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Mathematical modeling, design optimization and experimental verification of

conical basin : Gravitational water vortex power plant

Conference Paper · July 2015

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.1762.0083

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Mathematical modeling, design optimization and experimental verification of
conical basin : Gravitational water vortex power plant #

a a a a
Sagar Dhakal ,d*, Ashesh B. Timilsina , Rabin Dhakal , Dinesh Fuyal , Tri R. Bajracharyaa,d,
Hari P. Panditb, Nagendra Amatya c
a
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Central Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Pulchowk, Nepal

b
Department of Civil Engineering ,Central Campus , Institue Of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Pulchowk, Nepal
c
Science and Humanities Department ,Central Campus , Institue Of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Pulchowk, Nepal

d
Center for Energy Studeis , Central Campus , Institute Of Engineering ,Tribhuvan University, Pulchowk, Nepal

* Corresponding email: sgrdhkl64@gmail.com

# You tube video of project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMSTpjDIF5M

Abstract
For clean and sustainable development, we need to develop renewable energy sources. At this
time, many countries energy policy sets out measures for developing renewable energy
technologies to solve the global problems. Gravitational water vortex power plant is one of such
renewable low head turbine in which the mechanical energy of free surface flowing water is
converted to kinetic energy by tangentially passing the water to a basin, which forms a water
vortex. Development and implications of low head turbines similar thus may be a good
alternative to light up such areas where the marginal cost of grid extension is greatly increased in
rural areas by physical isolation, lower electricity loads, and with scattered low-income
consumers. This study is for the development of efficient basin design . We have optimized the
conical basin of this plant by changing the four design parameters of basin such as : notch angle ,
canal height , notch inlet width and cone angle. Different geometric models are developed by
using SolidWorks software and simulation is done with the help of Commercial CFD code
ANSYS Fluent. Mathematical relationship among these design parameters with the water
velocity are established . Thus formed mathematical model is optimized using different
optimization tools which is followed by experimental verification by measuring the power
output .

Keywords: Conical basin, Mathematical modelling, Optimization, Design parameters

1. Introduction
Water energy being a clean, cheap and environment friendly source of power generation is of
great importance for sustainable future; being aware of this fact, still major of the hydro energy
is under-utilized (Date & Akbarzadeh, 2009) .There are mainly two approaches to harness
energy from water, namely, hydrostatic and hydrokinetic methods. Hydrostatic approach is the
conventional way of producing electricity by storing water in reservoirs to create a pressure head
and extracting the potential energy of water through suitable turbo-machinery (Khan, Iqbal, &
Quaicoe, 2008). In hydrokinetic approach, the kinetic energy inside the flowing water is directly
converted into electricity by relatively small scale turbines without impoundment and with
almost no head (Guney & Kaygusuz, 2010).

1.1 Gravitational Water Vortex Power Plant

Gravitational water vortex turbine is an ultra-low head turbine which can operate in as low head
range of 0.7m - 2 m with similar yield as conventional hydroelectric turbines used for
production of renewable energy characterized with positive environmental yield (Zotlöterer,
2014). Austrian Engineer Franz Zotloterer, invented this power plant while he was looking for an
efficient way to aerate water. The gravitational vortex is a milestone in hydrodynamic
development because in the past we needed energy to aerate water, but now this technique uses a
water aeration process to produce electrical energy (Wanchat & Suntivarakorn).

The water passes through a large, straight inlet through the channel and then passes tangentially
into a round basin, which forms a powerful vortex ; an exit hole is made at the bottom of the
basin through which the vortex finds its outlet (Mulligan & Hull, 2010). The turbine doesnot
work on pressure differential but on the dynamic force of the vortex ; not only does this power
plant produce a useful output of electricity, it also aerates the water in a gentle way (Systems,
2014) . Said aim is achieved by as hydroelectric power plant which supports the formation of a
stable gravitational vortex which tends to be formed also in the upper reaches directly in front of
the turbine inlet of conventional river stations as a lost vortex and is therefore prevented as much
as possible there. The inventive hydroelectric plant, however, ensures that the necessary
current-related conditions are fulfilled for reinforcing the rotational movement of the water,
which is created when the water flows off, in an unimpeded manner into a stable gravitational
vortex without using pressure lines and directing devices. A turbine that rotates in a coaxial
manner within the gravitational vortex and is impinged upon along the entire circumference
thereof withdraws rotational energy from the gravitational vortex, which is converted into
electric power in a generator (Zotlöterer, 2014).

