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Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Regional Office No. 02 (Cagayan Valley)
DIVISION OF TUGUEGARAO CITY
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Telephone Numbers: (078) 844-7768, 844-1232
facebook.com/CagayanNhs

Conversion of Fluid Force to Electricity: A Micro-Hydroelectric Generator


for Low Power Generation

Researcher:
Retoma, Ben Christian M.

STEM 12 - AQUAMARINE

1 | Yaw i Tuguegarao
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Regional Office No. 02 (Cagayan Valley)
DIVISION OF TUGUEGARAO CITY
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Telephone Numbers: (078) 844-7768, 844-1232
facebook.com/CagayanNhs

CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

A. Background of the Study

Electricity is a crucial part of modern living. With increasing usage of

electricity to support increasing economic activities and growing human

population, the demand of the community for energy is record-high.

By 2040, global electricity demand is expected to rise at a rate of 2.1 percent

per year, which is twice the rate of primary energy demand. Electricity's share of

overall final energy demand rises from 19 percent in 2018 to 24 percent in 2040

as a result of this. Electricity consumption is increasing at a faster rate than the

global population, resulting in a rise in the average amount of electricity consumed

per person (per capita electricity consumption) according to the U.S. Energy

Information Administration’s (EIA) International Energy Statistics. The growth of

electricity demand is expected to be especially high in developing economies.

According to the report of the Department of Energy, the Philippines during

the year 2016 is characterized by a critical increment in power utilization at 10%

and a peak demand at 8.7%. The residential and industrial sectors continued to be

the primary consumers of electricity in the country. It is also shown that the

country's electricity production increased by 10% from 82,413,213 MWh in 2015

2 | Yaw i Tuguegarao
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Regional Office No. 02 (Cagayan Valley)
DIVISION OF TUGUEGARAO CITY
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Telephone Numbers: (078) 844-7768, 844-1232
facebook.com/CagayanNhs

to 90,797,891 MWh in 2016. Coal, natural gas, and oil-based generation account

for 48 percent, 22 percent, and 6 percent, respectively, of total generation.

Renewable energy-based generating facilities account for the remaining 24% of

overall power production. The Philippines has one of the highest electricity rate

prices in the ASEAN region, owing in part to the country's reliance on costly fossil

fuels such as diesel, oil, and coal. These high electricity prices hurt the entire

Philippine economy by slowing industrialization efforts, limiting overall

competitiveness, worsening the current account deficit, and undermining direct

investment (Ahmed, 2017).

Last 2015, the country's power sector is facing increasing concerns about

resource adequacy, as the country struggles to add supply rapidly enough to keep

up with rising demand. Republic Act No. 9136 or known as the “Electric Power

Industry Reform Act of 2001” promotes the utilization of indigenous, modern, and

renewable energy sources in power generation in order to minimize reliance on

imported energy. Furthermore, Republic Act No. 9513 or the “Renewable Energy

Act of 2008” is an act mandating the state to accelerate the exploration and

production of renewable energy resources in order to achieve energy self-

sufficiency through the implementation of sustainable energy development policies

that reduce the country's dependency on fossil fuels; thereby reducing the

3 | Yaw i Tuguegarao
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Regional Office No. 02 (Cagayan Valley)
DIVISION OF TUGUEGARAO CITY
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Telephone Numbers: (078) 844-7768, 844-1232
facebook.com/CagayanNhs

country's exposure to energy price fluctuations in foreign markets, which have

repercussions in almost every sector of the economy.

In response to the unreliable electricity sources and the public policies being

implemented, scientists and engineers introduced renewable energy sources such

as solar panels and wind mills as an alternative means to generate electricity in

the household level. They are plentiful and by far the cleanest sources of energy

available on the planet. However, these technologies are still costly.

Hydroelectric power is another source of energy that uses fluid force to

produce electricity. The power of the kinetic energy possessed by the moving

water turns the turbine converting kinetic into mechanical energy. Through the

spinning of the turbine, the generator converts the mechanical energy into

electrical energy that can be used to power electrical grids. Moving water is almost

everywhere; and it can be used to generate electricity.

