CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

Introduction

The continuous black out in the Philippines particularly in General Santos City
make its people annoyed and complaint every time this happen. They also experiencing
the rapid issues regarding the hazardous effects that can lead by non-renewable source of
energy used by some producers of power supply (Coal, Oil Gas and Nuclear), it is really
alarming to continue this kind of actions.

The above problem proves that electricity has been playing a vital role in the daily
lives of most people not only here in the Philippines but all around the world. Without
electricity, the comfort, convenience and pleasure of life would seem impossible for the
continuous evolution of man. It would only mean that improving the electric generation
more and more will be the answer to this problem in a way that the production of power
will be the best of service for the mass that can offer, more economical and
environmentally friendly.

Flowing water creates energy that can be captured and turned into electricity. This
is called hydroelectric power and one of the broad lines of work of a mechanical
engineering profession that will probably answer the continuous blackout or continuous
demand for the need of power as a source of energy and environment issues of non-
renewable source of energy.

The most common type of hydroelectric power plant uses a dam on a river to
store water in a reservoir. Water release from the reservoir flows through a turbine,
spinning it, which in turn activates a generator to produce electricity. But hydroelectric
power doesn’t necessarily require a large dam. Some hydroelectric power plants just use
a small canal to channel the river water through a turbine. (A.Earthxcan, 1981, New and
Renewable Energy, Russel Press Ltd. Nottingham, UK)

Probably the most important of the early engines which utilized water power was
the vertical waterwheel. Its two basic forms are the undershot and the overshot. The
undershot vertical wheel rotated in the vertical plane and had a horizontal axis. It
normally had flat radial blades attached to its periphery and derived its motion from the
impact of water flowing under the wheel and against these blades. While capable of
working on any convenient stream without mill races (narrow artificial water channels, it
worked most effectively in a race and with a stable volume of water running at a fairly
high velocity. (Stronger than a Hundred Men: A History of the Vertical Water Wheel by
Terry S. Reynolds Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1983)

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 And as an aspiring Mechanical Engineer, A study of effects of having different
forms of blades (Forward curve, backward curved and Radial) in the performance of
water wheel in generating electricity will be a great contribution to the problem above. In
this study, undershot water wheel is designed for the experiment.

The Problem

Statement of the Problem

The primary purpose of this study was to determine which is more efficient
together with the different appearance of wheel of both types of water turbine from the
constant time to be conducted.

More specifically, this study attempted to answer the following questions:

1.) Do different forms of blades (Forward curve, backward curved and Radial) of
water wheel affect the efficiency of the turbine?
2.) What are the effects of having different forms of blades (Forward curve,
backward curved and Radial) in the performance of the water turbine?
3.) Is there a significant difference of efficiency among the different forms of
blades (Forward curve, backward curved and Radial)?
4.) Which of the different forms of blades (Forward curve, backward curved and
Radial) of water wheel can generate more power?
5.) Which of the different forms of blades (Forward curve, backward curved and
Radial) of water wheel can be used as Pico-hydroelectric power plant and
mini hydroelectric power plant?

Assumptions

Significant difference between samples will be based in mathematical value.

Slight errors in measurements can be record that will affect the result of the
experiment.

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Null Hypothesis

1.) The different forms of blades of the water don’t affect the efficiency of the
turbine.
2.) Having radial blades generate great performance in the water wheel.

3.) Having different forms of blades (Forward curve, backward curved and
Radial) will be no significant at all.

4.) Having forward curve blades of water wheel can generate more power.

5.) Having backward curve, forward curve blades of water wheel can use as Pico-
hydroelectric power plant and mini hydroelectric power plant respectively.

Importance of the Study

For the Engineering society, this serve as a basis for further study can be a
foundation for those want to practice their field of learning, this also serve as a potential
design that can help others to help others having easy ,clean , green ,affordable and
endless source of energy. This study also show the potential of having a new innovative
way of life such that we can also protect our environment, showing a simple design of
different forms of blades (forward curve, backward curve and radial) of water wheel for
much greater efficiency, somehow.

For the community, this serves as a future development of the practical way of
living, since it is a local technology that anyone has the capability to construct and
building it up, the community can have an easier way of living while protecting their
environment.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The study focuses only on the efficiency produce of the different forms of blades.
Powers generated by the turbines are evaluated according to their hydraulic efficiency,
mechanical efficiency, volumetric efficiency and leads to all over efficiency.

This study is subjected to conduct 2-3 months duration. Including the preparation
of materials and conducting the methodology.

This study will be conduct in three (3) trials having one (1) hour of interval.

Since some equipment and materials for the design was already exists at certain
irrigation in San Jose, General Santos City, it will be conducted there.

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Definition of terms

Water wheel

-is a machine for converting the energy of free-flowing or falling water into useful forms
of power. A water wheel consists of a large wooden or metal wheel, with a number of
blades or buckets arranged on the outside rim forming the driving surface.

