Hydroelectric Power Generation Lab

Transcription

1 Hydroelectric Power Generation Lab Author Jason White Audience Engineering/Physics Duration 2 hours Purpose: The purpose of this activity is to experiment with hydroelectric power generation. Hydroelectric power uses the inherent energy in flowing water to drive a turbine in which mechanical energy is converted to electrical energy. Hydroelectric energy generation is an attractive source of alternative energy because it produces no emissions and is driven by an abundant and renewable resource. During this laboratory, students will learn how to size equipment, how to use a valve to control flow rate, how flow rate has an effect on the potential produced by the generator, and how to make predictions from a calibration curve. Materials: Hydroelectric generator, Valve, Water Source, Tubing, Voltmeter, Bucket Procedure: 1. Select an available/appropriate hydroelectric generator to experiment with. An appropriate generator for this scale will operate at a flow rate of less than 10 gallons per minute. A water source that can supply a flow rate in the necessary range should also be available. This information can be determined by looking at the generator performance curves. 2. Select a valve and tubing that will appropriately fit the generator inlet and outlet as well as the water supply outlet. Make sure there is enough tubing to connect the water supply to the generator at its operating location. 3. Connect the water supply first to the valve and then the valve to the generator inlet using the tubing. 4. Connect the outlet of the generator to the drain using the remainder of the tubing. 5. Connect the voltmeter to the generator s lead wires. 6. To operate the generator, first close the valve and open the water supply to its full capability. This will eliminate air trapped in the line. Gradually open the valve to allow water to pass through the generator and into the drain. 7. Once the voltmeter begins to register a potential, start recording potential readings at increasing flow rates. If a flow meter or pressure gauge is not available to incorporate into the system, the outlet water can be collected in a bucket and measured over a period of time. Do not exceed the maximum flow rate for the generator; this can cause the magnetic coupling to disengage.

2 8. Once 3-5 trials of data have been collected, small devices can be selected to be powered by the hydroelectric generator. 9. Plot the flow rate vs. voltmeter reading data and complete the follow-up questions. Insert numbers into the follow-up questions that work with your setup. References: Instruction Manual. DCPAT-20, Micro Hydroelectric Turbine. NoOutage.com LLC.

3 Name: Date: Hydroelectric Power Generation Lab Follow-Up Questions 1. What was the smallest flow rate at which a potential was measured? 2. What was the maximum potential measured? At what flow rate or range of flow rates was this measured? 3. How would you describe the relationship between flow rate and potential? 4. If supplied the generator with gallons per minute, what reading would you expect to get on the voltmeter? 5. If you were looking to operate a device that required volts, what flow rate would you need to supply to the generator? 6. How would you improve this experiment?

4 Sample Calibration Curve for One Trial

5 Name: Solutions Based on The Sample Calibration Curve Date: Hydroelectric Power Generation Lab Follow-Up Questions 1. What was the smallest flow rate at which a potential was measured? 5.66 gpm 2. What was the maximum potential measured? At what flow rate or range of flow rates was this measured? approximately 24 V, at gpm 3. How would you describe the relationship between flow rate and potential? The potential increased as the flow rate increased. However, this was not a linear relationship. The potential increased at a slower rate when compared to the flow rate, and as we approached the maximum flow rate there appeared to be no increase in potential. 4. If supplied the generator with _7_ gallons per minute, what reading would you expect to get on the voltmeter? approximately 7 V 5. If you were looking to operate a device that required _15_ volts, what flow rate would you need to supply to the generator? about 7.75 gpm 6. How would you improve this experiment? This question is to get the students to think critically. Improvements could include measurements of current and potential, water pressure, and different equipment.