Design, simulation, construction and characterization of a 5 kW hydraulic Pelton turbine

Abstract

It is presented the methodology for the construction of a 5 kW hydraulic microgenerator, with a Pelton turbine. For a given operating conditions (hydraulic head and flow) and from a theoretical and experimental basis, the different components  were  modeled  using  computational  tools  such  as  CAD  (Computer  Aided  Design),  CAE  (Computer  Aided  Engineering)  and  CFD  (Computer  Fluid  Dynamics).  Subsequently,  it  was  used  a  CAM  (Computer  Aided  Manufactured)  software  and  casting  processes  for  manufacturing  the  components  of  the  microgenerator.  Finally,  and in order to validate the design, characterization was performed by testing the microgenerator in the Laboratory of Alternative Energy Research Group at the Universidad de Antioquia. From the tests performed, it was possible to quantify the efficiency of the Pelton turbine, to find the optimum ratio between the opening of the nozzle and the generated power, the optimum speed of operation, the overall efficiency of the microgenerator and the hydraulic conditions in which the microgenerator can be used providing an optimal efficiency of electric power generation.