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Design basics of a small hydro turbine plant for capacity building in sub-Saharan Africa

This paper presents a simplified design considerations for a propeller hydro-turbine, including tabulated relevant mathematical expressions of operating parameters. In the design calculation, a 2.5 m head and 0.183 m3/s flow rate were used as river data for power of 2.61 kW. A four-blade propeller with an outer diameter of 0.226 m and a hub diameter of 0.079 m was considered suitable for the low head application. Dimensionless performance parameters for various power (2–10 kW) and flow rate (0.2–0.6 m3/s) were evaluated (using constant head and rotational speed), the results were tabulated and graphs plotted. The static axial force on the blade and hub analysis was carried out and results shown satisfactory performance of aluminum 6061-T6 alloy as the blade material. Popularisation of small hydro power (SHP) design and production technology in sub-Saharan Africa through domestic capacity building will accelerate local fabrication of SHP plants and components. The study recommends that the design process be based on available materials and manufacturing facilities. The provision of SHP for rural areas, industrial estates and standalone electrification will provoke commercial and industrial activities in sub-Saharan Africa. This will consequently raise the productivity and the standard of living of the people.