vertical or horizontal
axis turbines similarly made for wind generation. Some vertically oriented turbines are
generally of the Darrius or Gorlov type that typically has two or more blades
connected in a vertical shaft to form a rotor; the kinetic motion of the water current
creates movement on the blades causing the rotor to rotate and drive the mechanical
generator (Zhu, 2002). The rotor turns in the same direction irrespective of the
direction of current flow, causes the turbine can operate in either on rivers or in tidal
current environments. Horizontal axis turbines are typically of three types: the
Darrius/Gorlov type, a fan blade type, or a propeller blade type (Hakim et al., 2004).

DIFFUSER
A diffuser is the exact opposite of a nozzle. Nozzle increases the velocity of a
fluid while diffuser decreases the velocity of a fluid. In order to do this the entrance
of a diffuser is larger than its exit. While for the faster flow the entrance is smaller
than its exit (Amirault, 2016).
A diffuser is the mechanical device that is designed to control the substance
that is flowing in an open area. Diffusers are used to slow the fluid's velocity and to
develop its mixing into the surrounding substance. Effects of fricion are sometimes
considered and important, but usually they are just neglected. It is also assumed that
thermal energy is greater than potential energy if it will change and for the analyzing
purposes the latter can usually be neglected (Bard, 1982).

PRONY BRAKE
Gaspard de Prony is a French mathematician and engineer. He invented
the Prony brake (1821), a device for measuring the power produced by an engine. In
the Prony brake, rotating wheel is a machine used to squeezed brake blocks, and the
friction that is generated at the ends of the wheel applies torque to the shaft, a spring
scale measures the force produced that is needed to hold the shaft in place (Brar,
2014).
The Prony brake is used to measure the amount of torque generated by a motor
or engine in order to know its brake power rating. The device was invented by a
French engineer named Gaspard de Prony in 1821, and continues to be used
worldwide by tractor and heavy equipment manufacturers. A Prony brake is compose
of a belt that is tied around the shaft that is near to the measuring scale located at the
upper part of the engine or motor. Sets of weights are added to the ends of the belt
until the engine slow and jam under the friction created by the load. The amount of
weight needed to jam or slow the engine will regulate or affect the amount of torque
or pulling power that the engine is capable of producing (Hitt, 1969).
Prony brakes are important in determining torque since it is not difficult to
construct. There are modern prony brakes that are being used as of these days with the
use of brake drums. It varies on the force of the brake drum that is being applied
during the stalling of rotation occurs. This kind of device is being used in different
fields of work as long as it connected to torques.

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Definition of Terms
The following terms were used in this study. They were defined for the purpose
of precision.
Generator. An electrical device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Gear. A rotating machine part having cut teeth mesh with another part of the teeth in
order to transmit torque.
Savonius Turbine. A type of vertical-axis turbine , used for converting the force of
the water current into torque on a rotating shaft.
Shaft. A long cylindrical bar connected into the rotation parts.
Pontoon. A flotation device with sufficient buoyancy to float itself and also for
carrying heavy loads.
Pillow Block Bearing. Is used to provide support for a rotating shaft with a
compatible bearings & various accessories.
Prony Brake. A device that is used to determine the amount of torque of an engine or
motor.
Diffuser. A device used for decreasing the velocity of the fluid to increase the pressure
in order to rotate the turbine.

VI.Scope and Limitations

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This research focused on fabricating a diffuser augmented device for

hydrokinetic electrical generator. Possible location of the projects test run is in Davao
River (Bankerohan River) which has a laminar flow of current and our target is to test
and produce at least a kilowatt of electricity in a steady flow basis of current.

Conceptual Framework of the Study

Figure 1 shows the conceptual framework of operation which fall under
three sets of clarification, namely input, process, and output. The process involves
designing, fabricating and testing the hydrokinetic generator. The output is the
development of hydrokinetic electrical generator.
Input
Water current from
the river

Process
Designing/Constructing,
Fabricating of the
diffuser augmented
Hydrokinetic turbine

Output
Improvement of
Hydrokinetic Electrical
Generator using
Savonius turbine

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework

VII. Methodology
The methods and procedures in fabricating this study were more on
gathering data from different references. This project was built to produce electrical
power using the water flow from the river. Thefollowing methods were used in this

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study: the research design, research materials, research procedures, gatheringof data
and fabrication of the diffuser augmented hydrokinetic turbine

A. Research Design
The product applied research method was utilized in the conduct of this study.
This research would deal with the improvement of free, renewable and variable source
of energy to be used. The design ensures effective result in producing more power.

