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水电技术。ASG由于其高效率、有竞争力的成本和低环境影响，开始在欧洲的低水头站点广泛采用。支持性政策、公众对环境可持续发电的支持，以及许多低水头发电站的可用性（仅安大略就有数千个），将支持开发一个重要的北美ASG市场。该项目建立在PI和Bluestreak之间关于阿基米德螺旋发电机的2.5年研究合作的基础上，最初由NSERC Engage支持，目前由2015年结束的CRD资助支持。这项工作提供了深入了解效率作为填充水平的函数，开发模型来预测阿基米德螺杆的机械功率输出，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的特定位置。该CRD提案要求提供资金，以支持对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站点预测水流持续时间曲线（具有不确定性），以及不同螺杆尺寸和季节性变流量站点的入口和出口优化。我们将研究螺杆内的非静态流动，并测量和模拟不同转速下由于流体和轴承阻力造成的能量损失，以确定最佳转速。最后，我们将使用这些知识来确定阿基米德螺钉内的结构载荷，包括与关键部件相关的疲劳和振动。该研究将包括理论研究、实验室实验、现场测量活动和数值模拟相结合。它将为灵活和客观的特定场地设计过程提供基础，该过程可以提供场地优化的ASG，并进一步了解ASG技术，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.