Testing Simulation in the River of Archimedes Screw Turbine on the

Cilember River in Bogor Using SolidWorks Software

Andi Saidah

, Audrey Deacy, Rajes Khana

and Jili Edo Pratama

Faculty of Engineering and Informatics, Universitas 17 Agustus 1945, Jakarta, Indonesia

Keywords: PLTMH, Archimedes Screw Turbine, Software SolidWorks, Simulation.

Abstract: In searching for a turbine suitable for microhydro power generation, it must align with the characteristics of

the river flow, such as the river head, water discharge, and flow velocity. In this study, the Archimedes screw

turbine was chosen because of its ease of manufacturing, high efficiency, and ability to handle appropriate

loads. Its operating principle involves the flow of water from the bottom of the screw turbine, entering the

space between the screw blades (buckets), and then exiting from the top of the turbine. The rotation of this

turbine rotor powers the electric generator connected to the top of the screw turbine, producing electrical

energy. Therefore, the design of the screw turbine and static load simulation using SolidWorks 2022 software

are necessary. The research aims to determine the extent of strain and stress distribution on the screw blades

when subjected to static loads. The design is based on calculations from literature and utilizes data collected

from the Cilember River in Bogor using the float method. From this data, a flow rate of 0.460 L/s and a water

head of 0.36 m are obtained. The calculated results also indicate a blade diameter of approximately 0.1866 m,

a turbine shaft diameter of 0.1 m, a turbine length of 0.8086 m, a turbine pitch of 0.1863 m, with a total of 4

threads on the turbine. The estimated potential power generation is around 8624 kW. Through static load

simulation, it is found that the maximum stress value reaches 3.59 x 10

N/𝑚

, and the maximum strain is

about 7.88 x 10

−3

mm at the examined node point, involving a total of 38871 elements.

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Electric Power Sources

In general, electric energy is defined as the primary

energy required for an electrical device to drive other

devices to function properly. Available energy is

divided into two types: renewable energy and non-

renewable energy. Renewable energy can be defined

as potential energy sources derived from nature and

can be continuously utilized for the sustainability of

the future. Use and process extra energy to create new

energy. Currently, renewable energy sources are still

being developed and will continue to be developed to

achieve efficiency.

On the other hand, non-renewable energy is

energy that will be depleted once used, with sources

that cannot be renewed, such as fossil fuels.

Various research studies have been conducted to find

electrical energy sources other than fossil fuels as

https://orcid.org/0009-0002-3065-2862

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6062-6492

renewable energy sources. Some renewable turbine

power plants in Indonesia are Microhydro Power

Plants (PLTMH). This power plant creates small-

scale turbine generators that utilize the energy of flow

as a source of motion, such as river flow or

waterfalls, using the height of the waterfall, the

amount of water discharged, and water pressure. A

hydro turbine power generator is a device that

converts the flow energy into kinetic energy, and this

mechanical energy is then converted into electrical

energy using a generator. The type of turbine suitable

for PLTMH depends on the flow characteristics,

including head, available flow, and river speed. The

generator works by utilizing the waterfall height and

flow rate in the river and waterfall. The flow rate

drives the runner, causing mechanical energy that

makes the turbine and generator rotate. One type of

power generator that utilizes water flow is the

Archimedes screw turbine, which converts

mechanical energy from water into rotational

motion in the turbine.

Saidah, A., Deacy, A., Khana, R. and Pratama, J.

Testing Simulation in the River of Archimedes Screw Turbine on the Cilember River in Bogor Using SolidWorks Software.

DOI: 10.5220/0012583100003821

Paper published under CC license (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

In Proceedings of the 4th International Seminar and Call for Paper (ISCP UTA ’45 JAKARTA 2023), pages 399-405

ISBN: 978-989-758-691-0; ISSN: 2828-853X

399

This turbine has advantages over other turbine

variations, including high efficiency, ease of

maintenance, and minimal disruption to the river

ecosystem. Therefore, it is necessary to design an

Archimedes screw turbine and perform simulation

testing. The author intends to conduct research by

testing the Archimedes screw turbine with a turbine

inclination of 25º and a blade angle of 24º. The design

of this turbine is done using Solidworks software, and

simulation testing is performed to study the optimal

performance of the Archimedes screw turbine,

including the magnitude and distribution of stress and

strain in the turbine blades.

1.2 Electric Power Potential from

Water

The appropriate utilization of this electrical resource

can be an effective tool for advancing economic

growth in a country. Therefore, it is not surprising that

the demand for electrical energy has been increasing

worldwide in recent times. In this context, several

countries around the world are making efforts to

harness and manage economically viable renewable

energy resources, and one of these resources is the

processing of high-flow water resources. For

example, Hydroelectric Power Plants (PLTA) are

often a preferred option. PLTA offers the advantage of

being an economical, abundant, and environmentally

friendly source of electricity. In Indonesia, the wealth

of water resources holds significant potential for

energy generation. For instance, PLTA has been in

use since 1882 to power industrial machinery for tea

production. Several PLTA facilities, including the one

in the Cisalak area built in 1909, continued to operate

until 1910.

