Experimental Study on the Effects of Turbine Blades Types on the Performance of Centrifugal Pump as Pico-Hydropower Generation

Abstract

Turbines are rotary mechanical devices used to extract energy from rivers with waterfall and convert them into electricity for rural areas. However, many small turbines installed in rural areas are expensive and dependent on the types of blades to provide the required energy. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effects of backward, inclined, and forward blades of turbines on the centrifugal pump's performance as pico-hydro power. This study was carried out in Riau Province due to the low flow of water, with varying turbine blades for small-scale hydropower generation. Rust-resistant and lightweight materials were selected for the manufacture of the turbine and to keep it from damaging. The turbine was tested in a laboratory to determine the characteristics and maximum power output from rivers and waterfall. The result showed that the turbine produces a maximum electrical power of approximately 1000 Watts using the backward blades due to its ability to support and save water resources.