VIABILITY OF RAINWATER-POWERED MINI HYDRO-ELECTRIC GENERATOR

PROTOTYPE AS SUSTAINABLE AND RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCE FOR HOUSEHOLD

USE

A Research
presented to the Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
SILANGAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL (SHS)
Silangan, San Mateo, Rizal

in partial fulfillment of the requirements in

INQUIRIES, INVESTIGATION and IMMERSION and CAPSTONE RESEARCH

Barbadillo, Justine Carebie I.

Bilbao, Shawn Michael P.
Clemeña, Carren Kate C.
Solayao, Steffany Shei L.
Vesinica, Rogeleen A.

Grade 12 – FREESIA

JENNELYN M. GOMEZ, MAT

Capstone Research Teacher

IVY GAIL B. BENITO, MAT

Inquiries, Investigation and Immersion Teacher
 Chapter I

BACKGROUND AND ITS PROBLEM

Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of energy production, the imperative for sustainable and
renewable energy sources has garnered global attention. With the rising demand for green
energy production, experts globally are experimenting with novel approaches for the generation
of electricity. Conducting small-scale energy production can reduce the reliance on extravagant
and environmentally hazardous forms of energy production. Evidently, numerous endeavors
have occurred to harness energy utilizing rain, which constitutes one of the most abundant
resources on Earth, and it could potentially be one of the most efficient methods at this point.

Rainwater, as one of the most abundant resources on Earth, presents a compelling

opportunity for energy generation, especially in regions where precipitation levels are
consistently high. By harnessing the kinetic energy of rainwater, mini hydro-electric generators
have the potential to provide clean and renewable electricity for individual households, reducing
dependence on grid-based power systems and mitigating carbon emissions associated with
traditional energy sources. Moreover, the decentralized nature of these generators allows for
greater energy independence and resilience, particularly in areas prone to power outages or
disruptions. (Su, H., et al. 2023).

In addition to their environmental benefits, rainwater-powered mini hydro-electric

generators hold promise for socio-economic empowerment, particularly in rural and
underserved communities. By providing a reliable source of electricity for household use, these
prototypes can improve living standards, enhance productivity, and stimulate local economic
development. This research aims to assess the technical, economic, and social viability of
implementing such systems, paving the way for broader adoption of sustainable energy
solutions at the grassroots level (Majeed Y. et al. 2023).

Background of the Study

 The primary objective of this project is to provide areas with limited access to water and
energy. Numerous communities across the globe encounter difficulties pertaining to insufficient
water resources, which adversely impact their capability to obtain sustainable sources of
energy. According to Tzanakakis et al. (2022) the limited availability of water resources
frequently constrains the economic feasibility of conventional hydroelectric projects. Through an
examination of the viability of rainwater-powered hydroelectric generators, the objective is to
offer an alternative solution that can be implemented in areas with inadequate access to
electricity mainly to provide family sustainable and renewable energy production in terms of
hydro-electric by employing a basic prototype of hydro-electric. The use of this method is in
accordance with the objective of ensuring power availability for communities experiencing water
scarcity.

The second factor is the development of an easy-to-use hydroelectric generator that is

both simple to construct and cost-effective presents a promising solution in the realm of
sustainable energy production. Unlike traditional generator types, which often require complex
infrastructure and costly materials, a simplified hydroelectric generator can be designed using
readily available components and basic construction techniques. By leveraging the natural flow
of water, such a generator harnesses the kinetic energy of moving water to generate electricity,
offering a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuel-based generators.
Additionally, its ease of use and affordability make it accessible to a wider range of users,
including communities in remote or underserved areas. This democratization of energy
production empowers individuals and communities to take control of their energy needs while
reducing dependence on non-renewable resources and mitigating environmental impacts. In
essence, the development of an easy-to-use, inexpensive, and sustainable hydroelectric
generator holds significant potential in advancing the transition towards a more sustainable and
resilient energy future (Ang et al. 2022).

