DOI: https://doi.org/10.14710/ijred.2024.58247

Numerical simulation of a novel small water turbine generator for installation in a deep-flow hydroponics system

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna Phitsanulok Campus, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand

Received: 25 Aug 2023; Revised: 5 Oct 2023; Accepted: 26 Nov 2023; Available online: 6 Dec 2023; Published: 1 Jan 2024.
Editor(s): H Hadiyanto
Open Access Copyright (c) 2024 The Author(s). Published by Centre of Biomass and Renewable Energy (CBIORE)
Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Citation Format:
Abstract
Hydroponics systems are crucial for providing sustainable and cost-effective choices when soils are unavailable for conventional farming. The application of water flow rates within hydroponics systems to generate electricity is another idea that can be used in the field of power generation. This paper presents the determination of the mechanical power efficiency of a novel small water turbine generator for use in a deep-flow hydroponics system (DFT). The system was designed, analysed, and calculated for the most suitable geometries of the water pipeline inlet, DFT system, main structure of the PVC Tee Pipe Fitting, and a water turbine wheel using computational fluid dynamics software. The diameter of the water turbine wheel in this research was 48 mm. A DFT hydroponic system was modelled for the purposes of this research. We conducted a numerical simulation with water flow rates of 6, 8, and 10 l/min to evaluate the turbulent kinetic energy distribution in the DFT hydroponic system. The numerical simulation employed the control volume methodology, and the k-epsilon turbulence model was applied to obtain the computational conclusions. The highest torque and power that a novel small water turbine for installation in a DFT system could generate at a maximum flow rate of 0.000167 m3/s were 0.082 N.m. and 1.9568 watts, respectively. The forces generated by the fluid's speed and pressure can then be transferred to the building process of a novel small water turbine wheel. The FEA numerical result shows that the maximum value of the total deformation at a wheel speed of 228 rpm is 7.0 x 10-5 mm. The numerical simulations used in this study could potentially be used to further develop prototypes for innovative miniature water turbines that generate commercial electricity.
Fulltext View|Download
Keywords: computational fluid dynamics; 3d design; water turbine generator; deep flow technique; hydroponics

Article Metrics:

