Testing Simulation in the River of Archimedes Screw Turbine on the
Cilember River in Bogor Using SolidWorks Software
Andi Saidah
a
, Audrey Deacy, Rajes Khana
b
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
6
N/𝑚
2
, and the maximum strain is
about 7.88 x 10
3
mm at the examined node point, involving a total of 38871 elements.
1
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
a
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-3065-2862
b
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
Proceedings Copyright © 2024 by SCITEPRESS Science and Technology Publications, Lda.
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.
2
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
ISCP UTA ’45 JAKARTA 2023 - THE INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR AND CALL FOR PAPER (ISCP) UTA ’45 JAKARTA
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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.
a.
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.
b.
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.
c.
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.
3
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.
K
H
L
Result
Tan 24°
0.36
L1
0.8086
Tan 24°
0.36
L2
0.8086
Tan 24°
0.36
L3
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.
Ri
ρ
Ro
Result
0.05
0.5358
Ro1
0.0933
0.05
0.5358
Ro2
0.0933
0.05
0.5358
Ro3
0.0933
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, (). 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
2
)
1
0.36
0.66
0.24
2
0.53
0.68
0.36
3
0.21
0.69
0.14
Average
1.09
From the table, the cross-sectional area is 1.09 𝑚
2
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.
No
Measurement
point
Time (s)
Velocity
(m/s)
Average
Velocity
(m/s)
1
1
1.79
0.56
0.61
2
1.75
0.57
3
1.45
0.69
2
1
1.64
0.61
0.62
2
1.72
0.58
3
1.54
0.65
3
1
1.59
0.63
0.63
2
1.52
0.66
3
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.
No
Cross-sectional
area
(m
2
)
Average flow
velocity (m/s)
River flow
rate (m
3
/s)
1
0.24
0.61
0.15
2
0.36
0.62
0.22
3
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
ISCP UTA ’45 JAKARTA 2023 - THE INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR AND CALL FOR PAPER (ISCP) UTA ’45 JAKARTA
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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.
No
Calculation
Result
1
Shaft Length
0.8086 m
2
Inner Diameter
0.10 m
3
Outer Diameter
0.1886 m
4
Number of Threads
4.34
5
Thread Pitch
0.1863 m
6
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 +
O.
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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404
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.
4
CONCLUSIONS
After trying a simulation of the test analysis and
design of an Archimedes screw turbine, it can be
concluded that:
1)
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
2)
The electricity potential of the river is
P_t=8,624 kW.
3)
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.
4)
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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