Message-ID: <v01510109ae37a0581d2b@[134.83.152.97]> Date: Wed, 14 Aug 1996 15:26:11 +0000 From: James Chinnery <mailto:James.Chinnery@BRUNEL.AC.UK> Subject: Assistance Sought for Micro-Hydro Development Project To: Multiple recipients of list DEVEL-L <mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU>
BackgroundThe Design Research Centre at Brunel University, UK, specialises in new product development. The DRC combines its experience with state-of the-art techniques for managing and undertaking the development of new products. These techniques cover everything from identifying new product ideas to planning prototype development. We have recently turned our attention to a Micro-Hydro device that may have third world applications.
HydroWings - A Mobile Hydro Power Generator
HydroWings is a free-stream Hydro power generator. Developed using an innovative application of hydrodynamics, it currently has a design power of 500 Watts. HydroWings is most suited for applications which demand low but constant power - whether it be in a domestic or agricultural setting. It is designed to operate in low gradient rivers as shallow as 0.5 meters, at locations where the flow speed can be as little as 0.9 m/s. The design is modular and can be adjusted to suit local river conditions and user needs.
Moreover, HydroWings does not require a permanent or fixed location as opposed to conventional hydro schemes. Therefore, the cost of installation and the impact on the local environment are both considerably reduced.
Because of it's size, manufacturability and it's relatively cheap cost, this device would be well suited for third world applications. Rural electrification of third world villages and homes serves two main purposes:
1. Lighting. This is not often seen as terribly important, but amongst many villages, it is a dramatic improvement of the people's quality of life. One of the most tangible benefits has been that "Now my children can do their homework".
2. Cooking. This is still in it's infancy, but is a growing need - especially where deforestation is a problem. For example in the Annapurna region of Nepal the women may have a four day trek to collect a dwindling supply of wood.
The Competition
There seem to be a very large number of Micro-Hydro devices that require a head of water, but very few that can be described as truly "free-stream" / zero head.
- The primary advantage over any "Head Hydro" is the ability to set this device in place with absolutely no earth-moving.
- The advantage over other "free-flow-Hydro" is that costs are much reduced due to the high efficiency of the design, which could be manufactured mainly using limited machinery. A few parts may need to be precision produced, but nothing particularly high tech.
The Project Planning
At the moment the design is still just on paper. A scale prototype has been built and tested, but a full size device has not yet been made. A Mechanical Engineering Final Year Student worked on this project for his major project, because of this we am confident with the theoretical figures supporting the device. This student is now hoping to find funding and go back to University to carry out some further research work into the theory of the device (supported by one of the Professors).
We are now at a stage where we are trying to put together partnerships and seek funding to move this project forward. To take the device to a point where it has been fully developed, tested and manufacturers set up overseas will take in the order of 18 to 24 months. At this time we are seeking:
1. Those who have a history of working in this area (micro-hydro for third world application) who would be willing to join the project, supplying either "work in kind", or able to offer some consulting service, and
2. Those who might be able to assist with the funding of this project, either by supporting the development of the design, or helping to sponsor / subsidise the end product.
If you are able to assist please E-mail direct on
mailto:James.Chinnery@brunel.ac.uk