At the micro level, the fluid force of water along the pipelines in buildings

and households are left unused; whereby, it can be utilized in low power

generation. Hence, the researcher proposed a cost-effective generator that

generates electricity using the fluid force of the water pipe system of households.

With the increasing demand for energy sources in today's world, every

individual must practice wise energy conservation and utilization. Investigating for

4 | Yaw i Tuguegarao
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Regional Office No. 02 (Cagayan Valley)
DIVISION OF TUGUEGARAO CITY
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Telephone Numbers: (078) 844-7768, 844-1232
facebook.com/CagayanNhs

a low-power solution would go a long way toward alleviating the community's

energy supply issues.

Overall, the researcher aims to build a micro-hydroelectric generator that

converts the fluid force in pipe lines into electricity for low power generation. With

the results of the research study, the researcher aims to be able to assist in

meeting the rising demand for power supply.

5 | Yaw i Tuguegarao
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Regional Office No. 02 (Cagayan Valley)
DIVISION OF TUGUEGARAO CITY
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Telephone Numbers: (078) 844-7768, 844-1232
facebook.com/CagayanNhs

B. Conceptual Framework

Figure 1: Input-Process-Output Diagram on the Assessment of Micro-Hydroelectric


Generator

The micro-hydroelectric generator is device designed to convert the fluid

force of water along water pipe system into electrical energy which can be used

for a wide range of applications. Figure 1 shows the stages on the assessment of

the efficiency of the micro-hydroelectric generator in producing electricity. The

strength of the fluid force and the hydroelectric generator are considered as the

variables in the input stage. During the process stage, the efficiency of the

generator in producing power will then be tested with varying fluid force. Finally,

the voltage power output of the generator will be measured.

6 | Yaw i Tuguegarao
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Regional Office No. 02 (Cagayan Valley)
DIVISION OF TUGUEGARAO CITY
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Telephone Numbers: (078) 844-7768, 844-1232
facebook.com/CagayanNhs

C. Statement of the Problem

In general, this research study aims to build a micro-hydroelectric generator

for residential use.

Specifically, it aims to answer the following questions:

1. What is the Mean voltage output produced by the micro-hydroelectric

generator with varying fluid force?

2. Is there a significant difference between the Mean voltage output of the

micro-hydroelectric generator with varying fluid force?

3. What is the Mean voltage output produced by the device with varying width

of the blades of micro-hydroelectric generator?

4. Is there a significant difference between the Mean voltage output produced

by the device with varying width of the blades of micro-hydroelectric

generator?

D. Scope and Delimitations

In general, the strength of the fluid force and the efficiency of the generator

affect the findings of this research study.

7 | Yaw i Tuguegarao
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Regional Office No. 02 (Cagayan Valley)
DIVISION OF TUGUEGARAO CITY
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Telephone Numbers: (078) 844-7768, 844-1232
facebook.com/CagayanNhs

The study will be conducted entirely in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan in a span

of three (3) months, from April to June 2021. The construction of the design of the

model and the completion of the research paper will be conducted in Retoma’s

Residence in Carig Norte, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

In this study, the researcher will use the fluid force of water along the water

pipe system of households to produce electricity. A micro-hydroelectric generator

will be used in the study to convert the fluid force into electrical energy. For

simplicity, the researcher is limited to study only the fluid force of water pipelines

in households, and is restricted to other forms of hydroelectric energy harvested

from other types of infrastructures. The output voltage is only limited to low-power

energy ranging from 0V to 49V.

Considering the incessant danger brought upon by the global pandemic, the

findings of the study will be initially based from existing related literature and

studies. Recommendations will be included for in-depth testing of the generator.

E. Significance of the Study

This study aims to convert fluid force of water pipe system of households

into electrical energy for low power generation. Results from this study may prove

beneficial to the following people or agencies:

8 | Yaw i Tuguegarao
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Regional Office No. 02 (Cagayan Valley)
DIVISION OF TUGUEGARAO CITY
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Telephone Numbers: (078) 844-7768, 844-1232
facebook.com/CagayanNhs

Department of Science and Technology (DOST). This study will give additional

information on how fluid force can be converted into electricity for low power

generation, which can contribute in the national information system and the data

bank on the science and technology.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). This study can serve as a basis for

developing a fluid force-harvesting device which can help in solving the problem

on the rising demand for power supply.