Article Info
Section: Original Research Article
Language : EN
Recent articles
Building energy consumption prediction method based on Bayesian regression and thermal inertia correction Critical interpretation and analysis to correlate the canopy height to collector diameter ratio for optimized design of solar chimney power plants The effect of intake channel length on water temperature at the intake point of the power plant at Muara Karang power plant Policies and measures for energy efficiency improvement at households: A bibliometric analysis More recent articles
Most cited articles
Historic Developments, Current Technologies and Potential of Nanotechnology to Develop Next Generation Solar Cells with Improved Efficiency Simulation of biogas utilization effect on the economic efficiency and greenhouse gas emission: a case study in Isfahan, Iran Improving Stability and Convergence for Adaptive Radial Basis Function Neural Networks Algorithm. (On-Line Harmonics Estimation Application) Comparison of single and double stage regenerative organic rankine cycle for medium grade heat source through energy and exergy estimation Automatic and Online Detection of Rotor Fault State More cited articles
  1. Abdulah, M. and Muhammed, S.D. (2022). Modeling spherical turbine for in-pipe energy conservation. Ocean Engineering, 246(2022),110497; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2021.110497
  2. Autodesk Simulation CFD, Autodesk Simulation CFD, Produced by Autodesk Inc., 2015, http:// www.autodesk.com/cfd. Accessed on 3 November 2022
  3. Baiyin, B., Tagawa, K., Yamada, M., Wang, X., Yamada, S., Shao, Y., An, P., Yamamoto, S., & Ibaraki, Y. (2021). Effect of Nutrient Solution Flow Rate on Hydroponic Plant Growth and Root Morphology. Plants (MDPI), 10, 1840; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10091840
  4. Baris. (2021) plant 28. https://grabcad.com/library/plant-28-1. Accessed on 12 May 2023
  5. Chen, H., Kan, K., Wang, H., Binama, M. and Xu, H. (2021). Development and Numerical Performance Analysis of a Micro Turbine in a Tap-Water Pipeline. Sustainability, 13(19), 10755; https://doi.org/10.3390/su131910755
  6. Chen, J., Hongxing, Y., Liu, C.P., Lau, C. H. and Lo, M. (2013). A novel vertical axis water turbine for power generation from water pipelines. Energy, 54(2013), 184-193; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2013.01.064
  7. Dmitriev, S., Kurkin, A., Dobrov, A., Doronkov, D., Pronin, A., & Solntsev, D. (2023). CFD Modeling of Heat Exchanger with Small Bent Radius Coils Using Porous Media Model. Fluid (MDPI), 8, 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids8050141
  8. EL-Sayed I.I.M. and Ahmed Farouk A.R., (2019). In-Pipe Micro-Hydropower Systems for Energy Harvesting. In 4th IUGRC International Undergraduate Research Conference. https://www.academia.edu/39999108/In_Pipe_Micro_Hydrop
  9. Ebhota, W.S. and Inambao, F.L (2015). Domestic Turbine Design, Simulation and Manufacturing for Sub-Saharan Africa Energy Sustainability. In the 14th International Conference on Sustainable Energy Technologies-SET 2015. https://www.academia.edu/30931929/Domestic_Turbine_Design_Simulation_and_Manufacturing_for_SubSaharan_Africa_Energy_Sustainability
  10. Guzman-Valdivia, C.H., Talavera-Otero, J., & Desiga-Orenday, O. (2019). Turbulent Kinetic Energy Distribution of Nutrient Solution Flow in NFT Hydroponic Systems Using Computational Fluid Dynamics. AgriEngineering, 2019(1), 289-290; https://doi: 10.3390/agriengineering1020021
  11. Gandhi, O., Ramdhani, M., Ary Murti, M., & Setianingsih, C. (2019). Water Flow Control System Based on Context Aware Algorithm and IoT for Hydroponic. 2019 IEEE International Conference on Internet of Things and Intelligence System (IoTaIS), 212-217; https://doi: 10.1109/IoTaIS47347.2019.8980373
  12. Ghada, D., Mohamed, E. and Ahmed, M.A.S. (2022). Performance Assessment of Lift-Based Turbine for Small-Scale Power Generation in Water Pipelines using OpenFOAM. Engineering Applications of Computational Fluid Mechanics, 16(1), 536-550; https://doi.org/10.1080/19942060.2021.2019129
  13. Hasanzadeh, N., Payambarpour, S. A., Najafi, A. F., & Magagnato, F. (2021). Investigation of in-pipe drag-based turbine for distributed hydropower harvesting: Modeling and optimization. Journal of Cleaner Production, 298, 126710; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.126710
  14. Hosain, A., Morteza, K. and Jaber, S. (2020). Experimental investigation and numerical simulation of an inline low-head microhydroturbine for applications in water pipelines. IET Renewable Power Generation, 14(16), 3209-3219; https://doi.org/10.1049/iet-rpg.2019.1283
  15. Jiyun, D., Hongxing, Y., Zhicheng, S., & Xiaodong, G. (2018). Development of an inline vertical cross-flow turbine for hydropower harvesting in urban water supply pipes. Renewable, Energy, 127, 386–397; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2018.04.070
  16. Jaruwongwittaya, T., Boonjue, A., Amattirat, N., Suttiprapa, P., Vengsungnle, P., & Nuboon, T. (2015). Investigation of the length and the number of gutter optimal for chilled water circulation in hydroponics planting. Frame Engineering and Automation Technology Journal, 1(2), 67-74; https://ph02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/featkku/article/view/176149/125753
  17. Kumkuang, S. (2017). The Design and Fabrication of Economy Nutrient Flow Technique Vegetable Hydroponics Set. CRMA Journal, 15(2017), 91-99; https://ph01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/crma-journal/article/view/243106/165336
  18. Lahamornchaiyakul, W., & Kasayapanand, N. (2023). The Design and Analysis of a Novel Vertical Axis Small Water Turbine Generator for Installation in Drainage Lines. International Journal of Renewable Energy Development, 12(2), 235-246; https://doi.org/10.14710/ijred.2023.48388
  19. Lahamornchaiyakul, W., & Kasayapanand, N. (2023). Free-Spinning Numerical Simulation of a Novel Vertical Axis Small Water Turbine Generator for Installation in a Water Pipeline. CFD Letters, 15(8), 31-49; https://doi.org/10.37934/cfdl.15.8.3149
