Assessing the viability of microhydropower generation from the stormwater flow of the detention outlet in an urban area

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 664-671 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norashikin Ahmad Kamal ◽  
Heekyung Park ◽  
Sangmin Shin
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Storm Water ◽  
Total Power ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Flowing Water ◽  
Quality Of Water

Small-scale hydropower is the generation of electrical power of 10 MW or less from the transformation of kinetic energy in flowing water to mechanical energy in a rotating turbine to electrical energy in a generator. The technology is especially useful when installed with a stormwater infrastructure in countries teeming with abundant rainfall. It is upon this concept that this study is being pursued to assess the implementation of microhydropower within a stormwater infrastructure. In order to achieve sustainability of development, small-scale hydropower should be beneficial in the implementation of stormwater infrastructure, especially in countries that have abundant rainfall. The aim of this study is to provide an assessment method for microhydropower implementation within a stormwater infrastructure. PCSWMM software was used to simulate the flowing water at a detention outlet. Modification of the current detention pond was made to optimise the quantity and quality of water supplied to the turbine. Two important parameters in the modification design are quantity and quality of storm water, which optimise the energy generated. The total power that can be harnessed from the design is theoretically from 500 W to 0.5 MW. Therefore, it can be safely concluded that the implementation of microhydropower within a stormwater infrastructure is technologically feasible.

scholarly journals The Application of Piezoelectric Sensor as Energy Harvester from Small-scale Hydropower

2018 ◽  
Vol 65 ◽  
pp. 05024
Author(s):  
Hidayatul Aini Zakaria ◽  
Chan Men Loon
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Water Waves ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Piezoelectric Sensor ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Ocean Waves ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Flowing Water

Renewable energy technology nowadays is advancing in research and application as an alternative for non-renewable energy sources including fossil fuels and coals since it is considerably less hazardous for the environment. In recent years, many studies to harvest energy from water energy including ocean waves and hydropower has been conducted. The inherent characteristic of the piezoelectric sensor which can convert mechanical energy to electrical energy has created an alternative to generate energy from renewable sources. The main aim of this research is to harvest energy from water movements which include self-generated water waves, automated water waves, flowing water and falling water. The piezoelectric sensor used in this research is a pressure-based piezoelectric sensor which means when there is a pressure exerted on the surface, it will generate electricity. A prototype was designed and simulated by Proteus software and the prototype was fabricated for energy harvesting from water movements. In this study, four methods had been used to harvest energy from small scale hydropower where two methods are from water waves generated from a hairdryer and ultrasonic cleaner and another two methods from falling water and flowing water. The results obtained shows that harvested energy from falling water gives the best results in which it has accumulated up to 13V in the same amount of time as compared to water waves and water flow.

Energy harvesting from quasi-static deformations via bilaterally constrained strips

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (18) ◽  
pp. 3572-3581
Author(s):  
Suihan Liu ◽  
Ali Imani Azad ◽  
Rigoberto Burgueño
Keyword(s):  
Energy Harvesting ◽  
Low Power ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Energy Resource ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting ◽  
Power Budget ◽  
Piezoelectric Energy ◽  
Static Conditions

Piezoelectric energy harvesting from ambient vibrations is well studied, but harvesting from quasi-static responses is not yet fully explored. The lack of attention is because quasi-static actions are much slower than the resonance frequency of piezoelectric oscillators to achieve optimal outputs; however, they can be a common mechanical energy resource: from large civil structure deformations to biomechanical motions. The recent advances in bio-micro-electro-mechanical systems and wireless sensor technologies are motivating the study of piezoelectric energy harvesting from quasi-static conditions for low-power budget devices. This article presents a new approach of using quasi-static deformations to generate electrical power through an axially compressed bilaterally constrained strip with an attached piezoelectric layer. A theoretical model was developed to predict the strain distribution of the strip’s buckled configuration for calculating the electrical energy generation. Results from an experimental investigation and finite element simulations are in good agreement with the theoretical study. Test results from a prototyped device showed that a peak output power of 1.33 μW/cm2 was generated, which can adequately provide power supply for low-power budget devices. And a parametric study was also conducted to provide design guidance on selecting the dimensions of a device based on the external embedding structure.

