CHAPTER I

1.0 RATIONALE

A Pelton Wheel Turbine is an impulse or a constant pressure water turbine.

In this case water head is very high. A Pelton wheel consists of a wheel called

runner. The runner of the turbine consists of a circular disc with a number of double

spoon-shaped buckets evenly distributed over the periphery. The water is

converted into kinetic energy at atmospheric pressure by means of the nozzle.

Each nozzle directs a jet along a tangent to the circle through the center of the

buckets. Each bucket consists of a splitter which divides the incoming jet into two

equal portions and after flowing round the smooth inner surface of the bucket, the

water leaves with a relative velocity almost opposite in direction to the original jet.

It operates in an open housing and is usually installed in areas with a high head

and a relatively low flow.

The change in momentum of the water jet passing over the buckets exert

tangential force on the wheel causing it to rotate, thus converts the hydroelectric

energy into mechanical energy by means of the shaft rotation.

Sustainable energy development implies meeting the energy needs of the

future without jeopardizing the life quality of the planet. To achieve this, sustainable

energy sources need to be renewable, and hydropower is one of the most

important renewable energy resources.

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1.1 THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

The theory was anchored during the 1850s, when the “Hurdy Gurdy” wheels

were the main water turbines used in the gold and silver fields of California and

Nevada in America and were considered to be the main primitive design that

developed the “Pelton Wheel”. The wheels were made of blocks of word, each

formed a tooth like of that of a circular ripsaw.

In order to increase efficiency, the first major alteration to the wheel system

transformed the wooded teeth of the Hurdy Gurdy into a cup-shaped bucket that

discharged to the side and middle when hit by a rectangular jet of water formed by

a slit nozzle. Source: Julien, Pierre Y. (10/6/2014). Turbines and Hydro-

machinery Handout

In the impulse turbines, the total head available is first converted into the

kinetic energy. This is usually accomplished in one or more nozzles. The jets

issuing from the nozzles strike vanes attached to the periphery of a rotating wheel.

Because of the rate of change of angular momentum and the motion of the vanes,

work is done on the runner (impeller) by the fluid and, thus, energy is transferred.

Since the fluid energy which is reduced on passing through the runner is entirely

kinetic, it follows that the absolute velocity at outlet is smaller than the absolute

velocity at inlet (jet velocity). Furthermore, the fluid pressure is atmospheric

throughout and the relative velocity is constant except for a slight reduction due to

friction.

2
 Changes in value in velocity and two phase flow dominate the environment,

and the buckets of the turbine undergo enormous changes in pressure caused by

periodic contact with a high velocity water jet. Since the flow in Pelton turbine

buckets are dependent on the design of the bucket, the investigation of the flow

phenomena cannot be done without an understanding and availability of the bucket

design. Numerical simulations are subject to an increased importance for the

research of hydraulic machinery in the last decades. On-board pressure and water

thickness measurements have to date been the only available quantifiable

measurements of the flow in a rotating bucket. These measurements can be used

to validate the pressure and, to some extent, water thickness found in numerical

simulations. Source: Gilkes (2014). Pelton Turbine Manufacturers

All the theoretical basis of the method are presented along with the design

strategy and implementation of the theory. An experimental turbine with buckets,

designed with the presented method, has been manufactured and tested. The flow

in the designed bucket is analyzed and improvements to the design method are

presented. Along with the design strategy and implementation of the theory. An

experimental turbine with buckets, designed with the presented method, has been

manufactured and tested. The flow in the designed bucket is analyzed and

improvements to the design method are presented. Along with the design strategy

and implementation of the theory. Source: Shortridge, Robert W. "Lester Pelton

and His Water Wheel. (1989)

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1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The study plans to use the water coming from natural resources (rivers,

floodwater) and use it as source of power generation. It aims to determine the

problems encountered that the Micro Pelton Turbine project specifically to wide

range situations finding way into homes, workshops, and industries. The result of

the study were the basis for the proposed action plan.

Specifically, this study sought to answer the following questions:

1. Why are there particular innovation/s added to the existing type of

turbine?

