A Novel Z-blade Reaction Type Turbine for Low Head Low Flow Water Condition
M. F. Basar1, N. A. M. Rais2

1Mohd Farriz Basar*, Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology, University Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Durian Tunggal, Malaysia.
2Nurul Ashikin Bt Mohd Rais, Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology, University Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Durian Tunggal, Malaysia.
Manuscript received on December 16, 2019. | Revised Manuscript received on December 26, 2019. | Manuscript published on January 10, 2020. | PP: 1370-1374 | Volume-9 Issue-3, January 2020. | Retrieval Number: C8175019320/2020©BEIESP | DOI: 10.35940/ijitee.C8175.019320
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© The Authors. Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering and Sciences Publication (BEIESP). This is an open access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

Abstract: This paper discusses the performance characteristics on efficiency and applicability of the test unit under low-head and low-flow condition for a novel Z-blade reaction type hydraulic turbine. Unlike large hydro power system, this technology’s superiority lies in the fact that it can harness electrical energy even from a small stream of water as energy sources and it does not poses any adverse environmental impact. This turbine was developed for an ideal and practical case which investigated applying the principal equations that were derived using the philosophies of conservation of mass, momentum, and energy. Assuming frictional losses factor or k-factor for different operating head, the relationship between rotor diameter, angular speed, flow rate, and power output was plotted and elaborated with allusion to the experimental data. Experiments were carried out at 5m head and below with the water flow rate less than 2.5L/sec, and it was evaluated against theoretical results. The turbine has a capability to achieve high values of rotational speed (up to 500 rpm) with minimal mass flow rate and high efficiency (up to 78%) at low head water condition (5m). 
Keywords: Low-flow, low-head, Pico-hydro, Reaction Turbine.
Scope of the Article: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning