site-specific optimization of archimedes screw hydropower generating systems

阿基米德螺旋发电机是一种新兴的微型水力发电技术。由于高效、具有竞争力的成本和低环境影响，ASGs在欧洲的低水头站点开始广泛采用。支持性政策、公众对环境可持续发电的支持，以及许多低水头站点的可用性（仅安大略省就有数千个），将支持ASGs在北美重要市场的发展。该项目建立在PI和Bluestreak在阿基米德螺旋发电机上长达2.5年的研究合作基础上，最初由NSERC Engage支持，目前由CRD资助，该资助将于2015年结束。这项工作提供了效率作为填充水平函数的见解，开发了预测阿基米德螺杆机械功率输出的模型，目前正在研究其他阿基米德螺杆动力学。通过这项工作，我们已经确定了一系列新的，互补的研究，需要更好地理解和设计阿基米德螺旋发电机安装优化特定的位置。该CRD提案要求资助对ASG装置的几个方面的研究，这些方面尚未得到很好的理解。研究将在潜在的未测量的ASG站点预测流量持续时间曲线（不确定性），以及不同螺杆尺寸和季节性可变流量站点的进出口优化。我们将研究螺杆内部的非静态流动，并测量和模拟不同转速下流体和轴承阻力造成的能量损失，以确定最佳转速。最后，我们将利用这些知识来确定操作阿基米德螺钉的结构载荷，包括与关键部件相关的疲劳和振动。这项研究将包括理论研究、实验室实验、实地测量活动和数值模拟的结合。它将为灵活和客观的站点特定设计过程提供基础，可以提供站点优化的ASG，并进一步了解ASG技术，有可能使Bluestreak和加拿大成为ASG技术的全球领导者。

Archimedes screw generators (ASGs) for power generation are an emerging microhydro technology. ASGs are beginning to be widely adopted at low head sites in Europe, due to high efficiency, competitive costs and low environmental impact. Supportive policy, public support for environmentally sustainable power generation, and the availability of many low-head sites (thousands in Ontario alone) will support development of a significant North American market for ASGs. This project builds on 2.5 years of research collaboration between the PI and Bluestreak on Archimedes screw generators, initially supported by NSERC Engage, and currently supported by a CRD grant that ends in 2015. This work has provided insights into efficiency as a function of fill level, developed models to predict mechanical power output of an Archimedes screw, and is currently investigating additional Archimedes screw dynamics. Through this work, we have identified a range of new, complementary research needed to better understand and design Archimedes screw generator installations optimized for specific locations. This CRD proposal requests funding to support research on several aspects of ASG installations that are not well understood. Research will be conducted on predicting stream flow durations curves (with uncertainty) at potential ungauged ASG sites, and inlet and outlet optimization for different screw sizes and seasonally-variable flow sites. We will investigate the non-static flow within the screw, and measure and model energy losses due to fluid and bearing drag at different rotational speeds, to determine optimum rotation speeds. Finally, we will use this knowledge to determine structural loads within operating Archimedes screws, including fatigue and vibration associated with key components. This research will include a combination of theoretical investigation, laboratory experiments, field measurement campaigns and numerical simulation. It will provide the basis for a flexible and objective site-specific design process that can provide site-optimized ASGs and furthering understanding of ASG technology, potentially positioning Bluestreak and Canada as a global leader in ASG technology.