Call for Paper - Upcoming Issues

Performance Optimization of an Archimedean Screw Turbine a Hydropower Generator for Sustainable Energy Generation

International Journal of Mechanical Engineering
© 2025 by SSRG - IJME Journal
Volume 12 Issue 10
Year of Publication : 2025
Authors : Jennery Brian Sobel, Joven Buhia, CristyMae Tino, John Marrie Lambot, Alberto E. Lastimado Jr
10.14445/23488360/IJME-V12I10P107
pdf
How to Cite?

Jennery Brian Sobel, Joven Buhia, CristyMae Tino, John Marrie Lambot, Alberto E. Lastimado Jr, "Performance Optimization of an Archimedean Screw Turbine a Hydropower Generator for Sustainable Energy Generation," SSRG International Journal of Mechanical Engineering, vol. 12,  no. 10, pp. 79-99, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488360/IJME-V12I10P107

Abstract:

This study presents details on how researchers developed a low-cost, portable hydro generator that utilizes an Archimedean screw design and addresses the problem of sustainable energy sources in remote locations. In the work design, variables were subject to optimization. Efficiency overall saw improvement, too. Laboratory testing was used to develop a prototype. Blade width plus inclination angle were design variables for testing using Response Surface Methodology, a Central Composite Design. Discharge, input power, output power, and efficiency were the performance response measurements taken. Performance was indeed strongly related to both design variables through linear, quadratic, and interaction relationships according to ANOVA. RSM standardized the optimum to a blade width of 34.9 mm along with an angle of inclination of 20.5°, which led to an efficiency of 72.6% with relatively low input power (3.18 W) and near maximum output power (2.39 W). The model provided an adequate fit because lack-of-fit tests did indicate no meaningful lack of fit, and the R² values were high. These results suggest portable Archimedean screw turbines could develop micro-hydropower affordably for decentralized and off-grid energy needs.

Keywords:

Archimedean Screw Turbine, Efficiency optimization, Portable hydro generator, Response Surface Methodology, Sustainable energy.

References:

