LAUSR

The 2 kW Gravitational Vortex Hydro Power Plant (GVHPP) system was designed, installed and evaluated. The plant consisted of a unique prefabricated circular intake basin and a closed tailrace conduit. The head and flow of the installed plant was 1.73 m and 0.093 m3/s, respectively. The average plant efficiency and generated power output were found to be 49.36% and 477.24 W, respectively. Though the result is well below the expected power output, it correlates well with studies for similar technology. The power was generated by the combined effect of the vortex generated by the circular basin as well as the pressure due to the restricted passage of flow by gravity in the closed tailrace. The report analysed the performance of the GVHPP system and suggested ways by which the output and efficiency can be maximised. The report suggests that cost-effective decentralised small-scale projects are more feasible in the rural communities rather than expensive and complex grid network that cannot be sustained.