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Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

Sixteen percent of total renewable electricity worldwide comes from

hydroelectricity. Hydroelectricity is a term used in referring electricity

generated from hydropower that exist in form of falling or flowing water in

rivers and waterfalls. This hydropower is due to the gravitational force acting

from these bodies of water, a type of natural occurring mechanical energy.

This is the sole reason why many large bodies of these waters in motion are

occupied with hydroelectric generating power plants. But other than rivers and

waterfalls, there is one other source of water in motion that is present in over

a large fraction of the Earth’s terrain – rainfall.

The Philippines is known for its tropical climate and weather. Here in

the Philippines we experience two variations in seasons: the dry and wet

seasons. The dry season starts in the month of February and the heat

intensifies as the month of March, the fire month, starts to draw nearby and

lasts until the end of the month of May; during this season, small amount of

rainfall is experienced throughout the country. The wet season starts in the

entering of the month of June. At this season, farmers replenish their paddies

with new rice to plant; regular rainfall occurs and typhoons are sighted in the

borders of the Philippines. Flooding and a visible rise in the bodies of water

are also expected because of the regular rainfall all throughout the season.

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While observing the dense flow of water in the rain gutter during a common

heavy rain, the researchers have arrived to a study that will harness the

hydropower from the falling rain into hydroelectricity.

The study aims to propose a simple generator, much yet a prototype,

to convert the natural occurring mechanical energy from rainfall that is

concentrated down to the rain gutter into storage. The storage elevated from

the ground has a valve to open or close the water tube running down to the

device that will generate electricity when water is released making the water

wheel turn. The device is named as the Rain Gutter Hydroelectric Generator.

Background of the study

Electricity can be generated from hydropower as said earlier. With the

aid of a dynamo and an external source of mechanical energy, from the

gravitational force acting from waters in motion, electricity generation is

possible.

The electric generator has three essential parts: (1) the turbine, (2) the

rotating part of the dynamo (rotor) and (3) the stationary part of the dynamo

(stator). The turbine is a rotary, mechanical device that extracts from energy

from fluid flow with its blades (just like a fan), a waterwheel for water and

windmill for air. The turbine turns when air or water passes through its blades,

it is connected in one end of a shaft with the rotor on the other end. The rotor

rotates as the turbine turns. Rotations are made clockwise or counter

clockwise depending on internal mechanism of the generator. As of the stator,

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it serves as the armature that interact the magnetic flux from the spinning

rotor to create current that will flow into a power line where it is to be stored.

From the online article of World Watch institute, constructions of

hydropower plants using the above principle to generate hydroelectricity have

been present into at least 150 countries worldwide. But disadvantages start to

sprung in the construction of these powerplants. Large bodies of land were

submerges in construction of these power plants to create dams. Submerged

organic materials such as plants and trees undergo anaerobic decomposition

that releases great amount of methane unbalancing the greenhouse cycle.

And last, the need to relocate all people living on the planned reservoir.

This study focuses on the construction of a simple hydroelectric

generator that would harness the less noticed mechanical energy from falling

rain that flows in massive volumes on rain leaders or rain gutters. If the

requisites and laws governing hydroelectric generation are followed, the

construction of the device would bypass the common disadvantages of

hydroelectric generation as said earlier.

Theoretical framework

In 1831, using his "induction ring", Michael Faraday made one of his

greatest discoveries - electromagnetic induction: the "induction" or generation

of electricity in a wire by means of the electromagnetic effect of a current in

another wire. The induction ring was the first electric transformer. In a second

series of experiments in September he discovered magneto-electric induction:

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the production of a steady electric current. To do this, he attached two wires

through a sliding contact to a copper disc. By rotating the disc between the

poles of a horseshoe magnet he obtained a continuous direct current. This

was the first generator. From his experiments came devices that led to the

modern electric motor, generator and transformer.

A dynamo is a simple type of DC motor commonly used in small

electric devices that produce mechanical motion. By understanding Newton’s

third law of motion, a DC motor such as a dynamo can be reversed to be a

generator producing electric currents in DC output.

Newton’s third law of motion can be applied in the armature reaction.

The combination of the two fields in a motor deflects the total field into or

opposite to the direction of the rotation because the conductor is repelled out

of the field. The direction of the armature in the generator forces the

deflection of the total field in the same direction. The polarity of the inter-pole

is opposite to that of the main pole preceding it in the direction of rotation in a

generator. These polarities are for the control of armature reaction and to

cancel the flux in the coil being commutated in both machines.