Department of Energy (DOE). This study will serve as a reference as to how fluid

force along water pipe system of households can be converted into renewable

source of electrical supply.

Households. This study can help household in generating low power from fluid

force along water pipe system and in conserving electricity.

Future Researchers. This study provides them knowledge about the conducted

research, and they can further improve the study by reflecting on its

recommendations.

F. Definition of Terms

9 | Yaw i Tuguegarao
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Regional Office No. 02 (Cagayan Valley)
DIVISION OF TUGUEGARAO CITY
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Telephone Numbers: (078) 844-7768, 844-1232
facebook.com/CagayanNhs

To have a clearer understanding of this study, the following terms are

operationally defined:

Electric grids. An interconnected network for providing electricity all the way from

its generation to the customers that use it for their daily needs.

Electricity. Fundamental form of energy used in powering appliances and

machines among others.

Electricity consumption. All the energy used to perform an action.

Fluid force. The kinetic energy possessed by fluids under pressure to generate,

control, and transmit power.

Fossil fuel. Hydrocarbon-containing material of biological origin that can be

burned for energy; it includes coal, petroleum, natural gas, and heavy oils.

Generator. A device that converts mechanical energy into electrical power for use.

Renewable energy. Clean and sustainable energy coming from natural sources

or processes that are constantly replenished.

Turbine. A device that harnesses the kinetic energy of a fluid and turns it into the

rotational motion of the device itself.

Voltage Power Output. Amount of voltage released by the generator.

10 | Yaw i Tuguegarao
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Regional Office No. 02 (Cagayan Valley)
DIVISION OF TUGUEGARAO CITY
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Telephone Numbers: (078) 844-7768, 844-1232
facebook.com/CagayanNhs

Water pipe system. Network of pipes that convey water to consumers for a wide

range of applications.

11 | Yaw i Tuguegarao
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Regional Office No. 02 (Cagayan Valley)
DIVISION OF TUGUEGARAO CITY
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Telephone Numbers: (078) 844-7768, 844-1232
facebook.com/CagayanNhs

CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter includes the ideas, finished thesis, generalization or conclusions,

methodologies and other. Those that were included in this chapter helps in

familiarizing information that are relevant and similar to the present study.

This review includes previous and related studies on the conversion of fluid force

to electricity. Related findings are excerpts of research journals, website articles,

or news reports from international sources and the Philippines per se. The studies

acquired are restricted to explore researchers, earlier or beyond the year 2011 and

2021, respectively.

A. Electricity

Electricity consumption grew significantly from 82,413,213 MWh (2015) to

90,797,891 MWh (2016). This year’s growth level increased to 10.2% compared

to the 6.7% growth from 2014-2015. This increase is primarily driven by the growth

of residential consumption at 12.7% from 22,747,049 MWh (2015) to 25,631,254

MWh (2016). In terms of share, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao contributed 74%,

13.5% and 12.5% shares, respectively. The residential sector, together with the

industrial sector, comprised more than half of the total Philippine electricity

12 | Yaw i Tuguegarao
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Regional Office No. 02 (Cagayan Valley)
DIVISION OF TUGUEGARAO CITY
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Telephone Numbers: (078) 844-7768, 844-1232
facebook.com/CagayanNhs

consumption. Own-use and systems loss have at par shares at 9%. (Department

of Energy, 2017)

Philippine power rates remain one of the highest in Southeast Asia as of end-2016

due to continued lack of government subsidies, latest Department of Energy (DOE)

data showed. Based on the Power Development Plan 2017 to 2040, the country’s

power rates are among the highest in the region, at par with the level in Singapore.

