CHAPTER 5

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

This chapter presents the summary of findings, conclusion and

recommendations made in the study.

5.1 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

In the course of the research on the picohydroelectric system, the proponents

has establish the following findings.

First, the torque and the turbine speed of the water supply is directly

proportional to the amount of mechanical input power that could be generated.

Second, the former parameters that could be found in the Tanato River itself

varies due to the presence of tides changing mainly during day and night and the effect

of the seasons in the entire year.

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 Third, the turbine speed is directly proportional to the alternator speed.

Likewise, the alternator speed is directly proportional to the alternator power output

abd c

Fourth, the picohydroelectric system is proven to have no detrimental effects on

the environment making it clean and environment-friendly.

Lastly, proper component sizing, selection and specifications constitutes to

better efficiency and appropriate usage of the entire picohydroelectric system and its

individual components.

5.2 CONCLUSION

Pico hydro power generation is renewable source of energy that is durable,

dependable, low cost and low maintenance.

From the outcome taken from our studies; The Tanato River has the potential

possibility to produce desirable amount of electrical energy and it is recommended for

a pico hydro installation.

The main objective of this study which was to design a pico hydroelectric

system was satisfied; also the group was able to determine whether the pico-

hydroelectric system is suitable for powering up street lights proposed to be installed in

Tanato Bridge.

The specific objectives that the researchers set were also achieved. The system

was proven to be reliable, generating a minimum of 75 watts at a frequency of 50 to 60

Hz. On the other hand, the proposed street lights could operate for 12 hours in a day.

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 As seen from the previous chapter the group tested during the dry season where

the head is expected to be at at its minimum, for eight different periods in a day that

enabled the group to determine the operating parameters of the system. The researchers

successfully designed and constructed the inlet, the penstock, the turbine and connected

the generation circuitry of the system.

The group used float method in order to measure all of the specified data. Based

from the data collected, it can be concluded that the water flow rate of the river

decreases little by little over the course of dry season. From Table 4.5 and Table 4.6, it

showed the mechanical power of the turbine and the corresponding speed the alternator

can produce. There are small discrepancies between the eight trials, but it all produced

the necessary speed that will produce 220 V at 50 to 60 Hz in order for the recipients

of the electricity to work. The researchers used the LED street lights as loads.

All components of the turbine were carefully selected based from the range of

prices and also the quality of the item. This hydropower plant was designed to withstand

the location’s water as well as to maximize its use even during dry seasons. Due to

safety purposes, the generator has a machine guarding to protect the system as well as

the people who will be operating the Pico Hydro turbine. The group was assisted by

some of the faculty members of Bataan Peninsula State University before and during

the project was in progress.

Moreover, the implementation of this kind of renewable energy project would

be a great help for the travelers and, especially, the residents of Brgy. Tanato who really

needs a low cost, sustainable and convenient form of electrical energy for their public

areas.

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5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS

The researchers recommend the following:

5.3.1 Consider making the system a hybrid one by connecting it together with a

photovoltaic system. This will increase the power output of the combined system.

5.3.2 Consider using a larger turbine for a much better torque.

5.3.3 Consider the generator to be fastened securely for better alignment.

5.3.4 Consider having a commercially-fabricated sprocket to avoid wiggling and to

stabilize the chains.

5.3.5 Consider the use of self-aligning cylindrical roller bearing than ball bearing for

the bearing system for withstanding momentary shock loads and for higher accuracy of

shaft alignment.

5.3.6 Consider the system’s portability. Making it foldable and much lighter will make

the system a lot more convenient.

5.3.7 Consider putting lubrication on the bearings for twice a month to allow a better

spin and to minimize the friction between the chains and the sprockets.

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