Design and Development of a Vortex Turbine for the Hilly Regions of Bangladesh

Abstract

In the modern world, the days of fossil fuel-based electricity are numbered. In addition, the need for cleaner, greener, and more efficient energy is on the rise. Sustainable energy technology is needed to meet the demand for an environmentally friendly power source that provides consistent power. Small hydropower is an effective alternative source of energy in mountainous places in many parts of the world. Small hydro-powers reliably produce low-cost and clean power. The study was carried out on a gravitational vortex water turbine, a small hydropower source. It works with very little impact on the environment. Here, gravity-flow water moves turbine blades which are coupled with a generator via a shaft. The turbine used in this study was an impulse turbine. To enhance the efficiency of the turbine, different blade parameters were studied along with different design parameters. By modifying the blade angle and enhancing the blade surface area by adding baffle plates, a more rotational speed can be achieved. It was found that the construction containing 5 blades and 44° blade angle produced an efficiency of 82% for the curved blade profile. As a result, increased electricity production is achieved, and we got an estimated turbine output power of 6.91 KW. This study has the potential of changing the power scenario of the Chittagong Hill Tracts for the foreseeable future.