In addition, gravitational vortex power plant is found to be advantageous due to the following
properties of water vortex:

a. Increases the water surface area.

b. Maximizes the velocity of flow on the water surface area.

c. Disseminates homogenously contaminants in the water.

d. Increases the contact surface of the disseminate contaminants for microorganisms and
water plants.

e. Aerates the water naturally, because of the high velocity of the flow on the water surface area.

f. Increase the heat of evaporation so water can reduce the temperature itself at rising
temperatures in summer.

g. Concentrates dense water (water at 40C) in the ring shaped center to ensure the survival of
microorganisms as long as possible (Zotlöterer, 2014).

h. The BOD removal efficiency of aerobic biological treatment processes depends on a number
of factors including (but not limited to): influent BOD loading, F:M ratio, temperature, nutrient
levels, and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations. (Peroxide, 2014) . Through the creation of
vortex dissolved oxygen concentration can be improved.

2. GWVPP Perspective in Nepal and Ireland

Here , we have studied how low head plant are equally important for all nation. Below , we have
discussed about the least developed country , Nepal with GDP per capita less than $800 and
developed country Ireland with GDP per capita more than $45000.

Nepal boasts snowy mountains (Himalayan range) in the North which acts as a perennial
source for many free flowing rivers establishing the country as second richest in water
resources in the world after Brazil ( Joshi & Khadka, 2009). About 6000 rivers with total
length of around 45,000 km and an annual discharge of 174 billion cubic meters are available in
the nation (Secretariat, 2006) Nepal has about 83,000 MW of economically exploitable
resources, but only 650 MW have been developed so far ; about 63 percent of Nepalese
households lack access to electricity and depend on oil-based or renewable energy alternatives ;
the disparity in access is stark, with almost 90 percent of the urban population connected, but less
than 30 percent of the rural population ( Sudeshna , Singh, & Samad, 2011). The majority of
Nepal‟s rural populations have been meeting their energy needs (mainly for cooking and heating)
by burning various forms of biomass (forest wood, crop residues and dried animal dung) in open
hearths or in traditional stoves. In Nepal, the campaign of rural electrification started more than
40 years ago; however, the provision of electricity to remote, rural communities is unrealistic and
challenging (Mainali & Silveira, 2011)). The marginal cost of grid extension is greatly increased
in rural areas by physical isolation, lower electricity loads, and with scattered low-income
consumers [ ( Adhikari, Pahari, & Shrestha, 2014) &. (Mainali & Silveira, 2011)] . Development
and implications of low head turbines similar thus may be a good alternative to light up such
areas.

Ireland has an abundant renewable energy resource[ (ESB international, 2004)]and hence under
European Commission regulations, Ireland must supply 16% of the total energy requirement
from renewable resources by 2020[ (Commision, 2008)]. With this in mind, it is essential that
Ireland identifies the most effective transition from a fossil-fuel to a renewable energy-system.
Hydroelectricity is Ireland‟s second largest source of renewable energy electricity, after wind. As
of 2006, there was an installed capacity of 528 MW (Griffin , 2005). There is a significant
unexploited hydroelectricity resource available in Ireland at a small-scale level. Ireland has a
potential 60 MW of generating capacity from small hydropower resources. The Irish
Hydropower Association estimates, for example, that up to 600 old mill sites around the country
could be developed into hydropower generation sites. A reasonable estimate (assuming that not
all of these sites are redeveloped) is 25 MW capacity with a production of up to 130 GWh per
year. (UNIDO, 2013) . Ireland has commitments to meet its Kyoto Protocol greenhouse gas
emissions target. To achieve sustainability and these Kyoto Protocol targets, it is essential to
increase the use of renewable energy technologies. Ireland cannot continue to meet its energy
demands by fossil fuels. It is essential that Ireland‟s energy policy sets out measures for
developing renewable energy technologies (Rourke, Boyle, & Reynolds, 2009).

