Experimental Investigation of Micro-Hydro Waterwheel Models to Determine Optimal Efficiency

The waterwheel is the main component in the energy conversion process of micro-hydro power. The amount of energy converted by the waterwheel depends on its model, blade shape, location install, and nozzle position. An objective in this study is to identify the waterwheel characteristics that yield optimal efficiency. Methodology this research is design, prototype, testing and collecting data from all three models prototype water wheel. Measurement data is taken from the change in position angle-axis and angle-nozzle. The result of this study shows that the triangular model yielded the highest efficiency among propeller and curved. But the location where is micro hydro installed strongly determines the model design of waterwheel to work optimally.