Caudal Optimization in a Hydraulic Generator: Key for more efficient electrical energy

Casahuamán Mayta R.; Aimar Terán Vargas J.; Eloy Ordóñez Bringas D. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2025) · DOI: 10.18687/laccei2025.1.1.1836

Resumen

This research aims to evaluate the influence of water flow on the generation of electrical energy using a hydraulic generator. This is based on a common problem in remote, low-income towns that do not have electrical fluid networks, such as the Yaminchad hamlet in the province of San Pablo, in the department of Cajamarca, Peru, where the origin of the research was focused. This area has abundant water during the winter and a reduction in water flow in summer, which led to the study of this problem and how it influences the reduction of voltage. By reducing the water flow, its behavior has been analyzed based on different water level heights in a given time interval. The aim is to establish the relationship between the reduction in flow and the variation in the generated voltage. The methodology employed is a quantitative approach, using an experimental design based on the Pelton turbine generator design, carried out in the hydraulics laboratory of the Universidad Privada del Norte, for which flow measurements were taken at four-time intervals at different heights. Observation techniques, records in tables designed by the research team, and the use of instruments such as a camera and a stopwatch were used for data collection. The results obtained show that height variations directly influence the flow of water through the hydraulic system, affecting energy generation. In conclusion, the importance of generating energy depends on the optimization of water flow. In this case, it was determined that the voltage stability at its highest point obtained during the measurement depends on the height reached by the water at the instant it acts on the turbine. Likewise, the design and construction of the water inlet components would have to consider an optimization of measures regarding height to obtain maximum water flow and for the drop to positively influence the movement of the turbine. Therefore, an 8.15% improvement in energy generation was achieved, due to the optimization of the water fall flow rate by 30.14%.

Instituciones: Universidad Privada del Norte