site-specific optimization of archimedes screw hydropower generating systems

阿基米德螺杆发电机(ASG)是一种新兴的微水力发电技术。由于效率高、成本低和对环境的影响小，ASG开始在欧洲的低海拔地区得到广泛采用。支持性政策、公众对环境可持续发电的支持，以及许多低水头地点(仅安大略省就有数千个)的可获得性，将支持ASG在北美的重要市场的发展。该项目建立在PI和Bluestreak之间长达两年半的阿基米德螺杆发电机研究合作的基础上，最初由NSERC Engage提供支持，目前得到了将于2015年结束的CRD赠款的支持。这项工作提供了对效率作为填充水平的函数的见解，开发了预测阿基米德螺杆机械功率输出的模型，目前正在研究更多的阿基米德螺杆动力学。通过这项工作，我们确定了一系列新的互补性研究，以更好地了解和设计针对特定地点优化的阿基米德螺杆发电机安装。这项CRD提案要求提供资金，以支持对ASG安装的几个方面的研究，这些方面还没有得到很好的理解。将进行以下研究：预测潜在未测量ASG点的水流持续时间曲线(具有不确定性)，以及针对不同螺杆尺寸和随季节变化的流动点进行进出口优化。我们将研究螺杆内的非静态流动，并测量不同转速下流体和轴承阻力造成的能量损失并建立模型，以确定最佳转速。最后，我们将使用这些知识来确定操作阿基米德螺丝时的结构载荷，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、现场测量和数值模拟相结合。它将为灵活和客观的现场特定设计过程提供基础，该过程可以提供现场优化的ASG，并进一步了解ASG技术，潜在地将Bluestreak和加拿大定位为ASG技术的全球领先者。

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.