To maximize the number of rotation for higher voltage production, the

DC motor is in a pulley connection with a larger wheel as the drive and as a

turbine installed with veins. The drive turns when water pushes the blade

downwards. The DC motor follows the same rotation as the. The higher the

difference in ratio between the diameters of the sprocket and rive would result

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to faster rotation of the smaller wheel. Thus, faster rotation means higher

voltage production.

During the conversion process it is inevitable that the total energy

would not all be converted. Some are expected to lose in the process. With

the given voltage reading from the generator, we can compute for the total

work done and power rating of the device and compare it to the initial

potential energy of the water.

Conceptual framework

The prepared paradigm about rain gutter hydroelectric generator is as

shown below.

IV DV

Frame 1 Frame 2

Figure 1. Research Paradigm of the study

Frame 1 shows the independent variables of the study. These

variables are the customized materials that would serve as the parts of the

prototype generator and the sample water storage. On the other hand, Frame

2 shows the dependent variable that is the level of efficiency of the prototype

rain gutter hydroelectric generator in terms of height.

Prototype Rain Gutter Hydroelectric Generatior

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Statement of the Problem

The purpose of this study is to measure the voltage produced by the

rain gutter hydroelectric generator.

It seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What are the steps and procedures in constructing the prototype

rain gutter hydroelectric generator?

2. What is the power rating of the prototype rain gutter hydroelectric

generator in terms of different heights?

1 meter

2 meters

3 meters

3. Is there a significant difference in the power rating produced by the

prototype rain gutter hydro electric generator in different heights?

Hypothesis

There is no significant difference in the power rating produced by the

prototype rain gutter hydroelectric generator in different heights.

Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it is beneficial to the following

subjects.

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Teachers

The device could be used as a teaching material to show the simple

generation of electricity by means of hydropower.

Society

The study could be the answer to the mentioned disadvantages of

hydroelectricity power plants. The device would not occupy too much space

and does not need a reservoir but instead use the flowing water in their rain

gutters as source of hydropower. There would be no anaerobic

decomposition present because there is no need to sink plants and trees to

form dams and cause large methane production. And there is no need to

relocate residents because they can have the generator installed in their

houses.

Households

The study will benefit most the places that regular rainfall occurs.

Families with the rain gutter hydroelectric generator installed in their houses

could store the electricity generated to light small electric bulbs or even

charge 1.5V batteries if they have necessary materials and equipments.

Future Researchers

The study could be used as a stepping stone for future researches

regarding hydroelectricity generation. Innovations and modifications of the

device are also at hand.

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Scopes and Limitations

The focus of the study and its main concern was to measure the

intensity of voltage produced by an improvised hydroelectric generator that

drives electric currents in streams forms continuous flow of electricity and the

derivation of the total power rating from the given voltage of the device. It was

not a requisite of the study to use the electricity to power up any type of

electrical device other than an LED. The parts of the device are customized

using the most available materials.

Definition of Terms

Angular Bars. Welded iron bars that would serve as the mount or the

holder of the water wheel.

Belt. Part of the device that connects the water wheel and the dynamo

to form a pulley connection. When the water wheel turns, the belt turns the

dynamo. It is improvised from the rubber strip used in aluminum doors and

window panes.

DC motor. Convert the gravitational potential energy of the water on

the rain gutter into electrical energy. It is a 12vv dynamo.

LED or Light Emitting Diode. Used as an indicator of a closed

connection. The LED blinks when electricity is generated from the dynamo.

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Hydroelectricity. The primary product of the device using the

conversion of the rainwater’s gravitational potential energy into mechanical

energy that will turn the turbine to produce electrical.

PVC Pipe. Regular plumbing and water connection pipe with a 3 cm

diameter. The water from the storage passes through this from the storage to

the water wheel.

Storage. A simple water jug that serves much as a reservoir in large

dams. The storage is accountable for storing rain water to be used for

electricity generation.

Waterwheel. A customized wheel that would serve as the drive that

turns the DC motor’s sprocket. It is installed with veins to be driven by water

from the storage.

Wooden Board. Improvised from a regular washing board. All parts

excluding the storage would be installed in this board.

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Chapter 2

REVIEW ON RELATED LITERATURES AND STUDIES

The researchers have reviewed the related literature and studies for

the following purposes to support facts an opinion and for useful basis proving

the truth.

Related Literature

Hydroelectric Generator

Hydroelectricity is the term referring to electricity generated by

hydropower; the production of electrical power through the use of the

gravitational force of falling or flowing water. Most hydroelectric power comes

from the potential energy of dammed water driving a water turbine and

generator. The power extracted from the water depends on the volume and

on the difference in height between the source and the water's outflow. This

height difference is called the head. The amount of potential energy in water

is proportional to the head. A large pipe (the “penstock”) delivers the water to

the turbine.