3. Study of Past Researches

Mulligan and Casserely did their research project on “Design and Optimization of a Water
Vortex Hydropower Plant” carried out at the Institute of Technology, Sligo in Civil Engineering.
This research concludes that optimum vortex strength occurs within the range of orifice diameter
to tank diameter ratios (d/D) of 14 % - 18 % for low and high head sites respectively. Thus, for
cylindrical basin, to maximize the power output, the range of orifice diameter to basin diameter
ratios lies within 14% - 18% (Mulligan & Casserly , 2010).
Bajracharya & Chaulagai focused on developing innovative low head water turbine for free
flowing streams suitable for micro-hydropower in flat ( terai ) region of Nepal. In the study,
water vortex was created by flowing water through an open channel to a cylindrical structure
having a bottom hole outlet. The research concluded that for a fixed discharge condition, the
height of basin, diameter and bottom exit hole are fixed. i.e. the basin geometry depends on the
discharge supplied. This study suggests that, in sufficient flow condition, vortex minimum
diameter is at bottom level and is always smaller the exit hole (Tri & Raj , 2012).

Wanchat & Suntivarakorn studied the effect of basin structure in formation of water vortex
stream . This study indicates the important parameters which can determine the water free vortex
kinetic energy and vortex configuration and they include the height of water, the orifice
diameter, conditions at the inlet and the basin configuration. It was found that a cylindrical tank
with an orifice at the bottom center with the incoming flow guided by a plate is the most suitable
configuration to create the kinetic energy water vortex [ (Wanchat S. , Suntivarakorn, Wachat,
Tonmit, & Kayanyiem, 2013) & (Wanchat & Suntivarakorn)].

For a given flow and head the different geometrical parameters that can be varied of
conical basin for gravitational water vortex power plant are: (i) basin opening, (ii) basin
diameter (iii) notch length iv) Canal Height and v) Cone Angle and among these parameters ;
among these parameters for a given basin diameter all other parameters had significant
contribution for the change in velocity except notch angle (Dhakal S. , Timilsina, Dhakal, Fuyal,
Bajracharya, & Pandit, 2014). Although the objective of study with Pandit,et.al is different with
similar principle , their study also suggests us that the geometry of hydro-cyclones is very
sensitive to its hydraulic and particle removal capability (Pandit, Shakya, Stole , & Garg, 2009).

Wanchat, et al. studied the analysis and design of basin structure which has ability to form a
gravitational vortex stream. Their study investigated the suitable outlet diameter at the bottom
center of the vortex basin. In the case of 1m diameter cylindrical vortex basin, computational
fluid dynamics (CFD) and experiment using the model indicate that the suitable outlet diameter
was in range of 0.2+0.3m. The operating head of the free vortex was in the range of 0.3-0.4m.
The maximum power output was 60 W at 0.2 m outlet diameter and the head of the free vortex
was at 0.4 m. The total efficiency of the model system was 30% (Wanchat S. , Suntivarakorn,
Wachat, Tonmit, & Kayanyiem, 2013)

Previously, study on conical basin was done (Bajracharya, Thapa, Pun, Dhakal, & Nakarmi,
2013) . Later dominant parameters in the design of the basin was found and its effect was
analyzed. It was found that basin opening was most important factor to be considered during
basin design of Gravitational water vortex power plant. Also notch length should not be
decreased beyond some critical value as it creates unwanted turbulence at inlet region of basin.
The study of the graph depicts that there is no significant effect of notch angle in the velocity
(Dhakal S. , Timilsina, Dhakal, Fuyal, Bajracharya, & Pandit, 2014).