(Rivera, 2017)

In the developed economies of the world—Canada, USA, Japan and Western

Europe—demand for electricity grows at about one or two percent a year maximum

and in some cases reduces over time due to more efficient end-user practices—

energy-saving light bulbs, for example. The Philippines has maintained for some

years a forecast demand growth rate of about 4.6% which, even by developing

country standards, is high. Planning for additional power generation is based on

this assumption, and sometimes regionally on much higher forecast growth

numbers. Annual electricity demand per capita in the Philippines is about 650 kWh.

(Wootton, 2015)

Energy is crucial to human sustenance and development. Due to the increase in

the demand of energy and deficiency in power generation, day by day the gap

between demand and supply of electric energy is widening. Bridging this gap from

the supply side is very difficult and expensive proposition. Also, limited energy

13 | Yaw i Tuguegarao
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Regional Office No. 02 (Cagayan Valley)
DIVISION OF TUGUEGARAO CITY
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Telephone Numbers: (078) 844-7768, 844-1232
facebook.com/CagayanNhs

resources, scarcity of capital, and high interest costs for the addition of new

generation capacity is leading to the increased cost of electrical energy in India.

The only viable way to handle this crisis, apart from capacity addition, is the

efficient use of available energy, which is possible only by continuously monitoring

and controlling the use of electrical energy. Hence, energy management program

is a systematic and scientific process to identify the potential for improvements in

energy efficiency, to recommend the ways with or without financial investment, to

achieve estimated saving energy and energy cost. It is estimated that industrial

energy use in developing countries constitutes about 45-50% of the total

commercial energy consumption. Much of this energy is converted from imported

oil, the price of which has increased tremendously so much so that most of

developing countries spent more than 50% of their foreign exchange earnings. Not

with standing these fiscal constraints, developing countries need to expand its

industrial base like us if it has to generate the resources to improve the quality of

life of its people. The expansion of industrial base does require additional energy

inputs which became more difficult in the present scenario. In this competitive

world, cost competitiveness is very essential for every individual, they must save

the energy. To establish any work, motive or task, energy in one or other form is

an essential component. Thus, the need to conserve energy, particularly in

industry and commerce, is strongly felt as the energy cost takes up substantial

14 | Yaw i Tuguegarao
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Regional Office No. 02 (Cagayan Valley)
DIVISION OF TUGUEGARAO CITY
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Telephone Numbers: (078) 844-7768, 844-1232
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share in the overall cost structure of the operation. Hence, it calls management of

energy or in other words, management of resources or energy conservation. (Naik,

S.S.More, & Naik, 2014)

The gap between supply and demand of energy is continuously increasing despite

huge outlay for energy sector since independence. Further, the burning of fossil

fuels result to greenhouse gases which are detrimental to the environment. The

gap between supply and demand of energy can be bridged with the help of energy

conservation which may be considered as a new source of energy which is

environment friendly. The energy conservation is cost effective with a short

payback period and modest investment. There is a good scope of energy

conservation in various sectors, via industry, agriculture, transport and domestic.

(Singh & Sharma, 2012)

In the United States, about 29% of global warming emissions come from electricity

sector. Most of those emissions come from fossil fuels like coal and natural gas.

Increasing the supply of renewable energy would allow us to replace carbon-

intensive energy sources and significantly reduce US global warming emissions.

In addition, a ground-breaking study by the US Department of Energy's National

Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) explored the feasibility of generating 80%

of the country’s electricity from renewable sources by 2050. Researchers found

15 | Yaw i Tuguegarao
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Regional Office No. 02 (Cagayan Valley)
DIVISION OF TUGUEGARAO CITY
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Telephone Numbers: (078) 844-7768, 844-1232
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that renewable energy could help reduce the electricity sector’s emissions by

approximately 81%. (Union of Concerned Scientists (USA), 2017)

B. Hydroelectric Power

Waterwheels have been used to power machinery since antiquity. For several

centuries in Western Europe, the watermill and windmill were the primary sources

of motive power before the introduction of steam engines by Newcomen, Smeaton,

and Watt in the 18th century. In 1833, Swedish chemist Jakob Berzelius

predicted that hydropower would become a reliable and immense source of

electricity. There are several patents predating 1878 that propose the use of

hydropower to drive electric generators for the purpose of transmitting electric

power to locations distant from the generator. (Allerhand, 2020)