2. Why do impulse turbines need a sufficient water supply?

3. Why is the alignment of the buckets important to the turbine’s efficiency?

4. Are there possible scenarios that could the researchers should consider and

why are these important?

1.3 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Since the Pelton wheel works best with high head and low discharge,

mountainous areas with sustainable water supply the most from them. In response

to these type of scenarios, the researchers plan on having options.

This study will be beneficial to the following entitles:

- People Living Near Natural Flowing Water

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 This study can offer big help to people residing in areas where rivers or

lakes are located. From just a small stream of flowing water, it can already generate

sustainable energy.

- Individuals Investing on Hydro Energy Alternatives

Investors who are planning in building alternatives should consider this type

of design for it is simple and cost-effective.

- Researchers

This study will serve as a guide to future researchers in proposing an action

plan in innovating the existing type turbine innovation.

- University Engineering Faculty

This study will provide information on the students’ capability in building a

working prototype to the Engineering Faculty which can be used to assess the

existing teaching strategies.

1.4 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

This study was conducted to address the rainwater being collected in rural

areas by proposing an impulse-type turbine and use the water as the source of

sufficient energy.

The scope of the study is for energy production in rural and remote areas

particularly near rivers and waterfalls. It does not cover in areas where there are

5
sufficient energy supply from different power generation sources. Salt water should

be prevented because it could easily corrode the working components of the

prototype. As long as there is enough water to turn the turbine’s runner, it should

run sufficiently.

Hydroelectric turbines have several working parts, each could have

vibrations and could cause failure to the system when not controlled. This limitation

one of the drawbacks of having water as its source of power because water flows

from different directions and it is difficult to mitigate in large quantities. The

efficiency of the study also affects its performance as it reduces with time because

of wear and Oxidation from the water.

This study was conducted with limited amount of financial resources and

time framework.

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1.5 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Ball Bearing - a bearing the shaft and the turbine runner, in which a

rotating part and a stationary part are separated by a

ring of small solid metal balls that reduce friction

Buckets - are small shallow bowl used as buckets for the

turbine

Casing - the outer covering of the Pelton Turbine

Coupling - is a device used to connect the shaft to the dynamo for the

purpose of transmitting power

Dynamo - a device for converting mechanical energy into

electrical energy

Impulse Turbine - is a turbine that is driven by a high velocity jet from a

nozzle directed in to its buckets.

Kinetic Energy - work needed to accelerate a body of the runner from

rest to its stated velocity

Nozzle - used to increase the kinetic energy of the water that is going

to strike the buckets or vanes attached to the runner

Pelton Turbine - is a turbine that is driven by a high velocity jet of water

and strikes the bucket tangent to the turbine's buckets

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Pelton Turbine Efficiency - is the ratio of the turbine's power output over

the power input

Prototype - is an original model or form that serves as basis for other

processes

Pump - is a device that moves water from the water container to the

nozzle by mechanical action

Runner - is a rotating part of the turbine, it is a circular disc

on the periphery of which a number of buckets

evenly spaced are fixed

Velocity - is the speed at which the water from the nozzle is travelling

Water Recirculation System - water is constantly used, recaptured and

reused by a pump. It is constantly used,

recaptured and then reused.

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1.6 RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT

Figure 1: Map of Luray 1, Toledo City, Cebu

Figure 1 shows the location of the study is at Luray 1, Toledo City, Cebu

along the National Road. The researchers also conducted the study inside the

university where the students and other beneficiaries are present.

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 CHAPTER II

2.0 ANALYLIS AND INTERPRETATION OF THE STUDY

1. The importance of having innovations is not only to improve the

previous design of the study, it is also for the betterment of future researchers that

can help improve the study that what the researchers of today are facing. Small

improvements can offer large impact to the design based on various assumptions.

The analysis of our study is based on the theoretical background garnered by

extensive research.

2. Impulse-type turbines need large amounts of water for it to operate

sufficiently that is why some hydroelectric plants build their plant near coastal areas

where seawater is very much abundant. They can also be found at along rivers or

at the bottom of fast-flowing waterfalls where there’s no need for a pump for

recirculation of water to occur.