During the study , we found that the research needs the comparison of both the basin and it has
been done . It was found that conical basin is better than cylindrical basin , which has been used
by various companies for installation of the plant in India , Europe and USA (Dhakal S. , et al.,
2015 ( 48) ). This study aims to improve the design of the conical basin through the help of
available mathematical and optimization tools to increase the efficiency of the basin. And for the
simulation, RNG k-ε model is more suitable than standard k-ε model to the rapidly strained and
great curving streamline flows (Chen, Wu, WANG, & Du, 2012).

4. CFD Model Development & Solution Procedure:

In order to provide easy access to their solving power all commercial CFD packages include
sophisticated user interfaces to input problem parameters and to examine the results. Hence all
codes contain three main elements: (i) a pre-processor, (ii) a solver and (iii) a post processor
(Versteeg & Malalasekera, 1995).

In nearly all the previous researches, the air-core vortex was considered based on the assumption
of steady, axisymmetric and incompressible flow. The continuity equation and the Navier-Stokes
equations in cylindrical coordinates are described as following

(1)

( ) (2)

( ) (3)

( ) (4)

Where, Vθ, Vr and Vz are tangential, radial and axial velocity components respectively, ρ is fluid
density, g is gravitational acceleration and ν is kinematic viscosity. Due to the complexity of the
equations, it‟s extremely difficult to get an analytical solution directly.

The three dimensional model of the basin fitted with canal was modeled using SolidWorks
software. The model was then imported to ANSYS Software for simulation. The model was then
imported in a commercial CFD code ANSYS Fluent and was simulated. The modeling and
meshing of the proposed model is done using software ICEM CFD for fluent analysis. Firstly
denser mesh was taken near wall and at air core region but later the grid was refined and
uniformly dense mesh was generated. This was done because the vortex velocity was found
maximum in region between the air core and wall. As this velocity was subject of concern for
basin optimization the CFD model was re-meshed. The canal and outlet region was modeled
with Cut cell mesh and Tetrahedron was used for basin modeling.

Figure 1 : Modeling of conical basin using SolidWorks software

4.1 Boundary Conditions:

The simulation has been done for a steady flow to investigate the performance of different basin
geometry on vortex velocity distribution. The main assumptions include a steady flow, no slip
conditions. The working fluid, water is assumed as an incompressible fluid with density of 998.2
kg/m3 and viscosity of 0.001003kg/m-s. The RNG k-Ɛ turbulent model was used to investigate
the flow pattern of the system.

The initial mean velocity of fluid flow is set to be 0.1 m/s and the fluid was flowing through the
area having hydraulic diameter of 0.2667m. This velocity was measured using float method as no
other methods were available to us during the period of study. The wall of the fluid flow domain
was kept steel and with no slip conditions. The outlet was pressure outlet.

Figure 2 : Boundary Conditions

S.N. Boundary Type Operating Conditions

1 Velocity inlet 0.1m/s
2 Pressure Inlet Atmospheric Pressure
3 Wall Steel Wall
4 Pressure Outlet Atmospheric Pressure
Table 1 : Summary of boundary condition

The modelling and meshing of the proposed model is done using software ICEM CFD for fluent
analysis. Firstly denser mesh was taken near wall and at air core region but later the grid was
refined and uniformly dense mesh was generated. This was done because the vortex velocity was
found maximum in region between the air core and wall. As this velocity was subject of concern
for basin optimization the CFD model was re-meshed. The grid convergence graph for the
conical basin is shown in figure 4.8.

0.35
0.3
Velocity(m/s)

0.25
0.2
0.15 Velocity
0.1
0.05
Log.
0
(Velocity)

No. of Nodes
Figure 3 : Mesh independency for CFD simulation
5. Mathematical Modeling
A mathematical optimization model consists of an objective function and a set of constraints
expressed in the form of a system of equations or inequalities. Design of the conical basin is
proposed based on the optimization through mathematical modeling.

