Design and Fabrication of Energy Converter through Water Current

Regilyn  O. Batacan,; Job  S. Caisido,; Chrystian Viner  D. Quilao,

Design and Fabrication of Energy Converter through Water Current

Regilyn O. Batacan | Job S. Caisido | Chrystian Viner D. Quilao

Abstract:

The steady increase in population demands more sources of energy and other sustainable alternatives. Water currents are a sustainable alternative, which proves to be one of the cheapest and most reliable energy sources. This alternative source can constantly be utilized day and night to produce electricity. The project study focused on the design and fabrication of an energy converter that utilizes water currents/flow in small bodies of water such as streams, rivers, channels, inlets, waterways, and even canals. Through field testing, the proponents found that the power generated and the efficiency of the prototype greatly depend on the symmetry between mechanical and electrical components. The mechanical components, such as the chain-sprocket mechanism must have the right number of teeth, and the area of the blades must have the optimal size, number, and weight to achieve the highest efficiency possible. The motor must have the highest number of windings to generate high electricity. The objective of the project was to determine the technical requirements needed in harnessing energy from the water currents, determine the design of the energy converter that will harness energy through water currents and its capacity, and calculate the estimated cost for the fabrication of the project. Interview and literature review were utilized to attain the objectives of the study. Based on theoretical computations, the maximum power input of the prototype was 13.2 W but during field testing, the actual maximum power output of the prototype was 4.5 W. The total project cost would be ®30, 168.768. The proponents recommended that lighter materials should be used for the water, such as engineering plastics and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The design must also have lesser bearings to hold the shaft for less mechanical energy loss and greater efficiency and better motor for energy generation.