Application of low-cost hydrokinetic technology for accelerating electricity access to rural areas in developing economies: field experiment in Kenya

Abstract

This article presents the design, construction and field test of an experimental prototype of a low-cost hydrokinetic turbine technology made of local materials and e-waste components. The aim of this study is to investigate the performance of the turbine when subjected to field conditions in low flow velocity rivers. The research and development (R&D) involve the use of e-waste boat motor and locally available materials to develop a modular hydrokinetic turbine for generation of electricity using kinetic energy of rivers. A decommissioned boat motor with a 0.24 m diameter rotor is operated as a turbine. A shroud for flow acceleration was developed from 1.5 mm thick stainless-steel plates and a support structure constructed using angle lines. The field test results of the prototype generated about 11.543 ± 0.021 W and 37.129 ± 0.021 W or (equivalent of 0.011543 kWh and 0.037129 kWh) when operated at an approach flow velocity of 0.8 m s−1 and 1.2 m s−1 respectively. The wire to water ratio was determined instead of the Cp and the turbine achieved an overall wire to water efficiency of 0.99 and 0.95 respectively. This prototype technology can sustainably provide 24 h energy, sufficient to charge batteries in the rural areas and also provide opportunities within the community such as mobile charging points. An upscaled version of this low-cost technology can be adaptable in rural off-grid communities to enhance the access to electricity in developing countries.