3. . As we have observed, when the water coming out of the nozzle hits

the buckets, it splatters all over the place. This is because the buckets that we put

in the runner is not deep enough for the water to splatter from two directions only

(from left to right). Clean splatter of the water means better rotation of the runner

and thus increasing its efficiency.

4. The environment should be the main priority in power generation

systems, specifically water-powered ones. Water being forced to the runner should

be the same as it went in the system. Small marine animals may come in contact

with any of the components of the turbine which may injure or killed by the turbine

10
blade or any component of the turbine. Hydroelectric systems can still have a major

impact on aquatic systems. Storage of water can produce sediments and nutrients,

which can harm both wildlife and turbine.

In addition, hydroelectric systems are required to release a minimum

amount of water or plant life can be harmed.

2.1 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The type of research taken in this project is a method building study. This

research project purpose a dynamic model for research and model of a Micro

Pelton Turbine. The applicability and validity of this model depends on the quality

of casual assumptions made and the accuracy of the structure of the model.

The inputs of the study are the materials purchases for the prototype. The

process is the construction of the machine which involves the applications of

engineering theories, testing, modifications, and evaluation of it.

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

PURCHASING TESTING OF
AND THE
CONSTRUCTION OF
GATHERING
THE PROTOTYPE PROTOTYPE
OF MATERIALS

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Purchasing and Gathering of Materials

The researchers performed canvassing in different hardware stores before

purchasing of the materials if it can fit with the budget.

- Acrylic glass, superglue and shaft, which were the materials in making the

turbine’s case, is what were purchased first.

- Machining materials (grinder disc, electrode, steel pipe and steel plate) were later

purchased.

- The turbine’s pump and pressure gauge were acquired last.

- Applicability and validity of the materials were also taken into account.

Figure 1. Showing the official receipts of some of the materials purchased.

12
Figure 2. Plexiglas that will be used for the turbine’s case.

Figure 3. Showing a submersible pump for water recirculation.

Construction of the Prototype

After gathering the materials, the researchers proceeded with the

construction, applying methods in machining, fabricating and other aspects in

relation to the construction of the prototype.

- Forming the casing.

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- Construction of the turbine wheel where spoon and were used as buckets and

runner.

- Alignment of dynamo to the shaft. This is very important because the runner could

disturbance of the shaft. Attached lastly was the water circulation system which

composed of a pump, hose and a long, thin nozzle. in order to increase water

velocity.

Figure 4. Showing a metal pipe being welded to a steel plate for the nozzle stand.

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Figure 5. The turbine’s buckets (spoons) being struck by water from a hose.

Testing of the Prototype

With the final assembly, the researchers gathered data following the testing of

the prototype:

- The researchers attached a pressure gauge to the pump discharge socket in

order to monitor its pressure.

-A Tachometer was also used in order determine the speed of the Pelton wheel.

Assumptions and calculations were also tabulated should there be changes.

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Figure 6. First testing of the prototype using a high velocity pressure washer.

Figure 7. Final inspection of the prototype before presentation

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 CHAPTER III

3.0 SUMMARY AND FINDINGS

In selecting the materials to be used in the Micro Pelton Turbine, we must

consider several variables so that it can run as smoothly and efficient as possible.

We will be using metal spoons for the runner’s buckets and Engineering plastic for

the wheel’s runner. The nozzle will be stainless steel. I would recommend using

these materials because it is cheap and can work as good as the traditional ones.

Before starting on this project, we made assumptions, theories as on what

the final output will be. Some modifications are made for the said requirement that

any existing study should not be followed, it can only be used as basis for needed

innovation/s. Testing is needed in order to determine the effectiveness of our

innovation, only then can we proceed.

3.1 RECOMMENDATIONS

To further study the flow, changes in the jet position, relative to the nozzle

will be investigated. Alterations to the prototype are planned to accommodate

changing the jet position while the turbine is running so that the effects may easily

be studied.