In addition to PLTA, there are also Micro Hydro

Power Plants (PLTMH) that successfully generate

medium-scale hydroelectric turbines by harnessing

the power of flowing water or water flow. PLTMH

operates by utilizing the difference in water elevation

(head) from the surface and the volume of water flow.

Although the energy generated by PLTMH is smaller

compared to large-scale PLTA, PLTMH has

advantages in terms of relatively simple equipment

and a smaller installation and operational area

requirement. The primary advantage of PLTMH is its

ability to provide access to electricity in remote and

rural areas. In various remote regions of Indonesia,

PLTMH serves as a significant alternative energy

source. While other energy sources are dwindling and

negatively impacting the environment,

water resources offer a promising solution because

they can be relied upon as a clean and affordable

source of electrical energy. PLTMH typically has a

capacity of less than 101 kW, making it suitable for

remote areas near river streams that allow small-scale

electricity generation. In the future, the utilization of

PLTMH potential in these remote areas can help meet

local energy needs, mitigate rising energy costs, and

address national electricity network challenges.

METHODS

2.1 Research Process Flow Chart

2.2 Location and Time of Research

Implementation

The research will be conducted at Cilember River

in Bogor, at coordinates -6.66121087443231,

106.94579520859499, in the Megamendung area in

April - May 2023.

2.3 Research Procedure

The research procedure will be used to determine the

distribution of strain and stress on the screw turbine

blades, as explained below:

•

Literature Review, through extensive literature

study, plays a crucial role in strengthening the

analysis of strain and stress in the Archimedes

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screw turbine. It serves as an application of

literature that enhances this research.

•

Consultation, involving discussions with the

supervising professor or other faculty

members to gain a better understanding of the

research and analysis of the screw turbine's

performance.

2.4 Testing Procedure

Testing is conducted to obtain data and visualize the

distribution of strain and stress on the turbine blades

using SolidWorks software.

2.5 Research Variables

The data used in the research is generated to calculate

the dimensions of the helical turbine and includes

control, dependent, and independent variables.

Independent Variables - These are the factors

that will be chosen to investigate their

influence. In this research, the independent

variables are: Turbine inclination angle of 25°,

Blade turbine inclination angle of 24º.

Dependent Variables - These are the outcomes

connected to other variables, also known as

responses. In this research, the dependent

variables are related to the issues under

discussion, which are strain and stress.

Control Variables - These are elements kept in a

stable or unchanged condition. Some

examples of control variables in this research

include: River flow rate of 0.46 (m3/s),

Waterfall drop height of 0.36 m.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This involves data from the simulation testing of the

Archimedes screw turbine blades using SolidWorks

software. The testing is conducted by applying static

loads to obtain the distribution and magnitude of

stress as well as the distribution and magnitude of

strain in the screw turbine.

3.1 Calculation of Helical Turbine

Dimensions

The data obtained through calculations using the

formula based on the concept of Chriss Rorres theory

enables researchers to easily understand the

dimensions of the helical blades and shaft in the

Archimedes screw turbine by applying the Chriss

Rorres equation theory. The calculation formula is as

follows:

1) Calculation of Shaft Length L = H/K

With:

L=Shaft Length (m), H=Head (m), K=Tan 𝜃

Table 1: Calculation of Shaft Length.

Result

Tan 24°

0.36

0.8086

Tan 24°

0.36

0.8086

Tan 24°

0.36

0.8086

Average

0.8086

From the table above, it can be seen that when seeking

the flow head with a 0.36 m height in the inclined

blade turbine variant, the average value is 0.8086 m

or 80.86 cm.

2) Determination of Inner and Outer Diameter

𝑅𝑖=𝜌.𝑅𝑜

With:

𝑅𝑖= Inner helical blade radius (m), 𝜌=

Optimal radius ratio (m), 𝑅𝑜= Outer helical

blade radius (cm).

Table 2: Calculation of Shaft Length.

Result

0.05

0.5358

Ro1

0.0933

0.05

0.5358

Ro2

0.0933

0.05

0.5358

Ro3

0.0933

Average

0.0933

(D) is equivalent to 10 cm, which is then converted to

0.10 m. Using the appropriate formula from the

Rorres table, which involves dividing the outer

diameter (Ro) by the optimal radian ratio, the average

result is 0.0933 m. Therefore, the outer diameter

becomes 0.1866 m.

3) Determining the Number of Helical Flights m

=L/A

With:

m=Total helical flights, L=Shaft distance

(m), A=Pitch Ratio (m).

