Innovative Study on Utilizing Drainage Channels for Renewable Energy with Gravitational Vortex Turbines

Abstract

The gravitational water vortex turbine (GWVT) has emerged as a viable renewable energy solution, especially suited for settings with low head and restricted water flow. Known for its ease of installation, cost-efficiency, and low maintenance requirements, GWVT technology has been implemented in various applications. However, its potential for generating energy through commercial building drainage systems has received limited attention. This study investigates the feasibility of utilizing GWVT technology to harness energy from drainage channels in commercial buildings. Using ANSYS® CFX simulation with SST k-ω turbulence model, this study aims to evaluate the potential of utilizing GWVT technology in drainage channels with a focus on the effect of drainage slope ranging from 0.2% - 3%, four approaches of vortex turbine geometry, and concrete wall roughness on turbine performance. The findings show that increasing the inlet velocity increases the vortex formation which increases the torque, which ultimately improves the turbine efficiency. The turbine model designed in this study achieved a torque output of 632 Nm, factoring in the turbulent conditions around the runner. Furthermore, employing GWVT technology in building drainage systems has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 122.4 tons annually, supporting a more sustainable urban environment. Future research should focus on optimizing inlet velocity and pressure distribution to fully explore the potential of urban drainage channels as a source of renewable energy.