Bahaj (2017) argues the utilization of marine and wave currents without the need

for barrages and the impounding of water. The author presents the conversion of

these resources into long-term electrical power presents enormous opportunities

for countries blessed with such resources; and, this work is aimed in part at

addressing such opportunities. However, the inflexible and at times incoherent

support systems for research, growth, and the path to commercialization are

jeopardized. Moreover, the cost per MW installed is also recognized as a major

16 | Yaw i Tuguegarao
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Regional Office No. 02 (Cagayan Valley)
DIVISION OF TUGUEGARAO CITY
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Telephone Numbers: (078) 844-7768, 844-1232
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obstacle for wave and marine current energy conversion technologies. Hence,

Bahaj (2017) summarizes in his article that ocean energy technologies, limited to

marine current and wave energy conversion, and their associated industries are

still in their infancy and several analysts agree that the technology's current state

is comparable to the early stages of wind energy production in the 1980s.

Another article by Sadullaev and Tulakov (2020) discusses the issues of

generating electric energy and the optimal method of controlling hydroelectric

power plants. Authors concluded that hydroelectric power plants are more efficient

than fossil fuel and nuclear power plants at meeting peak energy needs for short

periods, and one way to do so is to use a "pumping facility" that reuses the same

water several times.

As the global renewable energy revolution gathers momentum, hydropower

appears to be poised to become an even more important player. (Taczi, 2016) The

International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) conducted a technology

roadmap (Remap) until 2030, and hydro capacity could increase up to 60%

according to their findings.

All things said, some studies also considered the impact of hydroelectric power to

the biodiversity of living species. Dams alter river functioning and hinders the free

movement of migratory fishes. (Cataldo, Gattás, Leites, Bordet, & Paolucci, 2020)

The authors indicated in their study that the dam had a direct impact on fish

17 | Yaw i Tuguegarao
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Regional Office No. 02 (Cagayan Valley)
DIVISION OF TUGUEGARAO CITY
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Telephone Numbers: (078) 844-7768, 844-1232
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movement, leading to the fragmentation of fish populations. Furthermore, they

concluded that the discharge of water in the reservoir may indirectly affect the

regulation of fish reproduction.

The analyses of the study conducted by Bilotta, Burnside, Gray, & Orr (2016)

furthers the claim of the former study presented as they found that there was a

statistically significant effect of run-of-river hydroelectric power construction and

operation on the number of fish species. However, no statistically significant effects

were detected on the other five considered metrics of community composition in

the article.

In contrast with the two citations presented, the study conducted by Schorka &

Zaniboni-Filhob (2017) deduced that the indicators analyzed – diversity,

dominance, equitability – and number of individuals and biomass did not reveal

significant changes in the ichthyofauna during the years studied; thereby,

generalizing that there were no profound changes in the fish assemblage in the

ten years after the formation of the Itá lake.

Considering all studies and literatures about the topic, the knowledge about small

hydroelectric power plants (SHP) is still inconsistent all over the world (Ruoccoa,

Portinhob, & Nogueiraa, 2018); hence, further research studies are to be

conducted to come up with uniform understanding of the topic. According to Kelly-

18 | Yaw i Tuguegarao
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Regional Office No. 02 (Cagayan Valley)
DIVISION OF TUGUEGARAO CITY
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Telephone Numbers: (078) 844-7768, 844-1232
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Richards et al. (2017), there is a need for deeper qualitative understanding of SHP

impacts in diverse contexts.

C. Other Hydroelectric Generators

Due to high initial investment cost of building hydroelectric powerplants,

designs of several mini-hydroelectric generators in various studies were

formulated in order to help in meeting the rising demand for power supply. These

generators were engineered to electrify households and rural areas.