In general, the purpose of modeling is to simulate a part of „reality‟ or a system using a set of
rules and algorithms that resemble the behavior and relationships of the observed variables. By
doing so a modeler may gain expertise, get a deep understanding of the underlying processes and
their mutual interactions, forecast future trends and estimate likely outcomes of plausible
scenarios (Casti, 1984).

First, the data availability, as pointed out by (Wilby, 1997), must be „carefully considered‟ in any
modeling exercise, especially if its output (i.e. a model) is projected to have a practical
application or perhaps to become a planning tool (e.g. one to be used in environmental or
regional planning applications). This implies that a model should have variables that can be
obtained or derived either from existing databases or by direct surveying; in other words, it must
avoid variables that cannot be estimated because there is a lack of technical capabilities, their
acquisition is too costly or, even worse, it is too complex or even impossible to acquire them. If
these guidelines are not observed, a model, perhaps interesting from a theoretical point of view,
would just be unpractical and most probably misleading in the realm of planning. The second
and third points mentioned above are closely related and can be summarized as follows: a chosen
model should exhibit the minimum number of parameters (i.e. parsimonious), the relationship
among its explanatory variables and the explained variable should be as simple as possible, the
number of selected explanatory variables should be as few as possible but they should explain as
much as possible the observed variability of the phenomenon represented by the explained
variable (e.g. a given runoff characteristic), all its variables should be statistically significant, and
finally, it should be resistant to outliers, which are very likely to occur in a given sample
(Samaniego & Bardossy, 2005).

The General Linear Model (GLM) is mathematically identical to a multiple regression analysis
but stresses its suitability for both multiple qualitative and multiple quantitative variables. The
GLM is suited to implement any parametric statistical test with one dependent variable,
including any factorial ANOVA design as well as designs with a mixture of qualitative and
quantitative variables (covariance analysis, ANCOVA). GLMs are an extension of the linear
(least-square regression) modeling that allows models to be fitted to data with errors following
other than (only) Normal distributions, and for dependent variables following other than a
Normal distribution, such as the Poisson, Binomial and Multinomial. (McCullagh & Nelder,
1989)

The GLM model will be denoted:

y = β0+ β1x1+ β2x2+.... + βkxk+ ε

where y is the response variable ,β0 is the intercept , β1 is the slope coefficient for the first
explanatory variable , β2 is the slope coefficient for the second explanatory variable , βk is the
slope coefficient for the kth explanatory variable, and ε is the remaining unexplained noise in the
data (the error). The goal of this relationship is to explain as much as possible of the variation
observed in the response (y) variable, leaving as little variation as possible to unexplained
"noise". (Hirsch, 2014)

This study proposes a general method to find a robust linear model by solving a constrained
single objective optimization problem whose solution space is composed of all feasible
combinations of given explanatory variables. As a result, a model that simultaneously fulfills
several criteria such as parsimony, robustness, significance, and overall performance is expected.
Here, we have identified the variables that most significantly affect the measure of effectiveness,
and attempted to logically define the mathematical relationship between these variables and the
measure of effectiveness through the Generalized Linear Mathematical Model (GLM) which
involves the calculations of Multivariate Linear Regression (MLR) analysis. The variables are:
cone angle, inlet width, inlet angle, conical height.

5.1 Data sampling

Building upon earlier work on computational modeling then we have previously described to
capture and validate the fluid dynamics behavior of rotating systems. Different data for the
velocity at position of 0.5m from the bottom was taken by varying different four parameters that
were considered using ANSYS fluent for the rotating fluids of conical basin so considered. Here
X1= Notch angle, X2= Canal Height, X3 = Notch Inlet Width or Basin Inlet, X4= cone angle.

5.2 Results
For the model development, we have considered the result of ANSYS fluent .We have measured
the velocity at a height of 0.5m from the bottom position of basin by varying the different
decision variables. Using IBM SPSS we have found out the GLM model to be

Velocity = 0.373 - 0.001*Notch_Angle + 0.448*Canal_height - 1.313*Notch_inlet_width +

0.006*Cone_angle

For any model to be significant its statistical significance must be seen and realized. Its goodness
of fit, F-value, sigma must be viewed for proper understanding and for validation of the
generated Model (Hirsch, 2014).

