College - Author 1
College of Engineering
Department - Author 1
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Mechanical Engineering
College - Author 2
College of Engineering
Department - Author 2
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 2
BS in Mechanical Engineering
College - Author 3
College of Engineering
Department - Author 3
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 3
BS in Mechanical Engineering
College - Author 4
College of Engineering
Department - Author 4
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 4
BS in Mechanical Engineering
Date
6-2024
Primary Advisor
Lauren Rueda, College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department
Abstract/Summary
As part of our team’s participation in the 2024 Hydropower Collegiate Competition, our team constructed and iterated a small-scale Kaplan turbine using a custom-designed test rig and dynamometer. While our model was vastly simplified from what is used in the real world, the process gave us exposure to design procedures and hydrological techniques for turbine design. Crucially, we learned that while analytical models and theory are valid tools as starting points, the use of computational and experimental models is key to developing sound designs.
In the end, our group was able to produce a Kaplan turbine with a peak efficiency of 3.2% at a power output of just over 1 Watt. However, the aim is that future students will be able to continue and refine our work using some of our existing knowledge on turbine design as well as our experience within the competition.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/mesp/766
Project Video
ME_S2024_F25_Poster.pdf (516 kB)
Project Poster
ME_S2024_F25_SOW.pdf (2152 kB)
Scope of Work
ME_S2024_F25_PDR.pdf (1241 kB)
Preliminary Design Review
ME_S2024_F25_CDR.pdf (3687 kB)
Critical Design Review
ME_S2024_F25_Drawings.pdf (1631 kB)
Drawing Package