The study conducted by Tessema (2018) reviewed the prospects for small

scale hydroelectric power generation and evaluated the feasibility on mini‐

hydroelectric power plant for rural electrification. The study assessed the micro-

hydro power resources acquiring the preliminary data for micro hydro power

generation. Tessema (2018) concluded that the technical and economic aspects

of mini-hydropower plant technologies for rural electrification with a generating

capacity of 500 KW in the selected Ethiopian site, Bench Majji Zone Neshi Village,

have been examined and found to be feasible.

Another study was performed by Shenberger (2018) on the understanding,

designing, and building a hydroelectric generator. The paper discusses the

specifications and procedures done on the study. The author tested his design and

19 | Yaw i Tuguegarao
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Regional Office No. 02 (Cagayan Valley)
DIVISION OF TUGUEGARAO CITY
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Telephone Numbers: (078) 844-7768, 844-1232
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significant findings were deduced. First, the kind of turbine affects the amount of

power that will be produced as the author found out that his generator design did

not produce as much electricity. The proponent then concluded that the optimal

generator for the situation would be a Kaplan or a propeller turbine not a Pelton

wheel turbine. It is also established that the flow rate of the water and the radius

of the pipe in which the water is moving also affects the power output of the

generator. Finally, there are always improvements that can be made electrically in

the wiring and connections. The voltage and current can be greatly increased by

using larger wire sizes and creating larger coils. More turns in the coils, as well as

stronger magnets and larger coils, can result in increased voltage. Since larger

wire sizes have lower resistance and higher current capacities, both of these

adjustments will often result in more electrical power in a generator.

The development of inline hydroelectric generation system from municipal

water pipelines was also a related study conducted by Ma et al. (2018). The study

aimed to develop a novel inline hydroelectric generating system (IHGS) to harness

the potential energy of the water flow onsite and provide power for data monitoring

system of main water pipelines. The paper discusses about the theoretical study,

computer simulation, prototype design, and experimental tests. The researchers

were able to realize their aim in conducting the study making a functional inline

hydroelectric generating system (IHGS). The study was able to provide an easy

20 | Yaw i Tuguegarao
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Regional Office No. 02 (Cagayan Valley)
DIVISION OF TUGUEGARAO CITY
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Telephone Numbers: (078) 844-7768, 844-1232
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access to electricity in areas without power grid, such as treacherous terrains and

underground. However, the analysis did not consider the economic feasibility or

any other difficult problems, such as the installation site evaluation or the

drawbacks of variable flow in pipelines.

Furthermore, the study of Satir, Kestane & Dogru (2018) proves the

sustainability of a mini hydroelectric apparatus as a renewable source of energy.

The study claims to engineer a generator that converts water energy from water

pipes in buildings at a standard pressure and rate into electrical energy. Kinetic

and mechanical energy are produced simultaneously in the generator's rotor, and

mechanically when the rotor shaft rotates the belt bearing. Another aim of the

invention is to create a generator that can produce electricity without the need for

a cooling system. The research paper discusses the specifications and outline of

the device.

Satir, Kestane & Dogru (2018) were able to design a generator that that can

be used without problems in wet spaces, can manufacture power in site, and

support available electrical power. Although the experience of developing an idea

and going through the patenting process was significant, the inventors were unable

to achieve mass production for residential use.

Finally, the comparison study of Bottesi and Alberti (2017) on small-size

generators made a notable discovery on the field of hydroelectric generators. The

21 | Yaw i Tuguegarao
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
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study’s premise is the selection of high-efficiency electrical machine to improve the

performance of the generation system and to respect the energy policies. The

performance of the different types of machines was discussed in the study.

Induction Machine (IM), Synchronous Permanent Magnet (SPM) machine,

Synchronous Reluctance Machine (SynRM), and Permanent Magnet-assisted

Synchronous Reluctance Machine (PMaSynRM) was considered in the study.

Field Oriented (FO) analysis technique was applied to FE models of the four

machines and is used to predict the output of the machines under consideration.

With all tests conducted, SPM machine exhibits highest performance, either in

terms of efficiency and power factor.

The related literature and studies written above clearly stated that exploring

and utilization of indigenous, modern, and renewable energy sources in power

generation is of prime importance with the increasing demand and usage of

electricity. By switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy resources, it would

close the gap between supply and demand of energy. Furthermore, it would help

the environment in combating global warming and climate change, which is a

prevalent issue in the 21st century.

