Flow acceleration by converging nozzles for power generation in existing canal system

Small-scale hydro or micro-hydro power has been increasingly used as an alternative energy source, especially in remote areas where other power sources are not viable. In the larger hydro projects potential energy of the water is converted to electrical power, whereas such small-scale hydro power systems utilize kinetic energy of the flow. These systems can be installed in small rivers or streams with little or no discernible environmental effects. Usually, these systems do not require a huge infrastructure like dam or major water diversions, rather use water wheels with least environmental impacts. This paper presents a report on how flow can be accelerated through convergent nozzles for run-of-river turbines in open flow channels. An existing canal in Pakistan has been used for the analysis based on its easily accessible data. The analytical and computational work presented here converts kinetic energy of water flow to electric power. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.