Figure 2.Perspective View of the Design

B. Research Equipment and Instrument

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In order to fabricate the said design, the following equipment and instruments
were used:
1. Welding Machine. A mechanical machine used to join two metallic parts.
2. Lathe Machine. A machine used to create bores to the shaft.
3. Power Hack Saw. A machine used to cut large sizes (sections) of metals such as
steel.
4. Grinder. A machine used to manufacture or re-sharpen cutting tools, used in a
machining operation to refine the surface of materials.
5. Post Drill. A machine used to drill holes on materials vertically.
6. Hand Drill. Equipment used to drill holes on materials manually in different
orientation.
7. Hammer/Ball peen Hammer. A hand tool used for pounding.
8. Screwdriver/Phillip Screwdriver. A hand tool used to tighten or loosen screws.
9. L-Square. A tool used to check the angle accuracy of an edge.
10. Steel Tape. Atool used for measuring length.
11. Pliers/Long Nose Pliers. A tool used to hold materials.
12. Mallet. A hand tool used for pounding tin plates.
13. Vise Grip. A tool used to grip a material in a stable position.
14. Bench Vise. Mechanical equipment used to hold work piece.
15. Wrench/Open Wrench/Adjustable Wrench. A hand tool used to tighten and
loosen bolts and nuts.
16. Stop Watch. A device used to measure the time taken by the floater.
17. Floater. A piece of wood used to float to determine the water current from the
river.
18. Prony Brake. A device used to measure the torque.
19. Riveter. A device used to rivets a thin material.
20. Meter Stick. A wooden device use in measuring.

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C. Research Procedure
In conducting this research, the procedures are as follows:

Preparation of Materials
Materials needed for the realization of this project were purchased from
hardware and some from water station equipment supplier. Other materials and
equipment available in the laboratory were borrowed.

Acquisition of Approval
The researchers requested authorization and approval from the engineering
laboratory supervisor to conduct the study and do the fabrication and also to borrow
instruments that are necessary for the study.

Conducting the Research Study

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The researchers wrote a letter of approval to the laboratory custodian of

Mechanical Engineering Laboratory asking permission to use the Mechanical
Engineering Laboratory of the University of Mindanao.

Manufacturing Process
The design was fabricated according to the figure as shown.

Drafting and Layouting

Preparation of materials
& equipment

Test Run

Assembly of the
parts

Final Assembly

Figure 3.Manufacturing Process

Procedures in Fabrication

Cutting and
Drilling

Fabricating the
parts

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This section shows the steps and procedures in fabrication of the Hydro-Kinetic
Generator using Savonius Turbine.
a) Planning and designing of the project.
b) Canvassing of the materials that will be used.
c) Measuring the frame of the previous design.
d) Preparation of the materials for cutting and drilling.
e) Constructing the structure of the project.
f) Setting of the materials that are already cut.
g) Welding the angle bars that will be the structure of the project.
h) Installing the plain sheets on the structure through rivets.
i) Setting the diffuser on the hydrokinetic device.
j) Installing the gears, generator and diffuser for the completion.
k) Test run.

D. Interpretation of Data
All the data gathered in the experiment were computed experimentally and
interpreted. The results where the force stopped the turbine is 2.32KN and the average

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torque is 1.09KN-m for the researchers to come up with the conclusion and
recommendation.

VIII.Findings of the Study

This section presents the result and discussion of the study. It includes the
outcome of the design, interpretation and comparison of the data gathered from the
past testing without diffuser in a turbulent current and the testing of this study with the
diffuser augmented hydrokinetic turbine was used in a laminar flow of current, and the
presentation of the cost in fabricating the device.
Based on the gathered data, the average power acquired at Bankerohan
River was 0.68 Kw. This data are obtained in a set-up where there is no external load.
Open current were gathered.
From the data recorded by the researchers, the average RPM of the device was
6 revolutions per minute at Bankerohan River. This data were gathered using this
turbine, gears, and prony brake and diffuser dimensions.

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Figure 4. Diffuser - Orthographic View

The design of the diffuser was based on the previous projects frame. The
measurement of this diffuser was based on the setting of the frame, turbine and
pontoon frame. Allowance of measurements was considered for future repairs in case
of any unexpected instances.

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Figure 5. Prony Brake - Top View

The design of the Prony Brake was based on the design of the turbine. The
design was made by considering the shaft of the turbine. The consideration of this
design was taken from the measurement of the structure of the project to fit the
stopper in the shaft to stop the rotation and acquiring the torque.

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Figure 6-a. Savonius turbine Top View

Figure 6-b. Savonius Turbine Front View

The design of the Savonius turbine has a total diameter of 28.5 inches.
Each blade has a diameter of 15 inches. The blade had a gap creating a tunnel for the
water to pass through.
The total height of the blade assembly is 33 inches. The total height of the
shaft is 60 inches. This measurements was considered because of the depth that this
turbine well submerged into. It is the appropriate design in obtaining a higher
possibility of having a greater revoulution.

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Figure 7.Gears
Because the rotational speed of the shaft of the Savonius turbine is less
than that of the rated rotational speed, the researchers used compound gear train to
step-up the rotational speed of the device. The compound gear train ratio of the device
is about 1:182.
The function test of the research includes the rotational speed. The
researchers conducted the function test at Davao River located at Bankerohan, Davao
City.
The table above shows that the power output varies in the revolution per
minute that gathered in testing the device. This only means that the larger amount of
RPM gathered the larger electrical energy can be produced.