Related literature and studies presented supports the potential of

hydropower considering its cleanliness and its abundance in the environment.

Although the technologies associated with hydropower are costly, articles

22 | Yaw i Tuguegarao
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Regional Office No. 02 (Cagayan Valley)
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presented shows that it is a good investment that can provide electricity in the long

run presenting enormous opportunities for countries blessed with such resources.

However, the capability of hydropower is still not realized due to the inflexible and

incoherent support systems for research and the jeopardized path to

commercialization. Moreover, some studies argue different stands on the impact

of hydroelectric power plants on the biodiversity of species. Hence, there is a need

for further research studies to be conducted to come up with uniform

understanding of the topic.

Finally, studies were also presented on the different hydroelectric

generators supporting the viability and capability of hydroelectric generators in

producing electricity for various uses. Studies show the different specifications,

improvements, and recommendations that can be done to attain optimum

performance of the device. Hydroelectric generators were tested in river sites and

municipal water pipelines. However, there are no studies available on the design

of hydroelectric generators for residential use and for low power generation that

has the potential for mass production. The researcher concludes that previous

related literatures and studies support the feasibility of converting fluid force of

water into electricity.

23 | Yaw i Tuguegarao
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Regional Office No. 02 (Cagayan Valley)
DIVISION OF TUGUEGARAO CITY
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Telephone Numbers: (078) 844-7768, 844-1232
facebook.com/CagayanNhs

CHAPTER 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

A. Research Design

The study will utilize quantitative method of research. Experimental research

design will be used as the research design to show the relationship of the amount

of voltage produced by the micro-hydroelectric generator when variables are

varied. The research design will be useful in validating results and formulating

conclusions by manipulating and applying the independent variable determining

the efficiency of the generator in producing electricity.

Three treatments will be conducted to show the changes in the flow rate of

the water in the water system pipes. 20 L/min, 25 L/min, and 30 L/min will be

assigned as treatments 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The effect of the flow rate of water

on the amount of electricity produced will be calculated and recorded. The

relationship of the voltage output produced, and the water flow rate difference will

be recorded using three trials. The Mean voltage output produced will be then

calculated.

The effect of the width of the blades on the amount of voltage produced will

also be tested in the study. Hence, two prototypes will be considered. Three

treatments will be performed in each prototype and each treatment will consists of

24 | Yaw i Tuguegarao
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Regional Office No. 02 (Cagayan Valley)
DIVISION OF TUGUEGARAO CITY
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Telephone Numbers: (078) 844-7768, 844-1232
facebook.com/CagayanNhs

three trials. Overall Mean amount of electricity produced by the two prototypes will

be calculated.

B. Sampling Procedures and Samples

Treatments Flow rate Voltage Output for

Prototype A (Standard
(L/min)
Blades – ½ inch)

Trial Trial Trial Mean

1 2 3

Table 1. The varying flow rate of water in water system pipes and its relationship

with the voltage output.

Three treatments of the generator with ½ inch blades will be performed to

calculate the influence of the flow rate of water in water system pipes. In each

25 | Yaw i Tuguegarao
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Regional Office No. 02 (Cagayan Valley)
DIVISION OF TUGUEGARAO CITY
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Telephone Numbers: (078) 844-7768, 844-1232
facebook.com/CagayanNhs

treatment, three trials will be conducted. The Mean voltage output will be

calculated and compared.

Treatments Flow rate Voltage Output for

Prototype A (Standard
(L/min)
Blades – ½ inch)

Trial Trial Trial Mean

1 2 3

Mean voltage output of the prototype

Table 2. The effect of the width of the blades to the voltage output produced for

prototype A.

26 | Yaw i Tuguegarao
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Regional Office No. 02 (Cagayan Valley)
DIVISION OF TUGUEGARAO CITY
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Telephone Numbers: (078) 844-7768, 844-1232
facebook.com/CagayanNhs

Treatments Flow rate Voltage Output for

Prototype B (Narrower
(L/min)
Blades – ¼ inch)

Trial Trial Trial Mean

1 2 3

Mean voltage output of the prototype

Table 3. The effect of width of the blades to the voltage output produced for

prototype B.