Ultimately, it involves the utilization of rainwater rather than bodies of water, as

conventional hydroelectric systems typically rely on bodies of water, which may have ecological
implications and can be limited by geographical constraints. In contrast, rainwater, a naturally
replenishing resource, offers an abundant and decentralized alternative. This research seeks to
explore the feasibility of utilizing rainwater for hydroelectricity, thereby reducing dependence on
large bodies of water, mitigating potential environmental impacts, and broadening the
applicability of hydroelectric systems (Ertop et al. 2023).
Statement of the Problem
This study aims to determine the Viability of Rainwater-Powered Mini Hydro-electric
Generator Prototype as Sustainable and Renewable Energy Source for Household Use. More
specifically, it seeks answers to the following questions:

1. What is the minimum amount of rainwater required to generate voltage that can power a
3-W LED bulb using the hydro-electric generator prototype?
2. How do the different amounts of rainwater (in ml) entering the mini hydro-electric
generator affect the electrical energy output (in voltage) of the generator:
2.1 500 ml
2.2 1000 ml
2.3 1500 ml
3. Is there a significant relationship between the amount of rainwater and the voltage
output of a hydro-electric generator prototype?
4. What is the maximum 3 Watt-LED bulb that can be powered utilizing the different
amounts of rainwater?
4.1 500 ml
4.2 1000 ml
4.3 1500 ml
5. What enhancements can be made to improve the voltage output of the mini hydro-
electric generator prototype?

Hypotheses
Null Hypothesis (Ho)
1. There is no significant relationship between the amount of rainwater collected and the
electrical energy output of the mini hydro-electric generator prototype to provide a
sustainable and renewable energy source for home use.
Alternative Hypothesis (Hi):
1. There is a significant positive relationship between the amount of rainwater collected and
the electrical energy output of the mini hydro-electric generator prototype to provide a
sustainable and renewable energy source for home use.

Significance of the Study

 The result of the study is significant to the following:
Residents/Homeowners - By producing their electricity from an affordable and accessible
natural resource—rainwater, homeowners could experience a reduction in energy costs if the
prototype is successful. Residents may become less dependent on centralized power systems
and have more control and independence over their energy source, especially in inaccessible or
off-grid places.
Rural Communities - Decentralized rainwater-powered generators can help rural communities
with limited access to traditional power sources generate more electricity for everyday
essentials like cooking and lighting. In rural areas, access to electricity could promote economic
activity and livelihoods, promoting community development.
Future Researchers - If the prototype is effectively put into practice, it could encourage more
study and development of sustainable energy technologies, which might result in advancements
in the field. Opportunities for the development and enhancement of decentralized energy
solutions may be discovered by researchers and innovators, which might have a positive impact
on a wider variety of applications.

Scope and Delimitation

The aim of this study is to develop green energy solutions by examining rainwater as a
viable and environmentally friendly energy source for household use. This will be accomplished
by designing and building a prototype mini hydroelectric generator that functions on rainwater.
The amount of rainwater collected (an independent variable) and the amount of electrical
energy produced (a dependent variable) will be the two main variables measured in this study.
Experiments will be carried out at San Mateo, Rizal when precipitation exceeds a 50% threshold
to ensure relevance to local conditions. The methodology allows for true experimental design
with controlled observations and statistical treatment by altering the load using 3-W LED bulb
and measuring the voltage produced.

This study inadequately covers the community with sufficient water and energy supplies.
This study will exclude participants and responses, as the concentration will solely be on the
subject rather than the sample. The researchers would not take into account the potential
application of a dam for rainwater storage due to geographical constraints and financial issues.
Limitations include concentrating on rainwater as the main energy source, restricting the
prototype's ability to generate power on a household scale, and carrying out tests in controlled
environments that might not accurately represent real-world situations.
Theoretical Framework

Principles of Sustainability Theory

The study of the viability of rainwater-powered mini hydroelectric generators as a
sustainable and renewable energy source for home use is based on several relevant theories
and frameworks. First, the research is based on the principles of sustainability theory, which
emphasizes the importance of meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs. By exploring the potential of rainwater-powered mini
hydroelectric generators, the research is in line with the goal of promoting sustainable energy
solutions that minimize environmental impacts and support socio-economic development.

Furthermore, this investigation integrates aspects of renewable energy theory, which

concentrates on utilizing natural resources like rainwater for electricity generation while
diminishing reliance on finite, non-renewable energy sources. This theoretical perspective
emphasizes the necessity of transitioning towards clean, renewable energy alternatives to
address climate change concerns and ensure energy stability. Moreover, as outlined by Gozon
et al. (2015), the investigation into rainwater-powered mini hydro-electric generator for
residential application offers significant insights into the design, execution, and efficacy of
comparable technologies.

Hydropower Potential
The focus of this study is to introduce a rainwater-powered mini hydro-electric generator
prototype as a sustainable and renewable energy solution for households facing limited access
to electricity. By harnessing the kinetic energy of rainwater, this generator aims to provide a
reliable and continuous source of electrical power, offering an alternative to conventional grid-
based electricity in areas with limited or unreliable electricity supply. This research seeks to
assess the feasibility and effectiveness of integrating such hydro-electric power generator into
households, thereby contributing to energy security, reducing reliance on non-renewable energy
sources, and promoting sustainable development at the household level.

