Numerical analysis of low-tech overshot water wheel for off grid purpose

Abstract

The rural areas of Nepal comprise of many rivers and rivulets which is not properly utilized till yet. In Nepal, the focus is set on overshot waterwheel due to its applicability in low discharge and low head sites with high efficiency. This paper presents the numerical analysis of a low-tech overshot wheel. Simulation of overshot wheel is done at flow rate, and horizontal distance and vertical clearance of the inlet canal. It is found that the water wheel generates higher power at the condition when the flow rate is 25 kg/s, horizontal distance between chute and wheel is 20 cm and the vertical clearance is 2 cm.