The effect of wheel and nozzle diameter ratio on the performance of a Turgo turbine with pico scale. (February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Budiarso, ; Febriansyah, Dwijaya; Warjito, ; Adanta, Dendy
• Is Part Of: Energy reports. Volume 6(2020)Supplement 2
• Page Start: 601
• Page End: 605
• Publication Date: 2020-02
• Subjects: Pico hydro -- Turgo turbine -- Wheel -- Nozzle -- Remote areas; Power resources -- Periodicals; Energy industries -- Periodicals; Power resources; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 621.04205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.egyr.2019.11.125
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-4847

Abstract

Abstract: A Turgo turbine with a pico scale (<5 kW) is one solution to supplying electrical energy in remote areas because of its low construction costs and ease of maintenance. Based on empirical equations, the ratio of the wheel ( D ) and nozzle diameter ( d ), or D ∕ d, of a Turgo turbine must be determined precisely because it affects wheel velocity, which has an impact on performance and/or efficiency. However, the optimum D ∕ d ratio has not yet been clearly determined. To find the optimum D ∕ d ratio for a Turgo turbine with a pico scale that can produce maximum electrical power, this study will examine five variations of the D ∕ d ratio: 11.6, 13.8, 14.7, 22 and 27.5. In order for this turbine to be implemented in remote areas, coconut shell is proposed as the material for its blades. The results of the analysis, which used a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test with a confidence level of 92.5%, show that the D ∕ d ratio had a significant influence on performance. Based on the results, a D ∕ d ratio of 22 produces the highest efficiency – 34.97% with an electric power of 5.34 W (13.21 Vdc ± 0.1 Vdc and 396.4 mA ± 7.46 mA) – compared to the other ratios. Thus, the pico-scale Turgo turbine runner design is optimized​ at the D ∕ d ratio of 22. Furthermore, coconut shell blades can be implemented for a pico-scale Turgo turbine.