Micro magnetic driven bidirectional turbine used in urban water mains for hydropower generation

Abstract

Relaible electric power supply pays an important role for water supply performance minitoring systems along water supply pipelines. Micro hydropower harvesting from water pipes provides a promising and cost-effective solution for power supply to water monitoring systems. However, bidirectional flow may exist in the water mains when switching supply sources for the particular District Metering Area (DMA), so it is necessary to develop a bidirectional turbine. In this paper, a micro magnetic driven bidirectional cross-flow turbine is developed. A cross-flow runner is inserted into the water supply mains through a T-joint, two blocks are integrated to the pipe inner wall on the upstream and downstream side of the runner to direct more water to flow through the runner. Besides, a magnetic coupling is used in the turbine to replace traditional mechanical seal so that seal failure can be avoided. The developed turbine can operate in bidirectional water flow without changing the rotation direction of the runner.