[1] Hanane Allioui, and Youssef Mourdi, “Exploring the Full Potentials of IoT for Better Financial Growth and Stability: A Comprehensive Survey,” Sensors, vol. 23, no. 19, pp. 1-68, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[2] Benjamin K. Sovacool et al., “Equity, Technological Innovation and Sustainable Behaviour in a Low-Carbon Future,” Nature Human Behaviour, vol. 6, pp. 326-337, 2022.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[3] Meita Rumbayan, and Rilya Rumbayan, “Feasibility Study of a Micro Hydro Power Plant for Rural Electrification in Lalumpe Village, North Sulawesi, Indonesia,” Sustainability, vol. 15, no. 19, pp. 1-13, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[4] Nouman Khan et al., “Development of a Sustainable Portable Archimedes Screw Turbine for Hydropower Generation,” Scientific Reports, vol. 15, pp. 1-17, 2025.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[5] Arash YoosefDoost, and William David Lubitz, “Archimedes Screw Turbines: A Sustainable Development Solution for Green and Renewable Energy Generation—A Review of Potential and Design Procedures,” Sustainability, vol. 12, no. 18, pp. 1-34, 2020.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[6] Wim Jonker Klunne, “Barriers to the Uptake of Small Hydropower for Rural Electrification in Africa,” Proceedings of the 30th ISES Biennial Solar World Congress 2011, Kassel, Germany, pp. 1-9, 2011.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[7] A.A. Lahimer et al., “Research and Development Aspects of Pico-Hydro Power,” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 16, no. 8, pp. 5861-5878, 2012.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[8] Guilhem Dellinger et al., “Effect of Slope and Number of Blades on Archimedes Screw Generator Power Output,” Renewable Energy, vol. 136, pp. 896-908, 2019.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[9] Dianne Mae M. Asiñero, Antonio-Abdu Sami M. Magomnang, and Joel L. Asiñero, “Design and Performance Evaluation of a Double-Bladed Archimedean Screw Turbine for Low-Head Hydropower Generation,” Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences, vol. 25, no. 4, pp. 1-11, 2024.
[Publisher Link]
[10] Emmanuel Ighodalo Okhueleigbe, and Ofualagba Godswill, “Mini-Hydro Turbine: Solution to Power Challenges in an Emerging Society with Abundance of Water,” American Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 7-12, 2017.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[11] Man Djun Lee, and Pui San Lee, “Modelling the Energy Extraction from Low-Velocity Stream Water by Small Scale Archimedes Screw Turbine,” Journal of King Saud University - Engineering Sciences, vol. 35, no. 5, pp. 319-326, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[12] Zeshan Abbas et al., “Numerical and Experimental Investigation of an Archimedes Screw Turbine for Open Channel Water Flow Application,” Energy Science & Engineering, vol. 12, no. 4, pp. 1317-1336, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[13] Maël Bouvant et al., “Design Optimization of an Archimedes Screw Turbine for Hydrokinetic Applications using the Response Surface Methodology,” Renewable Energy, vol. 172, pp. 941-954, 2021.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[14] W.O. Adedeji et al., “Utilization of the Pico-Scale Turgo Turbine for Rural Electrification: A Review,” UI Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 1-11, 2024.
[Google Scholar]
[15] Erinofiardi Erinofiardi et al., “Sustainable Power Generation Using Archimedean Screw Turbine: Influence of Blade Number on Flow and Performance,” Sustainability, vol. 14, no. 23, pp. 1-25, 2022.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[16] Emanuele Quaranta, and Peter Davies, “Emerging and Innovative Materials for Hydropower Engineering Applications: Turbines, Bearings, Sealing, Dams and Waterways, and Ocean Power,” Engineering, vol. 8, pp. 148-158, 2022.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[17] Isidro Antonio V. Marfori, Alvin B. Culaba, and Aristotle T. Ubando, “Empowering Rural Electrification in the Philippines: A Case Study,” Journal of the British Academy, vol. 11, no. s7, pp. 33-51, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[18] Clare Richardson-Barlow et al., Facilitating a Just, Fair, and Affordable Energy Transition in the Asia-Pacific, The British Academy, pp. 1-31, 2022.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[19] Sari Murni et al., “The Role of Micro Hydro Power Systems in Remote Rural Electrification: A Case Study in the Bawan Valley, Borneo,” Procedia Engineering, vol. 49, pp. 189-196, 2012.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[20] Dowon Han et al., “Design, Fabrication, and Performance Test of a 100-W Helical-Blade Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine at Low Tip-Speed Ratio,” Energies, vol. 11, no. 6, pp. 1-17, 2018.
CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[21] Arash Moradzadeh et al., “Optimal Sizing and Operation of a Hybrid Energy Systems via Response Surface Methodology (RSM),” Scientific Reports, vol. 14, pp. 1-14, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[22] Vipin Uniyal, Ashish Karn, and Varun Pratap Singh, “Parametric Optimization of Archimedes Screw Turbine by Response Surface Methodology and Artificial Neural Networks,” Journal of Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development (RESD), vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 306-318, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[23] Scott Simmons, Guilhem Dellinger, and William David Lubitz, “Effects of Parameter Scaling on Archimedes Screw Generator Performance,” Energies, vol. 16, no. 21, pp. 1-22, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[24] Neeraj Kumar Thakur et al., “Efficiency Enhancement in Archimedes Screw Turbine by Varying Different Input Parameters – An Experimental Study,” Materials Today: Proceedings, vol. 52, pp. 1161-1167, 2022.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link
[25] RD. Kusumanto, M. Noviansyah Nugraha, and Indrayani, “Archimedes Screw Turbine Application on Portable Mini Hydropower Plant,” Polymachine Journal, vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 88-92, 2023.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[26] Steven Folkman, “Validation of the Long Life of PVC Pipes,” Proceedings of the 17th Plastic Pipes Conference (PPXVII), Chicago, Illinois, USA, pp. 1-9, 2014.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[27] K.G. Alahapperuma, and A.M.P.B. Samarasekara, “Degradation of Unplasticised Poly Vinyl Chloride based Engineering Products upon Exposure to Ultra Violet Radiation,” Tropical Agricultural Research, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 117-123, 2019.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[28] John Houle, “UV Exposure/Sun Fading Has No Practical Effects On PVC Pipe Performance,” PVC Pipe Association, 2024.
[Publisher Link]
[29] Houcine Jemii et al., “Mechanical, Thermal and Physico-Chemical Behavior of Virgin and Hydrothermally Aged Polymeric Pipes,” Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials, vol. 35, no. 12, pp. 2310-2330, 2020.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]