Micro-Hydropower Generation Using an Archimedes Screw: Parametric Performance Analysis with CFD

Micro-hydropower technologies are increasingly attracting attention due to their potential to contribute to sustainable energy generation. With the growing global demand for electricity, it is essential to research and innovate in the development of devices capable of harnessing hydroelectric potential through such technologies. In this context, the Archimedes screw generator (ASG) stands out as a device that potentially offers significant advantages for micro-hydropower generation. This study aimed, through a simplified yet effective method, to analyze and determine the simultaneous effects of the number of blades, inclination angle, and flow rate on the torque, mechanical power, and efficiency of an ASG. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was employed to obtain the torque and perform the hydrodynamic analysis of the devices, in order to compare the results of the optimal geometric and operational characteristics with previous studies. This proposal also helps guide future work in the preliminary design and evaluation of ASGs, considering the geometric and flow conditions that take full advantage of the available water resources. Under the specific conditions analyzed, the most efficient generator featured three blades, a 20° inclination, and an inlet flow rate of 24.5 L/s, achieving a mechanical power output of 117 W with an efficiency of 71%.