DEVELOPMENT OF MODEL SYSTEM FOR COST-EFFECTIVE PICO-HYDRO TURBINE

One of the main obstacles of rural electrification programme is to find an alternative energy to replace power generated by generator. The ever increasing fuel price and its cost of transportation to the remote location limited the availability of electricity to certain time of the day. Since the rural settlement usually located near water source, renewable energy based on hydro is suggested. This paper will discuss about the development of model system for cost-effective pico-hydro turbine. The size of the turbine will be based on low flow and low head application. Two types of turbine, propeller or also known as axial-flow and cross-flow, are evaluated under these conditions. Both of the turbines were installed in one model system equipped with storage tanks and piping system. Centrifugal pump is used to ensure the circulation of the water between main storage tank into the flowing tank simulating the run-of river application for pico hydro system. The head of the model system is fixed with variable parameter of water flow rate is controlled by using controller valve and flow meter for power data collection for each turbine. The performance of both turbines were also simulated and evaluated by using CFD’s software. Techno-economics evaluations are done so that the model of the system will be able to select the optimum size of the turbine based on the flow rate for a cheap efficient and costeffective hydro turbine

Pico Hydro Application for Off-Grid Settlement

Malaysia is currently constructing a large hydropower station with five more schemes under review. However these stations are catering for energy consuming industrial parks while the domestic supply is not making much in-road due to geographical constraints. This paper is discussing the use of off-grid alternative for power supply to the rural settlements. A run-of-river application, pico hydro, requires no dam or reservoir for water storage. It is intended for low flow and low head application. A mapping of possible locations for application along selected rivers in Malaysia is discussed. Two types of pico hydro turbine are selected for review and comparison in power production. Research are undertaken to promote this environment friendly technology to rural electrification program. Studies show that pico hydro manages to provide enough power for basic lighting needs in remote area where water is available with small drop or head

Small Scale Hydro Turbines For Sustainable Rural Electrification Program

Hydropower is one of the world leading green alternative energy to produce electricity besides solar and wind energy. Most potential sites for large hydropower scheme in Peninsular Malaysia have been explored. Due to cabling cost and geographical constraints rural electrification program requires in-situ application which make small hydropower scheme more favourable choice. This run-of-river scheme is environmental friendly as no dam is required. Potential locations in Malaysia have been suggested for small hydro turbine applications, which are ideal for eco-friendly tourist industry and remote power supply. The two such sites are Kg. Tual, Raub, Pahang and Gunung Ledang, Tangkak, Johor. The preliminary studies have been conducted at both locations to select suitable hydro turbine based on their head and water flow rate. Altimeter and water velocity probe are used for data collection. As each location is unique, the correct data are needed to estimate the power production and the turbine type. Kg. Tual scheme is found capable of producing 266.99 kW with cost of energy of RM0.017 per kWh by using Pelton or Turgo turbine. However, Gunung Ledang site is suitable of using Kaplan or crossflow turbine as it is able of producing only 4.75 kW at a cost of RM0.159 per kWh

Parameter optimization of fused deposition modeling process for 3D printed prosthetic socket using PCR-TOPSIS method

Prosthetic socket plays the most important role in lower limb prosthesis. The conventional fabrication process of prosthetic socket is labor intensive and time-consuming. The application of additive manufacturing technology may greatly simplify the process. One of the main concerns on the reliability of 3D printed prosthetic socket is its structural strength due to the various 3D printing parameters that may influence the strength of 3D printed products. Furthermore, most of the previous studies focused on single parameter and the effect on socket strength. Thus, this study aimed to examine the optimization of fused deposition modeling printing parameter of 3D printed prosthetic socket in term of strength, fabrication time and weight. Three FDM printing parameters were studied which included layer height, nozzle diameter and infill percentage. The data was analyzed using Taguchi and PCR-TOPSIS methods. Based on the result, it was concluded that the most effective combination of printing parameter is 1.0 mm nozzle diameter, 0.48 mm layer height and 30% infill percentage. In addition, infill percentage shown the highest influence towards the responsive values followed by layer height and nozzle diameter

An Improvement On Mechanism Of Motorcycle Rim Adjusting Jig

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