  20. Lahamornchaiyakul, W. (2021). The CFD-Based Simulation of a Horizontal Axis Micro Water Turbine, Walailak Journal of Science and Technology, 18(7), 9238; https://doi.org/10.48048/wjst.2021.9238
  21. Lahamornchaiyakul, W. (2023). FEA-Based Simulation of a Small Water Turbine for Waterfall, science and technology asia. Science & Technology Asia, 28(1), 152-168; https://doi.org/10.14456/scitechasia.2023.13
  22. MR CFD Company, what is Multiple Reference Frames (MRF)., 2023, https://www.mr-cfd.com/services/fluent-modules/moving-reference-frame. Accessed on 16 October 2023
  23. Ma, T., Yang, H., Guo, X., Lou, C., Shen, Z., Chen, J., & Du, J. (2018). Development of inline hydroelectric generation system from municipal water pipelines. Energy, 144, 535–548; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2017.11.113
  24. Muhammad, H.T., Shoukat, A.M., Salman, A., Mughees, S., Nouman, Z., Muhammad, A.M., Arsalan, M. and Muhammad, A.S. (2020). Production of electricity employing sewerage lines using a micro cross flow turbine. International Journal of Engineering, Science and Technology, 12(2), 67-77; https://doi.org/10.4314/ijest.v12i2.8
  25. Mosbahi, M., Ayadi, A., Mabrouki, I., Driss, Z., Tucciarelli, T., Abid, M.S. (2019). Effect of the Converging Pipe on the Performance of a Lucid Spherical Rotor. Arab. J. Sci. Eng, 44, 1583–1600; https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369 018 3625 0
  26. McLean, D. (Eds.) (2012). Understanding Aerodynamics. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Chichester, UK
  27. Muhammad, S.A., Muhammad, A.K., Harun, J., Faisal, J., Alexander, C. and Kim, D.O. (2021). Design and Analysis of In-Pipe Hydro-Turbine for an Optimized Nearly Zero Energy Building. Sensors, 21(23), 8154; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21238154
  28. Muhammad, H.T., Shoukat, A.M., Salman, A., Mughees, S., Nouman, Z., Muhammad, A.M., Arsalan, M. and Muhammad, A.S. (2020). Production of electricity employing sewerage lines using a micro cross flow turbine. International Journal of Engineering, Science and Technology, 12(2), 67-77; https://doi.org/10.4314/ijest.v12i2.8
  29. Marco, C. (2015). Harvesting energy from in-pipe hydro systems at urban and building scale. International Journal of Smart Grid and Clean Energy, 4(4), 316-327; https://doi.org/10.12720/sgce.4.4.316-327
  30. Nasir, B.A. (2013). Design of High Efficiency Cross-Flow Turbine for Hydro-Power Plant. International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology, 2(3), 308-311. https: https://www.ijeat.org/wpcontent/uploads/papers/v2i3/C1115022313.pdf
  31. Niam, A.G., Suhardiyant, H., Seminar, B.O., & Madd, A. (2017). CFD Simulation of Cooling Pipes Distance in The Growing Medium for Hydroponic Substrate in Tropical Lowland. International Journal of Engineering Research and Development, 15(1), 56-63; http://ijerd.com/paper/vol13-issue1/Version-1/I1315663.pdf
  32. Oladosu, T.L. and Koya, O.A. (2018). Numerical analysis of lift-based in-pipe turbine for predicting hydropower harnessing potential in selected water distribution networks for waterlines optimization. Engineering Science and Technology, an International Journal, 21(4), 672-678; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jestch.2018.05.016
  33. Phaengkieo, D., Chaoumead, A., Wangngon, B., & Chumnumwat, S. (2019). The application of nanobubble technology for DRFT hydroponics. Journal of Innovative Technology Research, 3(2), 33-41; https://so04.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/JIT/article/view/242537/164799
  34. Patel, A., & Dhakar, P.S. (2018). CFD Analysis of Air Conditioning in Room Using Ansys Fluent. Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR), 5(11), 436-441; https://doi: 10.13140/RG.2.2.13462.50249
  35. Patel, M. and Oza, N. (2016). Design and Analysis of High Efficiency Cross-Flow Turbine for Hydro-Power Plant. International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology, 5(4), 187-193. https://www.ijeat.org/wp-content/uploads/papers/v2i3/C1115022313.pdf
  36. Solidworks, Solidworks Simulation, Solidworks Flow Simulation, Produced by Solidworks Corporation., 2022, https://www.solidworks.com. Accessed on 12 October 2022
  37. Thabet, S., & Thabit, T.H. (2018). CFD Simulation of the Air Flow around a Car Model (Ahmed Body). International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 8(7), 517-524; https://doi: 10.29322/IJSRP.8.7.2018.p7979
  38. Vega, I., Bien‑Amie, D., Augustin, G., Heiden, W., & Heiden, N. (2023). Intermittent circulation of simplified deep flow technique hydroponic system increases yield efficiency and allows application of systems without electricity in Haiti. Agriculture & Food Security, 12(18), 1-9; https://doi.org/10.1186/s40066-023-00422-8
  39. Vaishaly, P. and Romarao, S. (2015). Finite element stress analysis of a typical stream turbine blade. International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), 4(7), 1059-1065. https://www.ijsr.net/archive/v4i7/SUB156518.pdf
  40. Wang, C.N., Yang, F.C., Nguyen, V.T.T., & Vo, N.T.M. (2022). CFD Analysis and Optimum Design for a Centrifugal Pump Using an Effectively Artificial Intelligent Algorithm. Micromachines (MDPI), 13, 1208; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi13081208
  41. Woodbank Communications Ltd, (2005). Hydroelectric Power. Retrieved 12 October 2022, from https://www.mpoweruk.com/hydro_power.htm
  42. Yeo, H., Seok, W., Shin, S., Huh, Y.C., Jung, B.C., Myung, C.S. and Rhee, S.H. (2019). Computational Analysis of the Performance of a Vertical Axis Turbine in a Water Pipe. Energies, 12(20), 3998; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12203998
  43. Zhuohuan, H.U., Dongcheng, W., Wei, L.U., Jian, C. and Yuwen, Z. (2020). Performance of vertical axis water turbine with eye-shaped baffle for pico hydropower. Front. Energy, 1-4; https://doi.org/10.1007/s11708-020-0689-9
  44. Dponics. (2015). Planter - 3Dponics Cube System. https://grabcad.com/library/planter-3dponics-cube-system-1. Accessed on 12 May 2023

Last update:

No citation recorded.

Last update: 2024-05-17 03:11:22

No citation recorded.