MCB 3053

ENGINEERING TEAM PROJECT

SEPTEMBER 2014 SEMESTER

Group 23

PROJECT PROPOSAL

Theme: Energy

Project Title: Hybrid Power Generator for Rural Areas

Supervisor: Dr. Walter Nicolas (Petroleum Engineering Department)

Team Member: 1) Koshalini A/P Munian 15910

2) Farruh Ismailov 14614

3) Muhammad Faris Bin Hamid 16190

4) Chen Kar Weng 16408

5) Mohd Fazlie Bin Mohd Isa 16373

1.0 Abstract

Rainwater and sunlight have always been available abundantly in countries near

equator such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil and Philippines, which is a typical

characteristic of tropical climate. However, these natural sources of power are under-

developed and underutilized due to lack of technologies and lack of concern from

both remote area residents and local authorities. Therefore, there is a rising concern to

focus on the utilization of solar power and rainwater to generate accessible energy for

those who are living in rural areas, i.e. aboriginals or remote area residents.

Due to their location of residence, they may not be able to have a steady flow of

electricity and may have to depend on generators (usually gasoline driven) or batteries

to operate electrical appliances such as television, radio, light bulbs, fans, mobile

phones and other household appliances. In addition, they may not receive a constant

supply of clean water due to in adequate service coverage from Water Supply

Company and inefficiency in water delivery system.

In order to provide a better quality of life to the residents of these remote areas, our

team has come out with an idea of combining both sunlight and rainwater to provide

both electricity and clean water to the residents. With the installation of a hybrid

system of solar and hydropower, residents can carry out their household activities

when there is electrical or water shortage with minimal effect. Solar cells will produce

electrical energy during daylight and hydropower system will provide electrical

energy during rainy days while storing up rainwater for household usage.

The combination between solar and hydro-powered energy generator with an

additional feature of rainwater harvesting concept can be installed in remote areas

with affordable cost and uses existing technologies for easy maintenance and care.

The proposed system will be light enough to be transportable so that it can shifted to

different places with increased rainfall and sunlight exposure for maximum efficiency.

2.0 Problem Statement

Before the can come out with an effective and useful solution, we must first identify

the underlying problems for the targeted users.

2.1 Collected rainwater has only one function, which is household usage.

Rainwater is abundant in tropical season area, which accounts to about 3000mm per

year, equivalent to a volume of 990 billion cubic metre water. RainWater Harvesting

(RWH) is still considered a new trend but with the support and effort of government,

the number of buildings using the RWH will be increased from time to time. RWH

system is still in her childhood in Malaysia. RWH mainly focuses on collecting,

storing and purifying the naturally soft and pure rainfall and use it for household

activities such as cooking, washing clothes and general cleaning purposes.

Our team proposes that instead of using filtered rainwater for sole purpose of

household usage, the system can be upgraded to generate electricity. Water will be

flushed through an outlet to create sufficient pressure to drive the turbine and create

electricity.

2.2 There will be no electricity generated when there is no rainfall.

In order to overcome the issue of seasonal rainfall, where some part of the year will

receive heavy rainfall while others will receive only normal or minimal rainfall, solar

cell is being installed on the surface used to drain the rainwater. During drought

season or ordinary months where rainfall volume is not significant, the hydropower

generator would be left idle as there is no point to outsource for water supply to

generate electricity. Thus, to maximise the usage of the prototype, solar cells will be

installed on the surface of the collection funnel. This will enable the battery to be

recharged using two sources of energy, which are solar and hydropower. Hydropower

will produce electrical energy when there is sufficient rainwater volume and back up

the reliance of solar power.

3.0 Project Objectives

3.1 To maximize the usage of rainwater in Malaysia

The rainfall volume received yearly in Malaysia is still underutilized. Instead of

merely collecting and using rainwater as raw water supply, irrigation purposes and

household usage, rainwater can be accumulated, not in dam reservoir, but with large

water tanks, energy can be produced when water flows through the turbine. It can be a

source of energy for those who are living in remote areas.

3.2 To collect rainwater for household activities

Rainwater is considered one of the purest form of natural occurring water as it forms

through evaporation and precipitation process of hydrological cycle. Rainwater can be

used readily for drinking and cooking upon boiling. Therefore, the water collected

after the water passes through the turbine generator is a great source of free water

supply. Unless the area of downpour is heavily industrialized, the water should be free

of contaminants such as nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides. Thus, the rainwater will

serve as source of water supply and electrical energy.