A parameter study of the design is planned and will consist of three to four

designs being tested where the following changes are proposed:

1. Changing the length of the bucket

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 2. Changing the angle of the nozzle

3. Redefining the coupling where the dynamo and shaft are connected

3.2 BILL OF MATERIALS

NAME OF UNIT NUMBER OF COST PRE TOTAL COST

THE UNIT USED UNIT
MATERIAL

Chemical m 1 30.00 30.00

Hose
Connector m 1 100.00 100.00
Valve Cock pcs 1 125.00 125.00
M/F pcs 1 30.00 30.00
combination
Rio 14 HF pcs 1 2900.00 2900.00
Acrylic (clear) pcs 2 320.00 640.00
16” x 16”
Acrylic (clear) pcs 2 75.00 150.00
6” x 8”
Acrylic (clear) pcs 1 180.00 180.00
8” x 18”
Pressure pcs 1 120.00 120.00
gauge
Loctite pcs 1 835.00 835.00
Superglue
Fuji weld pcs 10 - 60.00
Electrode
6012
Total: 5170.00
php

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3.3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Calculations:

Where:

w = density of water

Q = capacity

h = head

v = velocity of nozzle

f = friction loss coefficient

Solving for Power Input/Water Power, P

P=w*Q*h + losses

Solving for total head, h

H = hd – hs

Hd = discharge head

Hs = suction head

H = 2ft – 0.833ft = 1.17ft x1m/3.281ft = 0.3556m

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P = 9.81(8.8317x10^-4) (0.3556) = 3.089x10^-3 kilowatts = 3.089watts

Solving for the velocity of the jet, v

V=hxf

Friction loss coefficient, f = 0.98 (for polished surfaces)

= 3.089 x 0.98

V = 2.59 m/s

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REFERENCES

1. https://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energy-choices/renewable-

energy/environmental-impacts-hydroelectric-power.html#.W6dTAnszbIV

2. https://www.brighthubengineering.com/fluid-mechanics-hydraulics/26777-

hydraulic-turbines-the-pelton-turbine/

3. https://theconstructor.org/practical-guide/pelton-turbine-parts-working-

design-aspects/2894/

4. https://energyeducation.ca/encyclopedia/Pelton_turbine

5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelton_wheel

6. https://www.slideshare.net/gyansingh21/pelton-wheel-turbine-62260677

7. https://www.verbund.com/en-at/about-verbund/power-

plants/turbines/pelton

8. http://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/22/1/012004/pdf

21
 CURICULUM VITAE

JOHN VINCENT L. GUNDA

Luray 1, Poblacion Toledo City, Cebu, Philippines
johnvincentgunda@gmail.com
0908-872-5819

Objective: For Reference

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Nationality: Filipino
Date of Birth: June 10, 1996
Place of Birth: Cebu City
Civil Status: Single
Religion: Roman Catholic
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
Tertiary: UNIVERSITY OF CEBU – MAIN CAMPUS
June 2015 – Present
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Secondary: Consolatrix College, Toledo City
2008-2010
Leaton School, Toledo City
2010-2012

22
CHRISTIAN JEROME Z. DAGAWIN
Guadalupe, Guadalajara st, Cebu City, Philippines
cjdagawin@email.com
0975-556-9607

Objective: For Reference

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Nationality: Filipino
Date of Birth: December 2, 1995
Place of Birth: Cabanatuan City
Civil Status: Single
Religion: Iglesia ni Cristo
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
Tertiary: UNIVERSITY OF CEBU – MAIN CAMPUS
June 2013 – Present
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Secondary:
Nueva Ecija National High School
2007-2012

23
JOHN DANIEL A. GINO
Poblacion, Aloguinsan, Cebu Philippines
Daniel.ginozzz@gmail.com
0906-268-1143

Objective: For Reference

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Nationality: Filipino
Date of Birth: January 24, 1994
Place of Birth: Poblacion, Aloguinsan
Civil Status: Single
Religion: Roman Catholic
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
Tertiary: UNIVERSITY OF CEBU – MAIN CAMPUS
June 2011 – Present
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Secondary:
Aloguinsan National High School

2006 - 2010

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