Prototype development of micro-hydropower house: Testing

Abstract

Micro-hydropower system is a division of hydropower system which capable to produce electricity up to 100 kilowatt (kW). Water energy basically produces from flowing water which causes the rotation of a turbine generator. A prototype development of micro hydropower house is produce with the purpose to generate electricity from water sources. This project consist of few stages starting from designing process, material selections, installation, assembly, and testing. Designing process divide into three categories consist of conceptual design, prototype design, and selection of the most suitable design. A few equipments and device are use in testing on micro-hydropower house such as pressure gauge, tachometer, multi meter, bulb and LED. Theoretical values for water flow rate, velocity of water output, driven pulley, maximum power available for the system, and shaft power are determine from the variable value. The mechanical efficiency for micro-hydropower house determine from the comparison between theoretical and actual values. From the testing, micro-hydropower house prototype produce power output of 2.35 W at 68.95 kPa water pressure and 0.26  /s water flow rate with the mechanical efficiency of 48.6 %. For overall, this project is successful and able to produce electricity from water source with the maximum output of 2.35 W.