3.3 To provide an alternative for hydropower energy generator

Rainwater may be abundant but not consistent in terms of volume. One month may

experience heavy downpour where the rainwater is enough to generate enough

electricity to charge a battery for several times but the other month may not even have

adequate storage for turbine to turn. By attaching or embedding solar cell to the water

collection funnel surface, which is large in surface area, will provide an alternative

where the prototype can utilise sunlight as a source of energy when rainwater is not

available. By channelling the electricity generated from solar cells and turbine

generator together, users are expected to receive a relatively constant supply of

electricity through the sunny days and rainy days, and thus, is the ultimate aim of the

design.

4.0 Background Study

Via the turbine, electricity is generated using the kinetic energy of moving water.

Precipitation on hills and mountains will create streams and rivers which will

eventually being channelled to the ocean. The energy from moving water can be

enormous due to several reasons: the huge mass of water accumulated at one time, the

velocity where it flows and the topography of the water reservoir.

This energy has been utilized for many years since the start of civilization in mankind

history. Since the ancient Greeks, farmers have been using water wheels to grind

wheat into flour, which was a typical example of using the properties of flowing water

to convert kinetic energy into mechanical energy for the work. Placed in a river, a

water wheel picks up flowing water in buckets located around the wheel. The kinetic

energy of the flowing river turns the wheel and is converted into mechanical energy

that runs the mill. In the late 19th

century, hydropower became a popular and feasible

choice for generating electricity. The first hydroelectric power plant was built at

Niagara Falls in 1879. In 1881, street lamps in the city of Niagara Falls were powered

by hydropower. In 1882 the world’s first hydroelectric power plant began operating in

the United States in Appleton, Wisconsin.

Hydropower is also readily available as engineers can control the flow of water

through the turbines to produce electricity on demand because electrical energy is

unlike water, it cannot be stored, and it is produced when needed. In addition,

reservoirs may offer recreational opportunities for public as well, such as for

sightseeing, boating activities and movie shooting.

Constructing a dam to store water may be an efficient way to store up large amount of

water for hydropower but it may destroy or disrupt wildlife and other natural

resources because it will flood out the whole basin. Some fish, like salmon, may be

prevented from swimming upstream to spawn. Technologies like fish ladders help

salmon go up over dams and enter upstream spawning areas, but the presence of

hydroelectric dams changes their migration patterns and hurts fish populations.

Hydropower plants can also cause low dissolved oxygen levels in the water, which is

harmful to river ecology.

On the other hand, RainWater Harvesting can be defined as the accumulation and

deposition of rainwater for further uses. The rainwater will be collected in one tank,

and then it will be used to produce energy via a turbine. Rain will be reused before it

reaches the water storage layer of soil, aquifer. There are many uses possible such as

watering gardens, water for livestock, water for irrigation, and indoor heating for

houses etc. The water collected is just redirected to a deep pit with percolation in most

of the places. The harvested water can be used as drinking water as well as for storage

and other purpose. Water harvesting system has been commercialized in other

countries in the world. The largest rooftop rainwater harvesting projects is on-going in

China and semi-arid north east Brazil. Rainwater harvesting adequate for the residents

for all new constructions is required by the law in Bermuda. However, rainwater

harvesting technologies and popularity are still at childhood stage because water

resource is so abundant that we take them for granted gifts.

As a result we come up with a concept for turbine generator that generates energy

from rainwater harvesting. When the rainwater storage is up to certain level, the valve

will be open to release water to flow through the turbine and this will create electrical

energy for users. Later then, the water which will flow through turbine can be stored

up for domestic usage. This intelligent device may produce electricity from rainwater

energy using turbine and solar power when the rain doesn't exist at the area. Our

project focuses on the rainwater storage system in remote areas of Malaysia, the

utilization of rainwater and the alternative power source for the system.

5.0 Design Approach/Methodology

5.1 Procedures

In completing this Engineering Team Project, some systematic procedures are

compiled to ensure that the project is accomplished successfully and orderly. Through

discussion and analysis, specific problems are highlighted and clarified. The next

stage involved solving the identified problems. Brainstorming sessions were

conducted to obtain any potential solutions for the problems. All Engineering Team

Project’s requirements have been considered throughout the course of designing.

Based on the information gathered from the earlier stage, conceptual designs have

been proposed. Further research is performed and preliminary schematics are

designed. All group members work together in analysing all proposed designs and

unanimously vote and justify the best design for the prototype. The best design is

chosen as the final design for this project.

The final design will be presented through various documentations and prototype

implementations to make it clearer and understandable. The prototype will be tested

several times to verify its functionality. The last tasks are the preparation for

exhibition, demonstration and presentation.

5.2 Methodology

A scenario of rainy season.

1) Rainwater will flow through the blanket at the top go to the central.

2) It will be channelled into the pipe.

