Thesis Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering University of Rizal System-Morong 2024

Generally, the study aimed to develop a run-of-river pico-hydropower system that includes the main parts that generates electricity, which is the turbine and generator, equipped with artificial channel for redirection of the portion of the river, and the monitoring system to observe the performance of the system. The study was conducted and was tested in off-grid locations that can utilize the wasted potential energy in their vicinity. Specifically, the study determined and developed the type of turbine to be used in the run-of-river pico-hydropower system in terms of flow rate and head. Furthermore, the developed features of the pico-hydropower system in terms of power generation, energy storage, and monitoring system of the power generated and rpm of the turbine. To test the capabilities of the system, a tester was used to measure the power generation of the system and the changes in the energy storage. In the evaluated level of acceptability of the developed pico-hydropower system in terms of durability, maintainability, performance efficiency, reliability, and safety, the developed system was tested within one day in Brgy. Daraitan, Tanay, Rizal and was evaluated by the community beneficiaries. Also, in the developed operational manual of the study, the components are included to better understand the device and the operation, maintenance, and safety procedures was also considered for the system users. In obtaining the data required to justify the objectives of the study, a descriptive and developmental approach was considered in the study. To prove the importance of the study in the community, a community needs assessment was conducted, and a researcher’s modified questionnaire was used to assess the level of acceptability of the developed pico-hydropower system. The study was evaluated by thirty-one (31) respondents consisting of twenty (20) beneficiaries, five (5) mechanical experts, three (3) knowledgeable individuals in constructing artificial channel, and three (3) knowledgeable individuals in control system. In selecting the appropriate type of turbine, the data gathered through float method for the flow rate is 1.6m3/s and the head was measured to be 0.997m that falls under the criteria for the gravitational vortex turbine which is the type of turbine used in the study. The generated power by the system is measured around 420-460 watts and is stored in a battery that can store 480 watts and is visually shown by the monitoring system along with the rpm of the device which ranges from 57 – 200 rpm. The power generated by the system has a satisfactory result as it can generate power close to its rated capacity of 500W which is about 84% efficiency of the generator. Based on the result of evaluation, the developed Run-of-river Pico- Hydropower system was evaluated to be durable enough to withstand various environmental factors and physical defects due to vibrations caused by sudden changes in the flow of water. Furthermore, in the maintainability of the system, the materials that can be used to replace any defective parts are easy enough to find locally. Regarding Performance Efficiency, the output of the system can reach around 420 – 460 watts, which is close to the rated capacity of the system, this parameter achieves a satisfactory result from the respondents as it can power one to two households. In terms of Reliability, the complexity of the wirings and the losses of power that comes through it causes the evaluation to decrease but was complemented by its reliability to continuously operate for 24 hours. Lastly, for the safety of the system, the materials used are safe enough to provide a hazard free working condition due to a charge controller to avoid overloading, while also having easy ways to halt the operation in emergency situations. Based on the results of the evaluation, the developed Run-of-River Pico-Hydropower system was “Highly Acceptable by the respondents in terms of Durability and Safety while “Acceptable” in maintainability, performance efficiency, and reliability. Additionally, the operational manual was evaluated to be lacking a more detailed explanation and connection of the wirings of the system that the users can follow. The study concluded that the developed Run-of-River Pico-Hydropower system can continuously generate 420 watts of electricity for 24 hours in certain household assuming no variation in the flow rate of water. Furthermore, it is also concluded that the device is durable enough to withstand the current of water and can last for some years with proper maintenance to ensure longevity of the device. The researchers recommend proper positioning of the artificial channeling to obtain a strong gravitational vortex to generate the maximum power of the generator during operation. Additionally, it is recommended to utilize a better sensor with monitor that is not prone to strong vibration to avoid problems that can be encountered during the transport and testing process. The researchers also recommend future researchers to explore further with regards to the use of other turbine type to utilize the potential energies in rivers.