Study on the Efficiency of the Savonius Hydro Turbines Installed in Water Pipes
Article 3427
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69650/ahstr.2025.3427Keywords:
Savonius hydro turbine, Coefficient of power, Coefficient of torque, ANOVA, Baffle plate, Guide vaneAbstract
Hydroelectric power generation has predominantly been large-scale, relying on infrastructure like dams, and rivers. There has been significant expansion of various types of water pipe systems, industrial, and irrigation systems, and there is growing interest in sustainable energy, especially in regions with limited electricity access. For this study, we chose the Savonius turbine, a vertical cross-flow turbine classified as a low-head turbine. The Savonius hydro turbine (SHT) offers benefits like operation at low flow rates and head, and simplified maintenance. However, its low efficiency limits its application. This study aimed to enhance SHT efficiency for small water pipes with low flow and head, focusing on the factors influencing turbine performance. The factors studied were the number of blades, the number of stages, the phase shift angle, the stage height ratio, the aspect ratio (AR), and the use of a baffle plate. The tests involved testing the coefficient of power (CP), the coefficient of torque (Cm), and the tip speed ratio (TSR). Twelve types of SHT were installed with a guide vane to adjust the inlet angle to 30๐. The turbines were installed in 4-inch PVC pipes. The volumetric flow rate of water through the pipes was varied, with values of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 m³/hr. The results indicated that the SHT M5-1 with 3 blades, 3 stages, a height ratio of 1:1:1, a 60๐ angle of phase shift, AR=1.4, and a baffle plate, exhibited the highest efficiency at a flow rate of 25m3 /hr. The CP, Cm, and TSR were measured at 0.272, 0.313 and 0.871 respectively. Furthermore, the study also concluded that the SHT model M5-1 outperformed the SHT model M1-2, showing increases in the Cp of 0.174 and Cm of 0.198. ANOVA analysis was used to examine the parameters that affect turbine efficiency. It was found that the six factors and flow rate significantly influenced turbine efficiency. Notably, the M5-1 turbine exhibited the highest efficiency, which aligns with the experimental results.
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