Network-Analysis-Supported Design Aspects and Performance Optimization of Floating Water Wheels

Viktor Sebestyén (), Mátyás Horváth, Viola Somogyi, Endre Domokos and Róbert Koch
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Viktor Sebestyén: Sustainability Solutions Research Lab, University of Pannonia, 10 Egyetem St., H-8200 Veszprem, Hungary
Mátyás Horváth: Sustainability Solutions Research Lab, University of Pannonia, 10 Egyetem St., H-8200 Veszprem, Hungary
Viola Somogyi: Sustainability Solutions Research Lab, University of Pannonia, 10 Egyetem St., H-8200 Veszprem, Hungary
Endre Domokos: Sustainability Solutions Research Lab, University of Pannonia, 10 Egyetem St., H-8200 Veszprem, Hungary
Róbert Koch: Department of Transport Infrastructure and Water Resources Engineering, Széchenyi István University, 1 Egyetem Sq., H-9026 Gyor, Hungary

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 18, 1-12

Abstract: Among the numerous renewable energy resources, the main advantage of water energy is that it utilizes the current of the streams and rivers regardless of the given time of the day or season. The main purpose of this study was to create a low capacity, floating hydropower plant that is suitable for shallow and even narrow water bodies. The device was designed to create electric energy while floating on the water’s surface; therefore, it can be used not only in natural streams but also in drainage channels and wastewater treatment plants. The prototype was tested under real circumstances to identify the impacts of various settings on the energy efficiency. Measurements were conducted in Veszprém, Hungary on the Brook Séd. The average depth of the riverbed was 36 cm. Based on the field measurements, optimal efficiency was achieved by using six paddles. On the other hand, much lower efficiency was achieved when low (two or three) or high numbers (12 or 15) of paddles were used. A design framework was elaborated that can facilitate the construction of a floating water wheel for any watercourse. The sensitivity analysis of the sizing variables used in the estimation of performance is supported by network analysis techniques.

Keywords: floating water wheel; multi-objective optimization; universal design model; network analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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