Water turbine

-is an engine driven by the pressure of water against the curved vanes of a wheel.

Efficiency

-it vary with the hydraulic head and further theory is require to show this.

Mechanical efficiency

-measures the effectiveness of a machine in transforming energy and power that is input
to the device into an output force and movement, here the efficiency is measured as a
ratio of the measured performance to the performance of an ideal machine.

Volumetric efficiency

-is a term used for comparing performance or some other measurable parameter per unit
of physical volume.

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 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND RELATED STUDIES

Water Wheel’s History

A water wheel is a machine for converting the energy of free-flowing or falling

water into useful forms of power, often in a watermill. A water wheel consists of a large
wooden or metal wheel, with a number of blades or buckets arranged on the outside rim
forming the driving surface. Most commonly, the wheel is mounted vertically on a
horizontal axle, Water wheels were still in commercial use well into the 20th century, but
they are no longer in common use. Prior uses of water wheels include milling flour in
gristmills and grinding wood into pulp for papermaking, but other uses include
hammering wrought iron, machining, ore crushing and pounding fiber for use in the
manufacture of cloth.

Hellenistic engineers invented the water wheel and were, along with the Romans,
the first to use it for both irrigation and as a power source. The technological
breakthrough occurred in the technically advanced and scientifically minded Hellenistic
period between the 3rd and 1st century BC. . (Wikipedia,
%20the%20free%20encyclopedia.htm)

Arab engineers took over the water technology of the hydraulic societies of the
ancient Near East; they adopted the Greek water wheel as early as the 7th century,
excavation of a canal in the Basra region discovered remains of a water wheel dating
from this period. Hama in Syria still preserves one of its large wheels, on the river
Orontes, although they are no longer in use. One of the largest had a diameter of about 20
meters and its rim was divided into 120 compartments. (Wikipedia,
%20the%20free%20encyclopedia.htm)

Undershot water wheel

An undershot wheel (also called a stream wheel) is a vertically mounted water

wheel that is rotated by water striking paddles or blades at the bottom of the wheel. The
name undershot comes from this striking at the bottom of the wheel. This type of water
wheel is the oldest type of wheel. (Wikipedia, %20the%20free%20encyclopedia.htm)

Undershot wheels are also well suited to installation on floating platforms. The
earliest were probably constructed by the Byzantine general Belisarius during the siege of
Rome in 537. Later they were sometimes mounted immediately downstream from bridges
where the flow restriction of arched bridge piers increased the speed of the current.

The Undershot Wheel worked in a running stream and could turn in shallow
water. It was often built by the first settlers since it was relatively simple to set up …

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They were common in the early days when a dam could be built to compensate for dry
periods … . [Mill: The History and Future of Naturally Powered Buildings by David
Larkin. New York, 2000.]

Overshot water wheel

The Overshot Wheel required a dam above it so that the weight of water falling
on it would make it turn. After one-third of a revolution, the water was spilled from the
wheel. The water first striking the wheel gave it momentum, but the weight of the water
in its buckets kept it turning. [Mill: The History and Future of Naturally Powered
Buildings by David Larkin. New York, 2000.]

A vertically mounted water wheel that is rotated by falling water striking paddles,
blades or buckets near the top of the wheel is said to be overshot. In true overshot wheels
the water passes over the top of the wheel, but the term is sometimes applied to back shot
or pitch back wheels where the water goes down behind the water wheel.

A typical overshot wheel has the water channeled to the wheel at the top and
slightly beyond the axle. The water collects in the buckets on that side of the wheel,
making it heavier than the other "empty" side. The weight turns the wheel, and the water
flows out into the tail-water when the wheel rotates enough to invert the buckets. The
overshot design can use all of the water flow for power (unless there is a leak) and does
not require rapid flow.

(Wikipedia, %20the%20free%20encyclopedia.htm)

It is likely that the [emergence of undershot and overshot wheels] was at least
partially influenced by several more primitive devices which tap the power of falling
water – the water lever, the noria, and the primitive horizontal watermill. [Stronger than a
Hundred Men: A History of the Vertical Water Wheel by Terry S. Reynolds Baltimore:
The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1983.]

Sample picture of water wheel

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Generator

The generator is an engine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy
by electromagnetic induction

The fundamentals principles governing generator action and motor action were
originally discovered by Michael Faraday in 1813. (C.S Siskind, Direct Current
Machinery)

Equations involved

Volume flow rate

Q=Av

Where A is the occupied area m2 in, v is the velocity of the water in m/s and Q is the
volume flow rate in m3/s.

Cross sectional area

A=πD2/4

Where A is the occupied area m2 in, D is the diameter in m.

Work output by kinetic energy equation.

