Development of crossflow turbine for local manufacturing

Development of small hydro power in Tanzania is facing a number of obstacles not only because of the unfavourable conditions but also inadequate knowledge and technology to exploit potential sites. Survey shows that most hydro power mechanical equipment are imported, expensive and lacks support services in terms of spare parts supply and maintenance. From this problem, the need for developing a locally manufactured turbine has been identified in order to reduce cost of equipment. This will also strengthen local research and development capability A literature search, materials and technology survey has been conducted in order to identify an appropriate design feasible for local manufacturing. The author has designed and developed a cross flow turbine ,which. .Suit local manufacturing capability. The cross flow turbine was designed and fabricated at the TDTC workshop and tested in the hydraulic laboratory at the Department of Water Resources Engineering. Preliminary laboratory tests were carried out to investigate the characteristics of the cross flow turbine. The test results were compared with calculated values and data from available literature on cross flow turbines. It was concluded that production of a cross flow turbine locally is technologically feasible and economically viable. The author recommends for further laboratory test and later testing the turbine in the field under actual field conditions, field test will thus give realistic results for the turbine specifications.