Design and Testing of a Cost-Effective Gravitational Vortex Turbine for Rural Power Supply in Bangladesh

Abstract

This thesis presents the design, testing, and performance optimization of a cost-effective Gravitational Vortex Turbine (GVT) to address the persistent energy deficit in rural Bangladesh. The system is designed for decentralized, off-grid power generation by harnessing the kinetic energy of flowing water at ultra-low heads, making it suitable for remote and hilly regions where conventional grid extension is impractical. The core objective was to develop a turbine that generates renewable electricity from small amounts of water flow by systematically varying design parameters to improve energy output and efficiency. The working principle involves channeling water tangentially into a conical basin to create a stable vortex. This vortex drives a turbine runner, converting its rotational energy into electricity via a generator and pulley system, with power available for immediate use or storage. The methodology was informed by a review of existing international patents and models, alongside relevant engineering guidelines. A structured workflow guided the process from problem definition and preliminary design to fabrication and experimental investigation. Key parameters optimized included the inlet channel width, notch length, and runner position within the conical basin. Experimental results identified optimal configurations that maximized power output, demonstrating the technology's potential. The study concludes that the GVT is a promising, eco-friendly solution for small-scale rural electrification, offering advantages in simplicity, minimal environmental impact, and operation at low heads. Primary limitations include a dependency on consistent water flow and a power generation capacity suited for micro-scale applications. Future work should focus on advanced blade and basin design optimization and the integration of smart monitoring systems to enhance performance and reliability. Keywords: Gravitational Vortex Turbine, Renewable Energy, Low-Head Hydropower, Rural Electrification, Bangladesh, Sustainable Design.