Total Blade=N=1

Then, m=L/A=0.8086/0.1863=4.36

From the calculation results in determining the

threaded blade, the final step is to find the number of

blades, specifically 4.34 pieces.

Testing Simulation in the River of Archimedes Screw Turbine on the Cilember River in Bogor Using SolidWorks Software

401

3.2 Water Discharge Measurement

Float Method

Measuring water flow using a digital water flow

meter or buoy is also known as a way to measure the

speed and cross-sectional area of water flow, because

in this formula, what is calculated is data on flow

speed and cross-sectional area of water flow.

Q = A x V

With:

Q = Water Flow rate, in (m³/s).

A = Cross-sectional area of the water flow, (m²). V

= Water flow velocity, (m/s).

Data on water flow speed can be obtained through

measurement techniques involving the use of meters

and floats. In this approach, the speed of water flow is

measured by placing a buoy on the surface of the river,

then recording the time (t) and distance (d) traveled by

the buoy in meters and seconds. The water flow speed

is calculated using the formula:

v = c. (s/t) With:

v = Velocity (m)

s = Distance (m)

t = Time (s)

c = Correction factor, 0.75 or 0.95

Table 3: Measurement of cross-sectional area.

Point

Depth (m)

Width

Point (m)

Cross-sectional

area (m

)

0.36

0.66

0.24

0.53

0.68

0.36

0.21

0.69

0.14

Average

1.09

From the table, the cross-sectional area is 1.09 𝑚

and it

can be seen that point 2 has a large depth, width and

cross-sectional area of the Cilember waterfall, while

point 3 has a small depth, width and cross-sectional

area.

Table 4: River Velocity Measurement.

Measurement

point

Time (s)

Velocity

(m/s)

Average

Velocity

(m/s)

1.79

0.56

0.61

1.75

0.57

1.45

0.69

1.64

0.61

0.62

1.72

0.58

1.54

0.65

1.59

0.63

1.52

0.66

1.67

0.60

Average

0.62

From the calculations presented in the table above, the

average Cilember current speed is 0.62 m/s. In the

Cilember waterfall speed measurement table above, it

can be compared that the highest travel time occurs at

point 1 of the 1st measurement, while the highest

current speed occurs at point 1st measurement to 3rd.

Table 5: River Flow Rate Measurement.

Cross-sectional

area

)

Average flow

velocity (m/s)

River flow

rate (m

/s)

0.24

0.61

0.15

0.36

0.62

0.22

0.14

0.63

0.09

Average

0.46

From the calculation graph above, the average

Cilember river water discharge is 0.46 m3/s. In the

table above it can be compared that the highest

cross-sectional area is at point 2, the highest

average speed is at point 3, and the highest river

water discharge is at point 2. This indicates that

point 2 has the highest variables in carrying out

measurements and calculations on the Cilember

river, Bogor.

3.3 PLTMH Electrical Power Potential

The potential electrical power from a PLTMH

depends on the water flow, height and maximum

efficiency of the water turbine. Therefore, the

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following is the calculation of Turbine Power (Pt):

Pt=ρ x g x Q x Hn x η With:

ρ = 1000 kg/m^3 g = 9,8 m/s^2

Q = 0,46 m^3/s=460 li Η = 88%

Hn = 0.36 m

Pt = ρ x g x Q x Hn x η

Pt = 1000 x 9,8 x 0.36 x 88% = 8624 (W)

3.4 Design and Calculation Results

Based on the data that has been taken, after the data

has been processed for the purposes of modeling

the Archimedes screw turbine, the results can be

presented in the table below:

Table 6: Archimedes Screw Specifications.

Calculation

Result

Shaft Length

0.8086 m

Inner Diameter

0.10 m

Outer Diameter

0.1886 m

Number of Threads

4.34

Thread Pitch

0.1863 m

Electrical Power Potential

8624 W

From the following table, it can be seen that the screw

turbine design results produce a blade that uses one

blade, is capable of flowing a water flow of 460

liters/s, has a blade angle of 24°, and a turbine tilt of

25°. then create a 3D shape using SolidWorks

software, followed by static load testing to evaluate

its magnitude.

Figure 1: 2D Design of Archimedes Screw.

Figure 2: 3D Design of Archimedes Screw Turbine.

3.5 Test Simulation Steps

Parameters that lead to valuable constraints determine

the shape and geometry of the turbine. Specifically,

the test simulation stages using SolidWorks are:

1) The first step is to run the SolidWorks

application using the shortcut provided. Once

the application opens, then select the design

file to be analyzed which can be accessed via

the "File" menu or using the shortcut CTRL +

2) After opening the file, hover over the

"SOLIDWORKS Add-Ins" view and select

"SOLIDWORKS Simulation" until the

"Simulation" menu appears to the right of the

"SOLIDWORKS Add-Ins" view. The

simulation display in question is shown by a

cursor, as previously explained. This menu

will appear once the "SOLIDWORKS Add-

Ins" option is selected.

