Division of Information Technology, Engineering and the Environment
School of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering
School of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering
Thesis Abstract
More than two billion people globally have no access to electricity (United Nations Development Program, 2002). Despite local and international effort over the years, this figure remains high especially in developing countries. For example, in the equatorial state of Sarawak Malaysia, many remote communities remain unconnected to the national grid wires because of economic reasons. Authorities resort to short term solutions by supplying small diesel generators and solar panels but unfortunately the operation and maintenance costs are beyond the ability of these remote people. However, an alternative energy source is rivers. This is promising because most remote villages in the jungle of Sarawak are situated near to rivers that flow all year round. Therefore this research will develop a practical and cost effective water current turbine system capable of producing electrical power from normal flows of rivers. The system will be designed to operate efficiently in debris laden rivers and will be adaptive to variations in flow rate and velocity. The power produces by the system will be used to operate basic electrical appliances and enable village industries. The outcome of this research seeks to improve socio-economic standards of remote communities.
