Warry, Nicholas (2021) Design and Feasibility Study of Hydro Generators at Various Stages of Mains Water Supply. [USQ Project]
|
Text (Project)
WARRY Nick_dissertation_Redacted.pdf Download (11MB) | Preview |
Abstract
Climate change and a rapidly increasing population are two major factors of a growing global energy demand. Los Angeles County in California has a population of almost 10.5 million people and is expecting an increase of almost 1 million by 2040.
Even with the rapid growth rate of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, fossil fuels still contribute 80% of the energy for consumption in the United States of America.
Water has been utilized as a source of energy for thousands of years, from waterwheels used by the ancient Greeks to the Three Gorges Dam in modern China. Hydroelectric power generation is the largest contributor of renewable energy, supplying 17% of the global electricity demand. However, unlike solar and wind, hydropower usage has merely kept constant over the last two decades, not grown. This is due to several factors such limited water resources, environmental concerns, and a large initial outlay of cost.
The aim of this project is to research and conduct a feasibility and efficiency study on hydroelectric power generation from an unutilized existing renewable energy resource, the water supply network in Los Angeles, California, where the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has over 7 thousand miles of pipe providing 146 billion gallons of water a year. Using hydro generation from an untapped existing resource will help minimise the impacts on social, ethical, and environmental factors. Computational fluid dynamic simulations and small-scale models will be used for various turbine designs within the water supply network, and results analysed to conclude if this is a viable energy resource.
|
Statistics for this ePrint Item |
| Item Type: | USQ Project |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (1 Jul 2013 - 31 Dec 2021) |
| Supervisors: | Ahfock, Tony |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Power) |
| Date Deposited: | 03 Jan 2023 05:19 |
| Last Modified: | 26 Jun 2023 03:05 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | fluid dynamics, simulations, water, hydroelectricity, renewable energy, water supply network |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/51850 |
Actions (login required)
 |
Archive Repository Staff Only |