3) After the "Simulation" display opens, the

cursor is directed to the top left. Select the

"Study Advisor" display then 2 new menus

will appear below it, to start the simulation,

select the "New Study" menu.

4) After opening "New Study", then select the

type of material that will be used in the

simulation process. This step can be taken by

selecting the "Apply Material" view. In this

component, the material used is AISI 304,

select the right material for testing by

hovering the cursor over the desired material,

then select the "Apply" button.

5) There are several indicators that must be

Testing Simulation in the River of Archimedes Screw Turbine on the Cilember River in Bogor Using SolidWorks Software

403

used, the first is determining the geometric

position. Design analysis begins with

determining the geometry or footing when the

analysis is carried out. This footing functions

as a reference point for static loading where at

this point it is a fixed point or not affected by

force. You do this by selecting the "Fixtures

Advisor" view then selecting the "Fixed

Geometry" menu.

6) After selecting the "Fixed Geometry" view, a

menu will appear as seen below. Here, we can

select the point on the workpiece that will be

set as a geometry or reference point by

selecting the "External Load Advisor" option,

then selecting the type of load that will be

applied and analyzed using SolidWorks. This

loading is applied by selecting an area in the

workpiece design.

7) Before starting the simulation testing process,

it is necessary to determine the size of the

"Mesh" or elements to be used. The way to

adjust the size of the elements is to select the

"Run This Study" view, then a new submenu

will appear, particularly "Create Mesh". As

you go to the right, the element size will

become smaller, resulting in a more detailed

analysis even though the computational

process will take longer. After the mesh or

element size is determined, a display will

appear on the workpiece showing the shape of

the element and its size.

8) Once the mesh size has been determined, the

simulation object is ready to undergo design

analysis. The cursor is directed back to the

"Run This Study" display, then two new

submenus appear, select "Run This Study".

Automatically, the program will start the

computing process.

9) After the computing process is complete, the

analysis results will be displayed on the

display. There are three display options

available in this analysis process, stress,

displacement or deformation, and strain. To

produce the desired display, select one of the

three displays, then right click and set the

display via the "Chart Options" menu, then

order it to display the results by clicking the

"Show" menu.

3.6 Simulation Result

The static loading simulation that is carried out

applies input in the form of strength or load force. The

results of the simulation produce output in the form

of the magnitude and distribution of stress and strain

on the screw.

3.6.1 Stress Test Analysis on Blade Screw

Stress distribution functions to predict the extent to

which a material can withstand the load imposed by

that material. Materials are said to begin to experience

permanent deformation when the impact stress

reaches a known limit value, specifically yield

strength.

Figure 3: Stress Distribution.

In the 3D simulation with Solidworks 2022, the

maximum stress that occurs is obtained, the points

can be seen from the simulation results, there is a

color change from solid blue to green to yellow,

which indicates that the maximum stress occurs in

the Archimedes Screw Turbine runner as in Figure

4.23, which is 3.59 x 106 N/m2, with a yield

strength of 2.06 x 106 N/m2, shows that the AISI

304 Stainless Steel material is safe for use in the

blue area with 73379 nodes examined.

3.6.2 Strain Test Analysis on Blade Screw

Strain is the increase in the length of an object

relative to its initial length caused by an external

force affecting the object. Strain can also be

interpreted as a measure of dimensional changes

that occur due to stress. Strain is part of the change

in shape which describes the relative change of

particles in an object that does not have

conservation properties in its shape. In Figure

4.24, the strain distribution can be seen which

indicates that there are large strains, especially in

the screw area adjacent to the generator.

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Figure 4: Strain Distribution.

From the simulation above, it is found that there is a

maximum stretch at the water entry point area of the

screw above with a maximum deflection of 7.88x10-

3 mm at the 38871 node points of the elements

examined.

CONCLUSIONS

After trying a simulation of the test analysis and

design of an Archimedes screw turbine, it can be

concluded that:

Based on the measurement results, the cross-

sectional area of the Cilember River is

1.09 m2 and the measured discharge is Q=0.46

m^3/s

The electricity potential of the river is

P_t=8,624 kW.

Based on static simulation results, stress

analysis, the maximum stress that occurs on the

blade screw is 3.59 x 106 N/m2, with a yield

strength of 2.06 x 106 N/m2, and AISI 304

Stainless Steel is safe to use.

Based on the static simulation results, the

maximum deflection analysis that occurs in the

runner is 7.88x10-3 mm at the 38871 node

points of the elements examined.

This research can be further developed by

employing more advanced research methods. The

author suggests that in future studies, more

simulations should be conducted on different

materials to optimize the screw turbine material.

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