Bhumi Kumar
Research Mentor(s): Binh Truong
Mentor Department: Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
Authors: Bhumi Kumar, Manasa Gollapalli, Binh Truong, Lei Zuo
Session: Session 2 (10:00am – 10:50am)
Presentation Type: Poster 78
Abstract
Hydropower is a promising renewable energy source, however, its application in the United States, especially in Michigan, is limited, because of flatter terrains. Hydropower optimization usually focuses on large-scale, high-head systems, not smaller pump-storage solutions. To provide a solution for places with less elevation difference, our research explores how we can optimize low-head Francis turbines within pump-storage systems enhancing their cost efficiency and feasibility. We focus on four main areas: site selection, cost reduction, community engagement, and system performance. Site selection identifies a feasible location in Michigan for a pump storage hydropower plant with a lower head than typical sites due to flatter terrain. Cost reduction is achieved by selecting affordable materials to reduce overall expenses. Community engagement involves educating local populations about hydropower’s potential and importance. Lastly, performance optimization focuses on adjusting turbine design, mechanically and electrically, maximizing the site’s power output. On the design side, we plan to develop a small-scale prototype to demonstrate a low-head pump-storage plant and explore solutions to optimize the generated power. Electrically, we are designing an electronic interface circuit to demonstrate power generation. Our approach includes a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm with an active full-wave rectifier. This will allow us to control the power flow direction and maximize output power. We plan to investigate our proposed technique’s performance through numerical simulations and experiments. We aim to study the advantages of our pumped-storage system and show that significant power can be generated despite a lower-than-usual head. These efforts will increase the possibility of hydropower locations while offering long-term environmental and economic benefits, making renewable energy development in low-head areas possible.
