Development of an effective microhydropower plant with a vertical axis of rotation for low-pressure water courses

The article presents the results of research on the development and optimization of parameters of hydropower plants with a vestical axis of rotation, adapted to water flows of pumping units and capable of operating effectively in low-pressure watercourses. When designing and modeling a hydropower plant, Solidworks and Matlab application packages were used. Based on the simulation, the installation efficiency indicators η(θ) were determined at various flow rates and water pressures, designed for the efficient operation of a microhydroelectric power station with water flows from pumping units. Based on the flow rate and pressure of the water flow, the possibility of generating the power of a hydropower plant in the range of 1...50 kW has been established. Based on the modeling results, it was determined that it is possible to increase efficiency to 85% due to the optimal hydraulic turbine blade angle of 55º. An experimental model of a hydropower plant for low-pressure watercourses with a power of 3 kW has been developed; as a result of practical tests of a microhydroelectric power plant with a vertical axis of rotation at a water flow rate of 0.25 m3/s and a pressure of 1 m, the generation of 19,500 kWh of electricity was achieved. The widespread use of hydropower plants at pumping stations can help ensure continuous and reliable electricity supply.