3) Then, it will store it first in the tank until at a certain amount it will release.

4) Next, it will flows downwards due to gravity and the flow of the water will rotate

the turbine to generate electricity.

5) After that, it will store it again in another tank for other usage.

A scenario of sunny days.

1) When sunlight is present, solar cells will capture the light.

2) Solar radiation from the light will convert into electrical energy by using

semiconductor.

3) Wafers in solar cells which are sensitive will produce a small direct current when

it is exposed to sunlight.

4) Then the electricity will be stored it in battery.

Rain water

Piping System

Storage tank

Hydropower turbine

Storage tank Agriculture usage

Sunlight Solar cells Produce

electricity Store in battery

5.3 Plan And Schematic Flow Process Of The Project

Completing project proposal

Get approval from SV

Prototype design

NO

YES

Practicality

Design specification

Prototype fabrication

NO

YES

Idea brainstorming among team

members

Identify the Problem

Decide the title of the project

Consult SV

Start

Testing

Quality of fabrication.

Good?

YES

NO

Improve the fabrication

prototype

Recheck the prototype

and correct any problem

that occurred

NO

END

Presentation and Exhibition

Final report

YES

Function successfully?

5.4 Data gathering and analysis

1) Storage tank

Water is stored in storage tanks so that the collected water can be used for domestic

activities. Our design focused on designing an extra system to the water tank to fully

utilise the stored water. By this way, we could save water and in the same time save

cost since rain water exists free of charge. The storage tank has few criteria to be met.

It should be made of materials such as plastics (polyethylene, polypropylene),

fiberglass, concrete, stone or steel. The size of the tank can collect up to 25litre of

water or more. This electricity that we generate can be used for recharging batteries or

small electrical appliances. Other than that, the pressure in the tank should be

maintained so that it will not cause over pressure in the tank and cause it to expand

and leak. We should coat the tank with materials that would not absorb heat. The

other factors to consider in the tank would be the mass flow rate that enters the tank

and leaves the tank. It should be sufficient to reach the pump that would power up the

generator.

Mass flow rate =Density x Velocity x Area

2) Solar cell

Various technologies capture this solar energy, concentrate it, store it, and convert it

into other useful forms of energy, low-grade thermal energy for heating homes and

businesses, medium-grade thermal energy for running some industrial processes,

high-grade thermal energy for driving turbines to generate electricity. The surface

receives about 47% of the total solar energy that reaches the Earth. Only this amount

is usable. Solar energy technologies can be categorized as active and passive, but we

are only focusing on active solar energy by using photovoltaic cells. A technology

that uses unique properties of semiconductors to directly convert solar radiation into

electricity uses wafers which are sensitive to sunlight and also produce a small direct

current when exposed to light.

3) Valve

A valve is a device that regulates, directs or controls the flow of a fluid by opening,

closing, or partially obstructing various

pathways. Valve can be handled manually

or automatically depending on the function

required by the system. Based on our

project, we have decided to create an

automatic valve as raining is not a

predictable activity and it is not compatible

and practical if a manual valve is installed.

When a predicted volume of rain water is

collected in storage tank, the valve will

open and allows the water to flow with high pressure to drive the turbine. Once the

level of water in the storage tank is decreased and not producing enough pressure, the

valve will automatically close and store rain water until it reaches the threshold for

sufficient pressure. This process will repeat again and over again. From our research,

we have come out with an idea of using plunger system as a basic principle in our

valve.

4) Hydro powered turbine

Turbines are devices that extract energy from a flowing fluid. The geometry of

turbines is such that the fluid exerts a torque on the rotor in the direction of its rotation.

The precise shape of water turbine blades is a function of the supply pressure of water,

and the type of impeller selected. The shaft power generated is available to drive

generators or other devices. In our case, we are going to use recycle materials to

create the turbine blades where we want to cut cost of our project besides creating

environmental friendly system. This hydro powered turbine will be placed at the

position of highest pressure and flow so that it will be able to produce a force on the

turbine to generate electricity. The produced electricity is converted from AC current

to DC current by using rectifier. The produced DC current is then stored in battery

and it can be used for house electricity.

Equation of hydropower plant:

P = power in kilowatts (kW)

g = gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s2)

n = turbo-generator efficiency (0<n<1)

Q = quantity of water flowing (m3/sec)

H = effective head (m)

Engineering Drawing for the design.

Solar cell

Front View

Top View

Solar cell

5.5 Hardware/Tools & Software

These are the hardware/tools and software needed in order to make the prototype

model.

Table 1: List of hardware

No. Name Description

1 Aluminium foil and

metal net

To create a platform for collecting rain water droplets

and direct it to PVC pipe.

