Low head, micro-hydro demonstration project, Coker, Alabama. Final report

Technical Report · Thu Sep 01 00:00:00 EDT 1983

OSTI ID:6518875

Simpson, B J

Project objective was to demonstrate the feasibility of using a crossflow (Banki) turbine in a low head, run-of-steam application. Project consisted of construction of small dam across Big Creek at Coker, Alabama. Design, construction and installation of a crossflow turbine with appurtenant feed water structures and control devices. Design of crossflow turbine was for 6 ft net head at 15 cubic ft per second flow. Dimensions of turbine constructed were: diameter 19'', length 72'', No. of blades - 20. Jet thickness (nozzle opening) 1.25'' with calculated full flow rpm of 117. Construction was started in summer of 1981 and completed in September 1981. Before any meaningful information could be gained the dam was demolished by flood. The dam was rebuilt during the summer of 1982. Preliminary testing, using a 8 kW Dayton ac Generator with gear box (input rpm 540) indicated a peak power output at full flow of 2.8 kW as opposed to calculated 7 kW at 75% efficiency for the system. This testing was done in November and December of 1982 under extremely difficult conditions which included destruction of the turbine blades by debris pushed into high backwater. Due to frequent and heavy rains during the winter of 1983 no testing was possible in January and February. In March 1983 the dam was lost again due to severe flooding conditions eroding away the end of the dam. The project will be rebuilt at some future time when funds become available.

• Research Organization: Simpson (B.J.), Coker, AL (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: FG44-80R410233
• OSTI ID: 6518875
• Report Number(s): DOE/R4/10233-T1; ON: DE85000223
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

13 HYDRO ENERGY
DAMS
FAILURES
LOW-HEAD HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
TURBINES
ALABAMA
CONSTRUCTION
DAMAGE
DESIGN
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
FLOODS
INSTALLATION
DISASTERS
FEDERAL REGION IV
HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
MACHINERY
NORTH AMERICA
POWER PLANTS
TURBOMACHINERY
USA
130200* - Hydro Energy- Site Geology & Meteorology
130700 - Hydro Energy- Power-Conversion Systems