5.3 Statistical View of this model

The inclusion of statistically significant variables in a model is of key importance to find „good‟
but „simple‟ models among the numerous possibilities given a set of predictors. The main reason
for this is that a non-significant variable will only increase the total variance without increasing
the goodness of the fit of the model. Otherwise stated, it will only add noise to the system that, in
turn, will deteriorate the explanatory power of other significant predictors. From the following
table it is found that all variables so considered are statistically significant. Enter method was
used for the development of the model with dependent variable velocity (V) and independent
variables entered as X1( Notch Angle ) , X2 ( Canal Height ) , X3( Inlet width ) , X4(cone angle
).

Model Summary ANOVA table

R=0.951 F= 93.868
R2 = 0.904 Sig. = 0.000
Adjusted R2 = 0.894
Table 2:Different statistical parameters for the model

Model Unstandardized T Sig.

coefficients (B)
Constant 0.373 7.373 .000
X1 -0.001 -1.523 .136
X2 0.448 5.965 .000
X3 -1.313 -8.903 .000
X4 0.006 4.378 .000
Table 3 :Statistical values of variables considered.
 Figure 4 : Histogram, Distribution curve, Interpolation line (dependent variable: velocity)

Figure 5 :Normal P-P plot of regression standardized residual (dependent variable: velocity)
6. Optimization
Design optimization is the process of finding the best design parameters that satisfy project
requirements. Engineers typically use design of experiments (DOE), statistics,
and optimization techniques to evaluate trade-offs and determine the best design. Design
optimization often involves working in multiple design environments in order to evaluate the
effects that design parameters have across interrelated physical domains. (The MathWorks,
2014).

Thus for optimization we obtained our Objective function as

Velocity = 0.373 -0.001*Notch _Angle + 0.448*Canal_height - 1.313*Notch_inlet_width +

0.006*Cone_angle

Constrains are: 10<= Notch angle <=70

0.1 <= Canal Height <=0.4

0.1<=Notch inlet width <=0.3

5 <=Cone angle <= 23

Our objective is to maximize the velocity so that power output will also be proportionately
increased. These constraints were taken as per results of parametric study which was presented in
chapter four for conical basin. For the provided mathematical model with constraints we have
optimized the model by using Matlab and Excel.

6.1 Solving using MATLAB

Numerous optimization search algorithm have been developed so far. Gradient-based optimizers
from the MATLAB optimization toolbox are evaluated: fminimax, fmincon (The MathWorks,
2014). This routine is highly flexible and will select from a variety of optimization procedures
depending on problem characteristics and the settings of various algorithm options (Polyak,
2007). We have used MATLAB optimization toolbox as fmincon and the result were:

x = 10.0000 0.4000 0.1000 23.0000

fval = 0.5489
6.2 Solving using SOLVER add in using MS EXCEL
For a series of reasons it was decided to code also a program version in Microsoft EXCEL,
imbedded into a VISUAL BASIC frame program. One of the reasons was the enormous potential
of the program modulus EXCEL-SOLVER for this special purpose. SOLVER originally has
been coded as an EXCEL-add-in for the solution of mathematical optimization problems.
Arbitrary EXCEL cells can be chosen to define values for objective functions as well as target
values, or they can be reserved for sets of constraints/restrictions (Tips, 2014) . The results
obtained from Excel are:

x1 10
X2 0.4
X3 0.1
X4 23
Y 0.5489

For the optimization of thus developed mathematical model we have used EXCEL optimization
and MATLAB optimization. Although the optimum results showed that 2 of the variables reach
the lower bounds (limits) and the other 2 reach the upper bounds, fabrication and testing was
possible with these values.

