UTILIZATION OF VERTICAL-AXIS LIFT-TYPE HYDRO TURBINE UNDER A LOW FLOW CONDITION

Abstract

The hydraulic and output characteristics of a vertical-axis lift-type Darrieus water wheel were examined using an experimental hydraulic model to determine effective methods for utilizing hydraulic power under a low velocity flow of about 1 m/s in an irrigation canal. Our results indicate that despite the low velocity of this flow, water wheel efficiency was improved by installation of a spur dike that raised the water level and increased pressure. Moreover, useful energy was effectively obtained by appropriately adjusting the ratio of the total area of a braid to that of the passage feeding the water wheel .