In hydropower, the potential energy as a function of head and discharge is converted to kinetic energy that moves the runner of a turbine. Now for the same head and discharge can we increase the velocity of water by any means to increase the Kinetic energy that moves the runner. Say by using a helical shaped penstock with teflon coating to increase the velocity of free falling/dropping water, coming out at the nozzle that hits the runner? My idea is for efficient conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy, like the rifling inside the barrel of a rifle is a efficient use of conversion of energy in comparison to guns with no rifling in the barrel.
Part of the potential energy consumed in overcoming frictional losses through the water conductor system (power channel or HRT and penstock etc.) can be reduced by better designs and employing material to decrease frictional forces. Is there any R&D work on these lines, particularly on the design of water conductor system and reduction of energy losses by employing new materials like teflon etc.
2007-02-20 17:41:41 · 2 answers · asked by mandira_nk 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Good idea and worthy of pursuit. I would comment that rifiling in guns is used only to impart a spin on the bullet so that it "flys" better and does not tumble. The amount of energy is not a consideration.
2007-02-20 20:43:04 · answer #1 · answered by ZORCH 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may be able to increase the velocity of the water, but the energy remains conserved. The initial energy is mgh and it will get converted to 1/2 mv^2 as it falls down. By using nozzles etc., you may be increaseing the speed, but the energy will remain the same as 'm' gets reduced there.
However as you said, during the conversion from PE to KE, there will be energy loss due to friction and by using Teflan, you may be able to reduce it. But how much would that loss be?. I doubt if it is more than 5%.
Water itself is a great leveller. After sometime, it will eventually make the conductor system smooth enough to reduce the friction anyway.
2007-02-20 17:53:31 · answer #2 · answered by sdbskrl 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