Demonstration of Scroll Motor Advantages for Ultra Low-Head Hydroelectric Power Generation. Project Period September 1980-November 1981. Final Report

摘要

The purpose of this project was to investigate the potential advantages of an ultra low-head hydroelectric power generator utilizing a scroll motor. The scope of this effort consisted of analytical and hardware development activities leading to the design, fabrication, and testing of a laboratory model scroll hydraulic motor. The model scroll motor was designed, built, and tested at fluid heads up to 10 ft and speeds up to 270 RPM. The maximum shaft power output of the motor was 400 W. Hydraulic power was converted to shaft power with efficiencies between 30% and 40% with maximum efficiency achieved at a 10 ft head and at 175 RPM. Diagnostic testing identified internal leakage losses and friction in the speed increasing gear box as accounting for 50 to 75% of the power losses. Design modifications in the prototype were recommended to significantly reduce these losses. With these improvements, efficiencies of 65 to 70% are projected. Further efficiency improvements are projected for larger sizes of scroll hydraulic motors. As a result of this study, it is recommended that improvements be made to the laboratory model to reduce leakage and speed increaser losses in order to demonstrate the higher efficiency levels predicted.