Experimental Study of a High Speed Micro Waterwheel

Waterwheels are the oldest types of hydraulic machines. These turbines are of relatively simple design, large diameter, low rotational speed and high torques. But applying them as micro hydros of high speed and small diameter is yet to be explored. A micro hydro waterwheel of one meter diameter was designed and manufactured at the Iranian Researc†h Organization for Science and Technology (IROST) as a part of a joint research program between IROST and the Iranian Ministry of Power. The model turbine was then tested. Test results as standard turbine curves are also presented in this article. According to the results it was concluded that micro hydro waterwheels can operate efficiently at sites with high flow velocity.