Rainwater-powered mini hydroelectric generator prototypes as a sustainable energy

solution for households. Additionally, the passage underscores the global significance of
hydroelectric power, with specific reference to India's substantial hydroelectric potential. This
reinforces the relevance of the research study's focus on exploring innovative approaches, such
as rainwater-powered mini hydroelectric generators, to harness renewable energy sources and
contribute to sustainable development at the household level. Overall, both the theoretical
framework and the broader context outlined in the passage emphasize the importance of
sustainable energy solutions like hydroelectricity in addressing contemporary energy challenges
and promoting socio-economic development (Chakraborty et al. 2015).

Conceptual Framework

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework

Definition of Terms
The following terms are conceptually and operationally defined to better understand the
study:
Energy Source: Refers to power derived via the utilization of rainfall to generate electricity
through the operation of a hydroelectric generator.
Home Use: It is for sustainable energy solutions in households with limited access to
electricity.
Hydro-electric Generator: It alludes to a machine known to produce sustainable power through
the application of rainwater as its source of energy.
Mini: Describes the dimensions of a hydropower generator that has been engineered to supply
renewable energy.
Production: The process of converting the kinetic energy of water into electricity utilizes a
hydroelectric generator.
Prototype: The hydro-electric generator that is use to work on converting rainwater into
electricity.
Rainwater-Powered: Pertains to the utilization of the rainwater as a source of power to produce
electricity on the generator.
Renewable: The ability to continuously regenerate energy over a period of time, despite being
utilized in a hydroelectric generator that harnesses the rainwater.
Sustainable: The level of performance of the hydroelectric generator ought to be monitored to
guarantee continuous generation of energy through rainwater resources.
Viability: Pertains to the capability of a hydro-electric generator to operate efficiently while
generating energy which can be considered renewable and sustainable.

Chapter II

REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Hydro-electric Generator Prototype

Hydro-electric generator is a prototype made to produce low cost energy. It utilizes water
as a source of power to produce electricity in the generator. According to Laccei (2023), it is a
demand or solution for those small islands that are prone to power outages frequently due to
global warming and constant exposure to atmospheric phenomena. It can produce clean energy
by the use of recycled water such as rainwater.

According to McGill University (2022), The purpose of this design is to promote the
development of these communities by providing solutions to safe and reliable lighting. It can be
a low cost source of energy and a very helpful material to support families that cannot afford
electricity. It is also an alternative electricity when there are heavy typhoons or earthquakes that
cause electricity outages. It utilizes rainwater as a source of power to produce electricity and
sustain households that are lacking electricity.

In conclusion, the hydroelectric generator presents a viable model for satisfying the
sudden energy requirements of small island populations that are vulnerable to frequent power
outages. According to Laccei (2023), using water as a power source provides a sustainable way
to address the problems caused by atmospheric phenomena and global warming. Furthermore,
McGill University's (2022) studies highlight its potential to support community development by
offering reliable, accessible electricity, which will especially help residences in lower economic
standing.

Low-cost Hydro-electric Generator

Electrical energy is an essential and dominant energy source on a global scale,
responsible for providing power to the majority of equipment. However, some methods of
energy production, such as hydroelectric dams, can cause harmful impacts on the environment,
specifically on marine habitats. Furthermore, there are environmentally conscious techniques,
such as solar panels, that produce electricity without causing any detrimental impact on the
environment. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that solar panels may exhibit reduced
efficiency during periods of cloudy weather. As a result, this issue has prompted the creation of
an innovative technique for producing electrical power that is extremely efficient and
environmentally beneficial. This paper outlines the development of a cost-effective hydroelectric
power system specifically built for installation on water pipelines. The project harnesses the
kinetic energy of water flow to produce electricity, which is subsequently stored in batteries and
used to operate other electrical devices.

This study has introduced two designs to investigate the influence of the Ventura shape
on the water flow in pipes. The system consists of small-diameter pipes ranging from 0.5 to 1
inch, a G1 turbine flowmeter, a microcontroller, a 5 V water flow turbine hydropower generator,
an XH-M603 charging control module, and a 12 V GP rechargeable battery. Although the
existing system is recommended for its compactness and minimal weight, its performance can
be improved by including larger turbines and connecting municipal canals with higher water flow
rates to create a greater quantity of energy. The experiment demonstrated that increasing the
water flow caused a proportional increase in the turbine’s rotation speed, resulting in a
heightened production of energy. The project has the potential to achieve ideal results by using
green technologies, minimizing building costs, and guaranteeing reliable energy production
(Sani et al. 2022).