scholarly journals Hollow Piezoelectric Ceramic Fibers for Energy Harvesting Fabrics

2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 155892501300800
Author(s):  
François M. Guillot ◽  
Haskell W. Beckham ◽  
Johannes Leisen
Keyword(s):  
Energy Harvesting ◽  
Lead Zirconate Titanate ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Lead Zirconate ◽  
Ceramic Fibers ◽  
Power Sources ◽  
Electromechanical Performance ◽  
Alternative Power

In the past few years, the growing need for alternative power sources has generated considerable interest in the field of energy harvesting. A particularly exciting possibility within that field is the development of fabrics capable of harnessing mechanical energy and delivering electrical power to sensors and wearable devices. This study presents an evaluation of the electromechanical performance of hollow lead zirconate titanate (PZT) fibers as the basis for the construction of such fabrics. The fibers feature individual polymer claddings surrounding electrodes directly deposited onto both inside and outside ceramic surfaces. This configuration optimizes the amount of electrical energy available by placing the electrodes in direct contact with the surface of the material and by maximizing the active piezoelectric volume. Hollow fibers were electroded, encapsulated in a polymer cladding, poled and characterized in terms of their electromechanical properties. They were then glued to a vibrating cantilever beam equipped with a strain gauge, and their energy harvesting performance was measured. It was found that the fibers generated twice as much energy density as commercial state-of-the-art flexible composite sensors. Finally, the influence of the polymer cladding on the strain transmission to the fiber was evaluated. These fibers have the potential to be woven into fabrics that could harvest mechanical energy from the environment and could eventually be integrated into clothing.

scholarly journals Development of Smart Shoes Using Piezoelectric Material

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-55
Author(s):  
Affa Rozana Abdul Rashid ◽  
Nur Insyierah Md Sarif ◽  
Khadijah Ismail
Keyword(s):  
Piezoelectric Material ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Piezoelectric Materials ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Electronic Devices ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Power Electronic ◽  
Energy Harvesters ◽  
Almost All

The consumption of low-power electronic devices has increased rapidly, where almost all applications use power electronic devices. Due to the increase in portable electronic devices’ energy consumption, the piezoelectric material is proposed as one of the alternatives of the significant alternative energy harvesters. This study aims to create a prototype of “Smart Shoes” that can generate electricity using three different designs embedded by piezoelectric materials: ceramic, polymer, and a combination of both piezoelectric materials. The basic principle for smart shoes’ prototype is based on the pressure produced from piezoelectric material converted from mechanical energy into electrical energy. The piezoelectric material was placed into the shoes’ sole, and the energy produced due to the pressure from walking, jogging, and jumping was measured. The energy generated was stored in a capacitor as piezoelectric material produced a small scale of energy harvesting. The highest energy generated was produced by ceramic piezoelectric material under jumping activity, which was 1.804 mJ. Polymer piezoelectric material produced very minimal energy, which was 55.618 mJ. The combination of both piezoelectric materials produced energy, which was 1.805 mJ from jumping activity.

scholarly journals Potential of Micro Hydroelectric Generator Embedded at 30,000 PE Effluent Discharge of Sewerage Treatment Plant

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 ◽  
pp. 02037 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.A. Che Munaaim ◽  
N. Razali ◽  
A. Ayob ◽  
N. Hamidin ◽  
M.A. Othuman Mydin
Keyword(s):  
Output Power ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Electricity Generation ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Payback Period ◽  
Flowing Water ◽  
Hydroelectric Generator ◽  
Effluent Discharge