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A. Force applied to Device

The device utilized the turbine which rotated by an external force. Hence,
the researchers wanted to test the force needed for the turbine to stop. This was done
by setting up the device including the generator. Then a spring scale devicewas used to
measure the force required to stop the turbine. The following data is obtained:

Trial

Force

2.57 KN

2.43 KN

2.14 KN

2.14 KN

Average

2.32 KN
Table 1.Manual Force Acquired

The average force required to stop the turbine is 2.32KN.

B. Torque of the device
The researchers determined the torque of the turbine by setting up the
.prony brake to measure the torque of shaft. An experiment is conducted to
obtain the data of the torque. The following data is obtained:

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Trial

Distance

Force

Torque

.47 m

2.57 KN

1.21 KN-m

.47 m

2.43 KN

1.14 KN-m

.47 m

2.14 KN

1 KN-m

.47 m

2.14 KN

1 KN-m

Average

.47 m

2.32 KN

1.09 KN-m

Table 2.Manual Torque Acquired

C. Water Velocity
The device used water current as prime moverof the turbine. One potential
that the researchers considered for the current source is the current of rivers. Thus, the
researchers wanted to identify the velocity of the river site where the device is tested.
On this research, the river sites where the device was tested at Davao River located at
Bankerohan, Davao City. The testing of the velocity of the river water is done by the
manual way of testing. This involves the use of a floater allowed to float at a specific
distance with respect to time recorded by a timer.

Trial

Distance

Time

Velocity

20 m

54 sec

0.37 m/s

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20 m

54 sec

0.37 m/s

20 m

51 sec

0.39 m/s

Average

20 m

53sec

0.38 m/s

Table 3. Gathered data using a floater with respect to time.

D. Power Output
One objective of this study is to present or to prove that the researchers
device is capable of producing power from a hydrokinetic water turbine in a laminar
or steady flow of current by the use of the project (diffuser) that the researchers made.
Power was then calculated from the torque and revolution per minute that has been
recorded. The followings are the data of power generated by the device with respect to
the site it was being tested:

Trials

Rpm

Force

Distance

Torque

Power

4 rpm

2.57 KN

.47 m

1.21 KN-m

.51 Kw

6 rpm

2.43 KN

.47 m

1.14 KN-m

.72 Kw

7 rpm

2.14 KN

.47 m

1 KN-m

.73 Kw

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7 rpm

2.14 KN

.47 m

1 KN-m

.73 Kw

Average

6 rpm

2.32 KN

.47 m

1.09 KN-m

.68 Kw

Table 4. Gathered data at Davao River (Bankerohan River).

The device was designed and fabricated from newly materials and some scrap
materials. The table below shows the materials used and the costs of the whole device
including the transportation on our testing.

MATERIALS

QUANTITY

UNIT PRICE

TOTAL PRICE

Yellow drums (60lit)

4pcs.

400.00

1200.00

Schedule 6 GI Plane sheet

1 sheet

1070.00

1070.00

Schedule 4 GI Plane sheet

3 sheet

510.00

1530.00

1 dia. Round Bar

6ft. long

80.00/feet

480.00

Corrugated Round Bar

5pcs.

135.00

675.00

Pillow Block Bearing 1dia.

3pcs.

130.00

390.00

Angle Bar 3/4x1&1/4

5pcs.

375.00

1860.00

Angle Bar 1x1

7pcs

175.00

1225.00

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Flat Bar

2pcs.

Ring Gears

4pcs.

Generator

1pc.

Nuts & Bolts

15pcs.

160.00

500.00
5700.00

5700.00
500.00

Wires
Welding Rod

320.00

300.00
4kg

Shaft & Gear Fabrication

80.00/kg

320.00

4000.00

4000.00

Rivets

500pcs.

0.5000

250.00

Drill bit

6pcs.

50.00

300.00

Spring balancer

1pc.

50.00

50.00

Transportation and Labor

3500.00
Total
Table 5.Device Cost

IX.

Conclusions and Recommendations

A. Conclusions

23,070.00

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Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions were drawn:
1. The improvement of Hydro-Kinetic Generator using diffuser augmented
hydrokinetic turbine Savonius blade was successfully operational based on the
gathered data, the average power acquired at Bankerohan River was 0.68kw.
And the needed power to be produce is at least0.5kw.
2. The device was successfully reconstructed, fabricated and improved for
operation in the time given with regards the monthly assessment.
3. The researcher was able to conduct a function test toachieve the target design.
4. The cost of fabrication of the device was quite expensive. The researchers used
new materials from market and the others were just repaired and improved
from the project.
B. Recommendations
From the results gathered by the researchers, they come up with some possible
alternatives thatwould improve the design of the generating device. These were the
followings:
1. The design of the diffuser must not be totally enclosed specifically the lower
part so that it will not be difficult in submerging the device and in raising or
pulling out of the device in the water.
2. Improve the gear ratio to generate more power.

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3. Proper lubrication in the shafts, gears and bearings regularly.

X.

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