Performance Analysis of Z-Blade Reaction Type Turbine for Low-Head Low Flowrate Pico Hydro

Abstract

The study explores the performance characteristics of a Z-Blade reaction type water turbine and investigates a test unit for an ideal and practical case using the governing equations derived from the principles of conservation of mass, momentum, and energy. Various analyses are conducted with consideration of the ideal and possible operating condition for low-head (3 m to 5 m) and low flowrate (2.5 L/sec and below) water resources. The relationship of the fluid flow friction known as k-factor with mass flow rate and angular velocity for a Z-Blade turbine model is discussed. The measured performance of two PVC pipe sizes (0.5 inch and 1 inch) of a Z-Blade turbine is presented and evaluated against theoretical results. This work also describes the simple concept of a Z-Blade turbine for a pico-hydro application. A large variation in k-factor with a 1% difference in rotational speed and mass flow rate is presented. The coefficient k-factor is also demonstrated as a strong parameter influencing the mass flow rate and rotational speed performance. This coefficient also has a significant impact on the conversion of potential energy into power output.