A micro hydroelectric generator is an energy conversion approach to generate electricity from potential (motion) energy to an electrical energy. In this research, it is desired to be implemented by using a micro hydroelectric generator which is desired to be embedded at the continuous flow of effluent discharge point of domestic sewerage treatment plant (STP). This research evaluates the potential of electricity generation from micro hydroelectric generator attached to 30,000 PE sewerage treatment plant. The power output obtained from calculation of electrical power conversion is used to identify the possibility of this system and its ability to provide electrical energy, which can minimize the cost of electric bill especially for the pumping system. The overview of this system on the practical application with the consideration of payback period is summarized. The ultimate aim of the whole application is to have a self-ecosystem electrical power generated for the internal use of STP by using its own flowing water in supporting the sustainable engineering towards renewable energy and energy efficient approach. The results shows that the output power obtained is lower than expected output power (12 kW) and fall beyond of the range of a micro hydro power (5kW - 100kW) since it is only generating 1.58 kW energy by calculation. It is also observed that the estimated payback period is longer which i.e 7 years to recoup the return of investment. A range of head from 4.5 m and above for the case where the flow shall at least have maintained at 0.05 m3/s in the selected plant in order to achieved a feasible power output. In conclusion, wastewater treatment process involves the flowing water (potential energy) especially at the effluent discharge point of STP is possibly harvested for electricity generation by embedding the micro hydroelectric generator. However, the selection of STP needs to have minimum 4.5 meter head with 0.05 m3/s of continuously flowing water to make it feasible to harvest.

scholarly journals Design and Development of a Small-Scale Mechanical Energy Conversion Device

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Man Djun Lee ◽  
Pui San Lee
Keyword(s):  
Energy Conversion ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Material Selection ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Final Design ◽  
Speed Up ◽  
Rotor Core ◽  
Series Of Experiments

Abstract This study aims to design and construct a small-scale mechanical energy conversion device. It is designed to produce electrical power by harnessing the available mechanical energy from renewable resources. This study started off with literature review for the predominant principles and laws on how the machine shall be fabricated in order to function. The process is followed by the material selection and analysis before proceeding to the final design and construction. The constructed machine is then being tested through series of experiments. It was found that the small scale device was able to produce 6V of maximum voltage with rotor rotation speed up to 3000 RPM. The outcome from the experimentation shows that the small scale device is useful for power generation from renewable sources, such as stream energy with a micro hydro turbine. For future study, the machine shall consider a few improvements, such as rebuilding it using laminated iron as rotor core and increase the number of poles to enhance the performance of the machine in term of energy conversion and extraction. The design and built of this machine would definitely contribute to the environmental sustainability and development of rural area.

On the Assessment Method Based on Correlation Weighted Comprehensive Nutritional Index in the Three Gorges Reservoir

2012 ◽  
Vol 599 ◽  
pp. 773-776
Author(s):  
Jia Ling Ruan ◽  
Gao Bo Chen ◽  
Hang Lei ◽  
Xiao Li Yu ◽  
De Yu Zhong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Three Gorges Reservoir ◽  
Nutrient Status ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Three Gorges ◽  
The Three Gorges Reservoir ◽  
The Three Gorges ◽  
Quality Of Water ◽  
Actual Environment ◽  
Status Index

Regression models between the chlorophyll a and other nutrient factors were established elementarily for the characteristic that the Three Gorges Reservoir is a channel reservoir.The nutritional quality of water body was assessed using correlation weighted comprehensive nutritional index.The result was compared with that of assessment based on the nutrient status index of lakes in order to make it closer to the actual environment and embody the feasibility of this method to assess nutrient status in the channel reservoir.

