Electrical Power Generation from Canal Systems using Whirlpool Vortex Turbines

Among a few choices for rural electrification, Pico Hydropower (PH) has an extraordinary spot for its capacity to generate continuous energy given the rated stream of water. From increasing energy crisis, the only solution is to turn towards renewable resources. The major components for a conventional hydroelectric plant are a reservoir, hydraulic turbines, and a powerhouse. Among a few pico-hydro choices, Whirlpool Hydropower Generator (WHG) is another expansion in the group of ultra-low head hydropower generation and is one of the emerging advancements that have exceptional consideration of academicians internationally. In WHG, an artificially framed vortex turns a co-axially turbine, combined with a generator thus producing electricity. This study is focused to design and manufacture a turbine to produce electricity from regular canal systems using basic concepts of whirlpools and vortex. It features a vertical axis cross-flow in the turbine and implementing it to harness hydro-power from canal systems. Using the gravitational factor to favor this design making a turbine, both cost-efficient with low installation cost and also environment- friendly, especially for marine life. It is a low-water head turbine with a submersible generator fitted inside it which will generate electricity via canal system. Our designed turbine with its robustness and flexibility having a standalone grid-connected system enables it to move 24/7. Removing the need for heavy constructed high-water level reservoirs for power generation, shifting conventional water flow axis to a natural vertical Whirlpool Flow (WF), while minimizing harm to marine life. Moreover, this prototype will utilize canal systems for effective power generation as it can be installed at small places like the irrigation systems.