DefinePK

Abstract

Production of electrical power through the use of the gravitational force and flowing water or electricity generated by power derived from the potential energy and running water is called hydroelectricity. The subject study is conducted to identify the potential parameters and desirable design for Archimedes Screw Turbine that potentially generate the highest power efficiency. The study focused on varying two design parameters which are the number of helix turns and the blades of the turbine. Thus, to simulate the best turbine design based on these two parameters, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods with constant boundaries condition such as steady state flow condition, isentropic flow and isothermal temperature were applied. The simulation of water streamlines in the screw turbine were obtained to determine the turbine efficiency numerically and theoretically. Overall, decreasing the number of helix turns will enhance the turbine efficiency where results showed that the highest turbine efficiency that can be obtained numerically is 81% with 3 helix turns and 3 blades. However, this study is considered as preliminary parametric study where in the future the number of helix turns and blades should be varied in a larger range to elicit the trend in terms of turbine efficiency. Potentially, varying the other design parameters such as length and slope of the screw runner blade should also be considered to obtain the highest turbine efficiency. Also, further investigation is needed as the turbine is assumed to be in steady state condition instead of in rotating motion as it is more practical and realistic.