Electromechanical Bistable Behavior of a Novel Dielectric Elastomer Actuator

2013 ◽  
Vol 81 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiefeng Li ◽  
Zhanan Zou ◽  
Guoyong Mao ◽  
Shaoxing Qu
Keyword(s):  
High Voltage ◽  
Electrical Breakdown ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
High Voltage Pulse ◽  
Dielectric Elastomer ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Design And Optimization ◽  
Bistable Structure

High voltage is required for the existing dielectric elastomer (DE) actuators to convert electrical energy to mechanical energy. However, maintaining high voltage on DE membranes can cause various failures, such as current leakage and electrical breakdown, which limits their practical applications, especially in small-scale devices. To overcome the above drawback of DE actuators, this paper proposes a new actuation method using DE membranes with a properly designed bistable structure. Experiment shows that the actuator only requires a high-voltage pulse to drive the structure forward and backward with electromechanical snap-through instability. The actuator can maintain its stroke when the voltage is removed. An analytical model based on continuum mechanics is developed, showing good agreement with experiment. The study may inspire the design and optimization of DE transducers.

Waste Heat Recovery From Generators in the Deployed Army

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gunnar Tamm ◽  
J. Ledlie Klosky ◽  
Jacob Baxter ◽  
Luke Grant ◽  
Isaac Melnick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Waste Heat ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
The United States ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Efficient Production ◽  
Water Heater ◽  
Power Sources ◽  
Fuel Savings

Electrical power generation in austere settings, such as combat zones, places a heavy burden on the US Army; high costs in both dollars and lives lost require that every drop of fuel be used effectively and efficiently. In remote locations such as combat outposts (COPs) and small forward operating bases (FOBs) in Afghanistan, electrical power derived from the Army’s standard Advanced Medium Mobile Power Sources (AMMPS) generator is even used to heat water for showers and heat living spaces. This heating requires conversion of thermal energy to mechanical energy, which is then converted to electrical energy and back to heat. Thus, a significant fuel savings could be realized through the more efficient production of heat. A combined heat and power system is proposed; efficiency is increased by routing the generator exhaust through simple ducting to a standard gas hot water heater to produce hot water with waste heat. With funding from the U.S. Army Rapid Equipping Force, cadets and faculty at the United States Military Academy designed, built and tested a system for under $1,000 in parts which was readily coupled to a 5 kW AMMPS generator to produce hot shower water. Results indicate a possible fuel savings of 1500–2000 gallons per year, 20–35% increased fuel utility, and the ability to provide 10–20 five gallon showers during every 5 hours of operation of each 5 kW generator. At a fuel cost of $20–50 per gallon in the deployed environment, and considering the large inventory of deployed generators, the payback for the Army could be tremendous.

Study of a magnetic SMA-based energy harvester using a corrugated structure

2021 ◽  
pp. 1045389X2098390
Author(s):  
Omid Safari ◽  
Mohammad Reza Zakerzadeh ◽  
Mostafa Baghani
Keyword(s):  
Smart Materials ◽  
Energy Harvester ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Electrical Current ◽  
Magnetic Shape Memory ◽  
Motion Energy ◽  
Corrugated Beam ◽  
Corrugated Structure

In recent years demand for mobile electrical power has been increased and due to this application, energy harvester systems have been developed to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy using smart materials. In this investigation, a novel arrangement of an energy harvester using Magnetic Shape Memory Alloys (MSMAs) is developed. Elements of MSMA are attached to a corrugated beam and their roots are fixed. The way of harvesting energy from this system is based on conversion of vibration motion energy to the magnetic flux gradient. There is a number of copper coils that wrapped around the MSMA elements in a constant magnetic field. If strain or stress field is applied to the MSMA elements, the electrical current is induced to coils. The problem is studied with analytical methods, and for this purpose, MATLAB solver is used. To simulate the behavior of MSMA substance Kiefer and Lagoudas nonlinear model is used. To verify the results, these two arrangements have been analyzed in ABAQUS. To provide the material properties of MSMA elements, UMAT code has been used. It will be shown that size of this MSMA based energy harvester can become smaller with using corrugated beam structure instead of simple cantilever beam.

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