Alternative Energy

Pakistan inventor Sarfraz Ahmad Khan has been working hard to develop new hydro technologies like this hydro power invention. His latest concept features the run of river active setup of micro hydro power generation blended with basic principals of hydraulics. This concept explores the possibility of transmitting the (collective) mechanical power gained from run-of-river hydro setup by converting it into hydraulic pressure. The sum-up of hydraulic pressure will make the main generators work. The basic concept requires hydraulic systems that can help to us to gain some reasonably good mechanical advantages. The hydro-mechanics will convert the mechanical force into hydraulic pressure. The collective hydraulic pressure shall be utilized to rotate the generator shaft.

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Why include the hydraulic system?
As we know, if we produce a run-of-river micro hydro active system, the cost may be lower but on the other hand the output is not very significant. If we produce a large number of hydro rotors we will require an equivalent numbers of generators. In this concept we will collect the mechanical energy of Rotors spinning by the effect of high velocity river, into the hydraulic pressure by the help of input pistons. The hydraulic pressure gained from multiple set-ups of run of river rotors can be collected in an active hydraulic pressure chamber. By using the interchanging valves this pressure can be consecutively transferred to the output pistons. So the output piston will work to rotate the shaft of generator.

As a result we will have large numbers of rotors to utilize the sum of their mechanical force. We will need to install only two appropriate size generators for higher output. This theme can cut the cost of many small scale generators and instead of installing a row of generators we will have to install only two generators.

What are the Ideal Locations?
a. Barrages.
b. High-velocity rivers with narrow width, remarkable downward slopes that are near glaciers.
Note: As we know the barrages constructed for agricultural purposes do have very good pressure of water streams under the gates. As the infrastructure of barrages or gates can hold this system, so the mechanical energy of powerful stream can be converted into the electricity.

Help evaluate these hydraulic modules:
I do have a number of questions in my mind like”¦

• What would be the mechanical advantage?
• What kind and what size of input / output pistons shall work?
• What kind of fluid will be appropriate to use in hydraulic system?
• What type of interchanging valves shall be used, and which types are commonly used in market?
• How feasible is this concept in terms of maintenance cost factor?

Advantages:
Multiple rotors can collectively and actively work to produce electricity using only two generators. The cost of generator claims at least 30 to 40% proportion of Micro Hydro setup cost. Now we can cut the cost of large number of generators required and benefit from:

• Environmentally friendly power.
• Multiple setups in one row.
• Job creation in hilly areas.
• Low cost, higher outputs.

Problem Areas:

• Hydraulic components cost and maintenance.
• Risk factors with regard to the enormous hydraulic pressure.

SketchUp File | Download SketchUp

Working Details:
For a better understanding of these 3D Models please download the following sketchup files:

• Hydro Hydraulic
• Hydro Hydraulic2
• Output Generator
• Download Google Sketchup

The 3D models illustrate how the rotors convert water into hydraulic pressure and how the sum of hydraulic pressure is used to rotate the generator shafts by using output pistons.

System Components:

• Rotors working upon the basic principal of run-of-river water wheel methodology.
• Input pistons (part 1 of hydraulic module)
• Hydraulic pressure chamber.
• Interchanging valve.
• Output piston (final part of hydraulic module)
• Generators.
• Infrastructure for electric power stabilization and distribution to nearby grid or local populations.

Estimated power out-puts under ideal conditions:
Average Width of River - 12.20 Mt
Average depth of River - 2.00 Mt
Average Flow of stream - 22 ˜ 25 Mt² Per Sec
No water head available but the velocity can produce the effect of 1 Mt head.

As we have the assumed readings for each rotor output - the possible final output after transmission of power into mechanical to hydraulic - and respectively hydraulic into mechanical force will surely result in energy loss. Therefore the efficiency factor can be driven after some expert professionals assess the design concepts.

SketchUp File | Download SketchUp

Request for analysis and conclusions:
I request that professional engineers specializing in the field of hydro power and hydraulic components see the model and post their valuable comments, or rate this concept, whether is it workable idea or not. If there are any changes or up modifications required I will open to discuss all the features. My contact details are as follows:

Sarfraz Ahmad Khan
109-West, Blue Area, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Email:
sarfrazahmad2807@yahoo.com
Sarfraz.ahmad2807@gmail.com

Phone:
0092-51-2828408
0092-51-2206873
Fax: 0092-51-2828409
Cell: 0092-322-5106080
Res: 0092-51-5576127