Study of low head turbine propellers axial flow for use of micro-hydropower plant (MHP) in Aceh, Indonesia

Abstract

Low head hydropower has the potential to produce green energy with a minimum on the environment and is one of the best choices for decentralized power plants. Aceh is one of many regions in Indonesia with hilly topography and many river streams. Of the 66 rivers in Aceh that have potential energy sources that can be developed 98.5 percent are low head. Generally, the technique for overcoming altitude problems in low river flows is the use of low head turbines. An important aspect of head power generation techniques is the selection of turbines. The study aimed to study low head propeller turbines for the use of micro hydropower plants. By calculating the main dimensions and main components of the turbine, field experiments were carried out to determine turbine rotation and energy, as well as turbine efficiency at a flow rate of 0.06 m³/sec and a 3.5-meter head. The calculation results obtained by a specific turbine speed of 1.53, runner diameter of 0.30 meters, hub diameter of 0.06 meters, shaft diameter 0.03, runner length 1.08, triangular speed of 30 degrees with the number of blades 4 pieces. From the results of field experiments, the maximum turbine rotation speed is 1828 rpm, the turbine power is 2,530 watts with a voltage between 220 to 240 volts while the maximum efficiency is 57 percent. It can be concluded that propeller-type turbines with the low head are suitable for micro power plants, especially in remote areas.