OPTIMAL DESIGN OF MICRO HYDRO TURBINE (ARCHIMEDES SCREWTURBINE) IN ARINTA WATER FALL IN EKITI STATE, NIGERIA

Archimedes screw turbines are beginning to be widely adopted at low head hydro sites in Europe, due to high efficiency (greater than 80% in some installations), competitive costs and low environmental impact. Compared to other micro hydro generation technologies, Archimedes screw turbine has shown to be excellent for hydropower under low head conditions and is specially suited to large flow sites. This paper focuses on the optimal design and performance of Archimedes Screw Turbine in Arinta waterfall, located in a small town in Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti State in Nigeria. The performance of an Archimedes screw used as a generator depends on internal and external parameters as well as site head and flow. One important parameter in the design of screw turbine is pitch or period of a blade (blade). Another aspect of the design consideration is mounting the screw turbine shaft or slope. Based on the description above, the work focused on determining the performance of the mechanical axis of the turbine blade and screw under optimal conditions. These effects in the design of screw will provide an alternative means of electricity generation for the people in the community. The screws are technically very simple with significantly lower installed and operational costs than comparable low head Kaplan turbines. The power supply by the public system in Nigeria is erratic affecting the daily activities of average citizen, there is need for additional power supply that is efficient and cheap to maintain. Archimedean screw is an energy converter with efficiencies between 79 and 84%. It is an interesting alternative for other turbines in low head hydropower applications. Installation of this type will provides an easy lifestyle for the people in Erijiyan town, thereby developing and building the economy of the country.