2 PVC pipes Act as the piping system in experiment

3 Water tank Act as the collection of the treated rain water

4 Plunger Act as a valve to allow rain water flow into turbine

5 Perspex To place the turbine in the Perspex

6 Hydro powered

turbine

Made of recyclable items and it acts a source of

electricity

7 Solar cell To absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity

8 Rectifier To convert AC current to DC current

9 Battery/ bulb To prove whether the electricity is produced and

stored it

Table 2: List of tools

No. Name Description

1 Electric Drill To create hole or passage for pipeline

2 Hot Glue Gun To join some of the parts of the device

3 Hand Tools Used to build prototype model.

Table 3: List of software used

No. Name Description

1 AutoCAD Used for drawing of model in 2D and 3D mode

2 Microsoft Office Used for documentation; proposal, progress report and

final report

6.0 Project Management

6.1 Organization Chart

6.2 Task Allocation

Group Member Task Allocation

Project Leader

Chen Kar Weng (CVE)

- Plan and manage weekly tasks

distribution.

- Monitor all the tasks to ensure all

members complete their tasks

according to schedule

- Chairs all group meetings

- Purchasing materials for the fabrication

of prototype

- Assist in prototype making.

- Arrange weekly meeting with

supervisor.

Assistant Project Leader

Muhammad Faris Bin Hamid (CHE)

- Assist the project leader in all the tasks.

- Marks the attendance of the meeting.

- Remind members of the dateline of

project submission date and seminars

dates.

- Assist in paperwork preparation

Project Leader

Chen Kar Weng (CVE)

Assistant Project Leader

Muhammad Faris Bin Hamid

(CHE)

Treasurer

Farruh Ismailov (PE)

Technical Works

Mohd Fazlie Bin Mohd Isa

(EE)

Research and Development

Koshalini A/P Munian (ME)

Treasurer

Farruh Ismailov (PE)

- Managing the project accounts and

project claims

- Ensuring the prototype is in accordance

with budget given.

- Provide assistance in prototype

fabrication.

- Acquiring all the materials and tools

needed for the prototype.

Technical Works

Mohd Fazlie Bin Mohd Isa (EE)

- Ensuring all the systems of the prototype is

working well.

- Do extra research on advantages and

disadvantages of various materials being

used.

- Testing of the prototype.

- Improvement of the prototype.

Research and Development

Koshalini A/P Munian (ME)

- Do extra research on how to improve the

prototype.

- Prototype designing and constrction.

- Record data and errors in tests.

- Provide help in mechanical parts of

prototype.

- Finishing works of prototype.

Overall Task:

1) Designing of Prototype

2) Fabrication of Prototype

3) Preparation of documentations (proposal, reports and posters)

4) Demonstration of the finished prototype

6.3 Gantt Chart for ETP Sept 2014 Semester

WEEK NUMBER

ACTIVITIES

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14

Seminar I (ETP Briefing)

Group Organization,

Brainstorming and Meeting

with Supervisor

Submission of Project

Proposal

Designing The Process &

Prototype

Cost Analysis for The System

Design and Purchasing of

Materials

Implement the Project and

Fabrication

Progress Report due

Prototype Testing

Submission of FORM 03

Consult Supervisor

Evaluation on Fabrication

Final Check On The

Prototype

Preparing & Presenting

Slides

Poster & Product Demo &

Presentation Assessment

SEDEX

Submission Peer Evaluation

Submission of Claim Form

Submission of Final Report

7.0 Conclusion

After conducting preliminary research on the hydropower electric generation, solar

power and rainwater harvesting, we have come to a conclusion that the design and

idea is feasible and workable. The hybrid of the 3 elements will create a solution for

those who are staying in remote areas and might prone to electricity and water supply

disruption. We would also like to thank our supervisor, Dr. Walter Nicolas for guiding

us in the choice of project title and brainstorming of the ideas. We believe that this

project proposal serves as a stepping stone to a better and more sustainable invention

that may provide a better quality of life for remote area residents.

8.0 Reference

1) Kim Seong, I. (n.d.). Water Management and Conservation - Rainwater

Harvesting. Retrieved October 7, 2014.

2) Yahaya, H. (n.d.). Rainwater Harvesting and Maintenance. Retrieved October

7, 2014, from http://studentsrepo.um.edu.my/3584/1/All_chapter_1-6.pdf

3) Hydropower Facts, Hydropower Information- National Geographic. (n.d.).

Retrieved October 7, 2014, from

http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-

warming/hydropower-profile/

4) Energy.gov. (n.d.). Retrieved October 7, 2014, from

http://energy.gov/eere/water/hydropower-research-development