KE= mv2/2

But m is in kg, so we need to get the density of the water by taking the temperature of the
water and used the thermodynamic table to get the density.

And comparing the work with this equation for turbine theoretical power;

WP=ρgQH/1000

Where ρ is the water density, g is the acceleration due to gravity, Q is the volume flow
rate and H is the total head.

Rotational speed of the wheel

Speed = 9 x V /D rpm

D = diameter in meters

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For the generator’s speed: rpm

N= 120f/P

Where f is the frequency normally 60 hz and P is the number of poles it must

even number.

Related Study

This study is basically related to the study of the effects of having a different
angles (20 and 40 degrees) of blades in the performance of water wheel by Mr. George L.
Almirante.

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 Chapter III

Research Design and Procedure

In this chapter, the researcher will discuss the research design that can be used to
perform the study.

Research Method

In this application, the researcher will make water wheels having different forms
of blades (Forward curve, backward curved and Radial) and compare with their
efficiencies.

Experimental Research Design

The study will be conducted in ten trials and shall determine the power generated
using multi-meter and theoretical solving’s.

Instrument and Materials

Since, the study aims to compare the efficiency of water wheel; the researcher
will use the same instrument and materials for the three water wheels.

1.) Generator / Alternator (low speed if possible)

2.) 12-V Battery (optional)
3.) A-belt
4.) Multi-tester
5.) Tachometer
6.) Electrical wire
7.) Steel bar
8.) Tin sheets

Some of the equipment and instruments will be based and depends on the man
that will sponsor the study.

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Research Procedure

Preparation of the instruments and materials:

 Gathering of materials and instruments.

 Buying all materials that is needed.
 Checking the materials and instruments, if they work properly.
 See to it that the materials and instrument are clean to avoid some
mistakes in conducting the study.

Construction the water wheel

1.) Weld a based circular frame with diameter of 3.28 feet and 2 feet wide
out of the steel bars.
2.) For the blade curves or the whole bucket, Cut 4 pieces of 2 feet by 1
foot out of the tin sheets, metals or wood and weld it.
3.) Combining the step 1 and 2 by welding it to make it water wheel that
will be alike to the design. (see the pictures on figures)
4.) Polish the sharp edges of the finish water wheel.

Testing the water wheel

 After installing all the equipment, we will try to test the water wheel
by putting it in a river or irrigation. The researcher will test the said
study in San Jose (vineyard) irrigation and will be evaluated for 6
hours.
 Using the multi-tester, we can get the power generated of the water
wheel and compare it to turbine theoretical power.
 During the experiment; the water level, turbine submergence, water
velocity will be well observed to define the different parameters of the
study.

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Cost of Construction, Operation and Maintenance

In terms of manufacturing process, the operation and maintenance costs are

considered as very important matters to sustain a system.

Since some of the materials and equipment are already present and we have a
sponsor for this study; I think the researcher will save money and we can say that the cost
of the construction of the water wheel is low due the materials used here, recycled
materials and due to the sponsor. The low cost of operation is due to non-dependence of
using an electrical power to generate the movement of the turbine. The power resource is
water flow, used continuously generate the movement of the turbine. Thus, the water
flow is considered renewable and sustainable source of energy. The cost of maintenance
is also very low since it is made up of hard materials and there’s no need for maintenance
annually or monthly. The cost estimation that the researcher will spent will be his sweat,
snacks and fares that will probably be more or less P1000.00 to exaggerate.

Theoretical/ Conceptual framework

Theory

Water wheel is a rotary engine in which the kinetic energy of a moving fluid is
converted into mechanical shaft power, energy by causing a bladed rotor to rotate which
can be used to elevate water to drive an electric generator. The flow of water from the
channel enters the blade with high velocity, then continuously rotates the wheel and
elevates the water simultaneously.

Variable

There will be two sets of variables that can be used in this study, independent and
dependent variables. The independent variables are the volume of water and the different
forms of blades (Forward curve, backward curved and Radial) of water wheel to be
conducted. The dependent variable is the power generated.

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 FIGURES

The three undershot water wheels

Water wheel with forward curve blade

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Water wheel with backward curve blade

Water wheel with radial blade

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REFERENCES:

[1] A.Earthxcan, 1981, New and Renewable Energy, Russel Press Ltd.
Nottingham, UK)

[2] (Stronger than a Hundred Men: A History of the Vertical Water Wheel by
Terry S. Reynolds Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press,
1983)

[3] (Wikipedia, %20the%20free%20encyclopedia.htm)

[4] [Mill: The History and Future of Naturally Powered Buildings by David
Larkin. New York, 2000.]

[5] (C.S Siskind, Direct Current Machinery)

[6] Mr. George L. Almirante, The study of the effects of having a different
angles (20 and 40 degrees) of blades in the performance of water wheel.

[7] Jose Francisco, Guide Book in Fluid Machinery

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