Another prototype of the micro-hydroelectric generator with narrower blades

will be constructed to show the relationship of the width of the blades to the amount

of voltage output produced by the device. Two prototypes of the generator will be

used as experimental units. Prototype A will be consisting of ½ inch blades while

prototype B will have ¼ inch blades. Three treatments will be performed in each

prototype and each treatment will consists of three trials. The Mean voltage output

of the experimental units will be calculated and compared.

27 | Yaw i Tuguegarao
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Regional Office No. 02 (Cagayan Valley)
DIVISION OF TUGUEGARAO CITY
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Telephone Numbers: (078) 844-7768, 844-1232
facebook.com/CagayanNhs

C. Data Gathering Methods

Pre-Experimentation Period

The fluid force of flowing water in water system pipes serves no

specific purpose for it to be utilized

Conversion of fluid force to produce electricity

Conversion of fluid force of flowing water in the water system pipes

for low power generation

Approval of the research study

Figure 2. Pre-experimental flow chart

28 | Yaw i Tuguegarao
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Regional Office No. 02 (Cagayan Valley)
DIVISION OF TUGUEGARAO CITY
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Telephone Numbers: (078) 844-7768, 844-1232
facebook.com/CagayanNhs

Experimentation Period

Construction of the device

Recording of the flow rate of water in system pipes and the amount of

output voltage produced

Recording of the amount of electricity produced by generator with

varying width of the blades

Figure 3. Experimental flow chart.

Materials for the construction of the device will be gathered. The device will

be assembled from the gathered materials to construct a working model. The

generator will be mounted inside a tee pipe to test its functionality.

The efficiency of the micro-hydroelectric generator in producing electricity

will be tested by applying different fluid force by varying the flow rate in the water

system pipes. The flow rate of water along the water system pipes will be recorded.

The amount of voltage produced by the device in varying flow rate will be then

measured using a multi-tester adjusted in the multiplier of ten. The Mean voltage

output of the generator will be calculated from the three trials conducted for each

flow rate.

29 | Yaw i Tuguegarao
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Regional Office No. 02 (Cagayan Valley)
DIVISION OF TUGUEGARAO CITY
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Telephone Numbers: (078) 844-7768, 844-1232
facebook.com/CagayanNhs

The effect of the width of the blades of the generator to the voltage output

produced will also be tested. Two prototypes with different width of the blades will

be utilized in the study. Three treatments will be conducted for each prototype. For

each treatment, the flow rate in the water system pipes will be varied. The amount

of voltage produced by the different prototypes with varying widths of the blades

will be then tested using a multi-tester adjusted in the multiplier of ten. The overall

Mean voltage output produced in every trial for each prototype will calculated,

recorded, and compared.

Post-Experimentation Period

Analysis of data

Formulation of conclusion

Finalization of research manuscript


Figure 4. Post-Experimental Flow Chart

After the data will be gathered, the researcher will determine if the flow rate

of water in the water system pipes can affect the amount of voltage output

produced by the generator. The researcher will also compare the result of the

varying width of the generator to the voltage output produced by the device, which

30 | Yaw i Tuguegarao
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Regional Office No. 02 (Cagayan Valley)
DIVISION OF TUGUEGARAO CITY
CAGAYAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Telephone Numbers: (078) 844-7768, 844-1232
facebook.com/CagayanNhs

will lead the researcher to formulate a conclusion. The manuscripts will be then

finalized.

D. Data Analysis

The Mean voltage output produced by the generator in each of the varying

flow rate will be calculated. One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) will be utilized

to determine the significant difference between the Mean output voltage in each of

the trials.

The Mean voltage output produced and the standard deviation of the

experimental units with varying blade width will be calculated. Independent

Samples T-test will be used to determine the significant difference between the

two prototypes.

31 | Yaw i Tuguegarao

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