Paper-based Hydro-electric Generator

This research introduces a novel technology for harvesting environmental energy by
harnessing the electrical energy generated by the evaporation of water using porous structural
materials. The idea recommends the utilization of paper-based hydroelectric generators (p-
HEGs) as a means to absorb and convert the energy produced by water evaporation into usable
electricity. Polymeric hydrogel electrodes (p-HEGs) offer several advantages, including
simplicity in production, cost-effectiveness, and reusability. The efficiency of four different p-type
thermoelectric hydrogels (p-HEGs) is being evaluated by studying their electrical output
performance triggered by water evaporation. Among the several options analyzed, the p-HEG,
which integrates wood pulp and polyester fiber, has the highest level of production performance.
This particular p-HEG has remarkable electrical stability, producing a short-circuit current of
approximately 0.4 μA and an open-circuit voltage of 0.3 V at room temperature. Furthermore,
the p-HEG has the capability to generate electrical current and voltage by means of water
evaporation, enabling the powering of an LED light. Either a single LED or numerous LEDs
connected in either a series or parallel configuration can accomplish this. This study
investigates the practicality of utilizing energy derived from water evaporation and verifies its
suitability for implementation in renewable energy systems (Zhang et al. 2023).

Storm Water Flow

The collective exploration of hydroelectric generators with a focus on utilizing rainwater
for sustainable and renewable energy production. The International Scholarly Research Notices
publication delves into the overall viability of hydroelectric generators, emphasizing their
potential in the broader context of renewable energy. MDPI’s research specifically investigates
the assessment of hydroelectric generators using rainwater, highlighting the potential for
efficient and environmentally friendly energy generation. Furthermore, the research on
Research Gate contributes valuable insights by evaluating the feasibility of micro hydropower
generation from storm water flow in urban areas, offering a nuanced perspective on the
integration of rainwater in hydroelectric systems. Together, these studies provide a
comprehensive overview of the potential and challenges associated with harnessing rainwater
for sustainable hydroelectric energy production (Teston et al. 2022).
 Chapter III

METHODOLOGY

Research Design
This study will employ quantitative research methods. This study will undertake a true
experimental research design to establish or refute a causal relationship between the amount of
rainwater collected and the electrical energy output. In order to more accurately establish the
significance of the relationship between the two variables, the research design necessitates
altering an independent variable and measuring the dependent variable. It functions as a means
to evaluate both the advantages and disadvantages of the research inquiry. Ultimately, in true
experimental research design, the post-test-only approach ought to be applied; thus, controlled
observation must be conducted in this experiment. The researchers will additionally execute an
observation checklist in order to further assess the efficiency of the mini hydro-electric
generator.

The Sample
The researchers aim to develop a mini hydroelectric generator that utilizes rainfall power
in order to generate electricity. The researchers will employ a controlled observation strategy,
utilizing a data table, in order to collect data. The study will concentrate on a certain subject,
with particular emphasis on two essential factors: the amount of rainwater and the level of
electrical energy generated.

The Research Instrument

Controlled observation plays an essential role in a true experimental study, particularly
when concentrating on the subject at hand. The researchers will utilize data-table research tools
in order to collect comprehensive information through the implementation of controlled
observation. The data table offers the intention of determining the overall mean and variation of
the independent as well as the dependent variables. The correlation coefficient can be
determined by incorporating the Pearson R formula, which requires computing the overall mean
and variance. In accordance with the size of the correlation between the independent and
dependent variables, the interpretation will be accomplished.

Data Collection Procedure

Researchers will take advantage of controlled observation techniques to monitor the
quantity of rainwater and the generation of electrical energy. Through the process of controlled
observation, the gathered data will be organized and presented in a comprehensive data table
in order to facilitate more advanced data analysis. At this point, the lab sheet will undergo
validation by the validators in order to enhance the process of data gathering. A statistical
analysis will be performed on the acquired data by the researchers, followed by an evaluation of
the materials and procedures employed in the experiment.

Plan for Data Analysis

Statistical tests are employed as a research approach to collect data and conduct actual
experiments. These tests allow researchers to evaluate hypotheses and draw conclusions about
the correlations between variables. Researchers may postulate that the availability of rainwater
has a substantial impact on the energy production of hydro-electric generators. Upon
conducting hypothesis testing, it is possible to derive findings pertaining to the feasibility of
utilizing rainwater for hydro-electric generators. Rejecting the null hypothesis indicates a
substantial disparity in energy production efficiency. Statistical analysis plays a crucial role in
assessing the statistical significance of observed discrepancies.

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