Dramatic improvement in PTDR of pico hydroelectric power generation

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K04966
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 31020:Earth resource engineering, Energy sciences-related
• Research Institution: The University of Tokushima
• Principal Investigator: SHIGEMITSU Toru 徳島大学, 大学院社会産業理工学研究部(理工学域), 准教授 (00432766)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 再生可能エネルギー / 小水力 / インライン水車 / 二重反転形羽根車 / 性能 / CFD / PTDR

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In order to popularise pico-hydropower generation, it is essential to dramatically improve the power to turbine diameter ratio (PTDR). In this study, we focus on the performance characteristics of contra-rotating rotors in the high flow rate range and aim to further improve the PTDR of pico-hydropower generation. The relationship between performance and internal flow of a small contra-rotating hydroturbine will be investigated by numerical flow analysis. We will design a rotor that exploits the characteristic of gradually increasing power even in the high flow rate range, and verify its effectiveness in a performance test facility. In addition, to suppress the increase in vibration and noise due to improved PTDR, we will clarify the interference between blade rows. The final model, which will dramatically improve the PTDR of the small contra-rotating hydroturbine and enable long-term continuous operation, will be tested in the field.

Free Research Field

流体機械、再生可能エネルギー

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

出力規模が1kW以下のピコ水力発電は，高性能化と低コスト化（小型化）が強く求められている．そこで，本研究では，出力と水車直径の比（Power Turbine-Diameter Ratio）に着目し，出力が大きく，水車直径が小さな水車を開発するために，二重反転形羽根車を採用した．二重反転形羽根車の高流量域における出力特性，高精度な数値流れ解析技術，小型タービン高効率設計法を活用し，直径49mmの水車において，世界最高のPTDR=12,492W/mを実現した．また，翼列間干渉などの内部流れを明らかにし，実証試験サイトにおいて2か月の長期連続運転を実現した．