Tri Ratna Bajracharya* and Raj Kumar Chaulagai**
*Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Central Campus, Institute of
Engineering, Tribhuvan University
**Researcher, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Central Campus, Institute of
Engineering, Tribhuvan University
Abstract
Nepal is reach in hydropower resources. Due to its geographical conditions high head
power plans are suitable in the country. Many studies and research are therefore focused on
high head hydropower plants. In other hand, there are also many flat places (Terai) where
low head water resources are available. This research is focused on developing innovative
low head water turbine for free flowing streams suitable for micro-hydropower in such
regions. Among different types of low head turbines available in world and also in study
stage, vortex type water was chosen. In this study, the water’s vortex is created by flowing
water through open canal to a cylindrical structure having a bottom hole outlet. So, for the
observation and reference for the further purpose two different diameters and height with
different hole sizes was proposed and tested. Then vortex profile measurement mechanism
was developed. The test bench was designed and developed and tested. The test showed
maximum efficiency 62.76% at 155 rpm.
Download link: