Development and Computational Validation of an Improved Analytic Performance Model of the Hydroelectric Paddle Wheel

Liu, Y. (2015). Development and Computational Validation of an Improved Analytic Performance Model of the Hydroelectric Paddle Wheel. Distributed Generation & Alternative Energy Journal. Taylor and Francis. 30(1), 58-80.

Abstract

This article presents an innovative analytical model to correctly evaluate the performance of a paddle wheel in generating electricity from moving fluid (water). The deficiencies of current analytical model in evaluating such performance are pointed out and overcome by the developed analytical algorithm. Important factors that affect the performance of paddle wheel, such as the drag force, relative velocity, efficiency curve of generator, are considered in the developed method. Next, computer simulations are performed. The computer simulation results agreed very well with the analytical results calculated following the presented approach. The presented analytical method and computational techniques can be extended to estimate the performance of other hydroelectricity devices in the early design stage.