6.3 Response Surface plots

The RSM is an optimization method, which performs a series of numerical analyses for a
given set of design points and generates a response surface of the given input parameter over
the design space. It can be used for the prediction of the interaction between many parameters
and for process optimization also. The RSM defines the effect of the independent variables,
alone or in combination, on the process. The RSM has been tested to be a powerful statistical
tool for the optimization of thermal and fluid flow processes in many cases. (Rout, Choudhury,
SoHo, & Sarangi, 2014).The response surface plots were generated using commercial software
Design Expert 7.0.
Figure 6 : Response surface of canal height vs. notch inlet width
Figure 7 :Response surface of cone angle vs. canal height

Figure 8 : Response surface of cone angle Vs. notch inlet width (basin opening)
7. Experimental Verification :

After optimization we proceed for the fabrication of the optimized basin. As per our requirement
the basin was designed and fabricated. The canal and basin setup was fabricated at magi
engineering workshop.

7.1 Assembly
Different parts such as canal , basin , shaft and runner were fabricated . All the parts were
brought at the CES lab and was assembled together by bolting and welding.

The optimum design so obtained through the use of SolidWorks, ANSYS Fluent, IBM SPSS,
Matlab, Excel, and Design Expert was then fabricated. Fabrication was done in two phase, first:
construction of canal, second: construction of conical basin.
Figure 9 : schematic of fabricated basin and canal

Figure 10 :Fabricated optimized conical basin

7.2 Experimental result:

Runner Torque Power Power input Efficiency Runner

Measurement output (n % ) position
W1 W2 Torque W Pout Head Flow Pin (from
(kg) (kg) (rpm) watt (h) rate top)
(Q)
Large 20 2 12.348 122 157.56 1.2 0.018 211.896 74.35 0.5
Radius
26 6 11.76 105 129.24 1.2 0.018 211.896 60.99 0.4
28 6 12.936 93 125.99 1.2 0.018 211.896 53.6 0.3
Table 4: Experimental reading for large runner in optimized setup

Therefore , from this Table 5 , we came to know that the efficiency of the basin so designed is
increased to 74.35 % from 36.84 % (Dhakal S. , et al., 2015 ( 48) ). Here , we have seen drastic
increase in efficiency as we nearly doubled the flow rate keeping head nearly constant .
Therefore, more researchers are to be carried our if the efficiency increases or remains constant
for a large flow with small head.

8. Discussion and conclusion:

Hence , mathematical modeling was done for four different design parameters and it was
statistically validated followed by design optimization using optimization tools. The
experimental result shows that the power production was increased with maximum efficiency of
74.35 % with large runner at the bottommost value that was possible. Therefore the simulation
result and experimental result was found to be matched. Moreover from the comparison of three
different basins: cylindrical basin, conical basin and optimized conical basin , it can be
concluded that optimized conical basin is better than the conical and cylindrical basin. Also, for
optimized conical basin, side walls are directly attached to the outlet without any bend which
seems effective than the conical basin in which side walls are attached to the outlet with
significant bend resulting in loss.
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Nepal . Kathmandu: The World Bank .

Bajracharya, T. R., Thapa, A. B., Pun, P., Dhakal, S., & Nakarmi, S. (2013). DEVELOPMENT AND
TESTING OF RUNNER AND CONICAL BASIN FOR GRAVITATIONAL WATER VORTEX
POWER PLANT. Kathmandu: Institute of Engineering, Central Campus, Pulchowk.

Casti, J. (1984). On the theory of models and modelling natural phenomenon .

Chen, Y., Wu, C., WANG, B., & Du, M. (2012). Three-dimensional Numerical Simulation of Vertical
Vortex at Hydraulic Intake. Sichuan: Elsevier.

Commision, E. (2008). Renewable Energy Fact Sheet . Ireland : European Commision .

Date, A., & Akbarzadeh, A. (2009). Design and cost analysis of low head simple reaction hydro.
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Dhakal , S., Timilsina , A. B., Dhakal, R., Fuyal, D., Bajracharya , T. R., Pandit , H. P., et al. (2015 ( 48)
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