Generator is essentially an axle with many loops that rotates in a

magnetic field. The axle is turned by some form of mechanical energy, such

as a water turbine or a steam turbine, which uses steam generated from fossil

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fuels or nuclear energy. As the coil rotates in a magnetic field, a current is

induced in the coil, (McGraw-Hill "Physical Science 9th edition").

A generator is a machine that converts mechanical energy into

electrical energy by means of electromagnetic induction. DC generators

operate on the principle that when a coil of wire is rotated in magnetic field, a

voltage is induced in the coil. The amount of voltage induced in the coil is

determined by the rate at which the coil is rotated in the magnetic field. When

the coil is rotated in the magnetic field at a constant rate, the voltage induced

in the coil depends on the number of magnetic lines of force in the magnetic

field of each given instant of time. A DC generator consists of filed windings,

an armature a commutator and brushes.

The theory of operation (production of output voltage) for a DC

generator is based upon Faraday’s law, which states that when a magnetic

field across a coil of wire changes, the resulting induced voltage is

proportional to the number of turns in thee coil multiplied by the rate of

change of the field. The rate of change in a generator may vary from several

thousand rotations per minute to several rotations per minute.

A DC generator has a stationary field frame that holds the poles on

which the field windings are wound. The frame can also support the poles that

are used to control armature reaction, commonly referred to as interpoles.

The armatures are the rotating part, consisting of a main shaft, or laminated

core with slots for the armature windings and a commutator. The two ends

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bells bold the bearing housings for the armature and the shaft; at one end bell

has the brush holder mounted in it. The brush holders contain the brushes

and keep them aligned on the commutator. This brush assembly is better

known as the brush ringing. There must be at least two brush holders,

depending on the type of armature. DC generators are identified by the type

of windings in the field frame, series, shunt or compound.

Hydroelectric generator is a low-speed generator driven by water

turbines. Hydro generators may have a horizontal or vertical shaft. The

horizontal units are usually small with speeds of 300-1200 revolutions per

minute (rpm). The vertical units are usually larger and more easily adapted to

small hydraulic heads. The rotor diameter range from 2 to 62 feet (0.6 to 19m)

and has a capacity from 50 to 900000 kVA. The generators are rated in kVA

(kilovolts times amperes). The kilowatt output is the product of kVA and power

factors. The normal power factor rating of small synchronous generators is

between 0.8 and 1.0 with 0.9 being common. For large generators a rating of

0.9 to 0.95 is common with the machines able to operate up to 1.0 when the

load requires. The generator may also supply reactive power. (McGrawHill

Encyclopedia of Science and Technology 10th edition, 2007).

PowerVoltage can be generated at a power plant, produced in an

electrochemical reaction, or caused by light rays striking a semiconductor

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chip. It can be produced when an object is moved in a magnetic field, or is

placed in a fluctuating magnetic field.

In a dry cell, the voltage is usually between 1.2 and 1.7V,in a car

battery, it is 12 to 14V. In household utility wiring, it is a low frequency

alternating current of about 117V for electric lights and most appliances, and

234V for a washing machine, dryer, oven, or stove. In television sets,

transformer converts 117V to around 450V for the operation of the picture

tube. In some broadcast transmitter, the voltage can be several kilovolts.

Voltage represents the driving force that impels charge carriers to

move. If all other factors are held constant, high voltages produce a faster

flow of charge carriers, and therefore larger currents, than low voltage,

(McGraw-Hill “Teach Yourself: Electricity and Electronics 4th Edition).

A motor is a machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical

energy by means of electromagnetic induction. Motors operate on the

principle that when a current carrying conductor is placed in a magnetic field,

a force that tends to move the conductor out of the field is exerted on the

conductor. The conductors tend to move at right angles with respect to the

field (Radas and Mazur 2005).

Anything that produces or imparts motion to a machine that provides

mechanical power- for example: an electric motor, machines that burns fuels

(petrol, diesel) are usually called engines. But the internal combustion

engines that propel vehicles have long been called a motor, hence motoring

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and motorcar. Actually the motor is a part of car’s engine. An electric motor

uses energy to produce mechanical energy, nearly always by the interactions

of magnetic fields and current carrying conductors. The reversed process of

using mechanical energy to produce electrical energy is accomplished by a

generator or dynamo. Traction motors, used on vehicles often perform both

tasks.

Electric motors are found in a myriad of uses such as industrial fans,

blowers and pumps, machine tools, household appliances, power tools and

computer disk drives, among many applications. Electric motors maybe

operated by direct current from a battery, in portable device or motor vehicle,

or from alternating current to a central electrical distribution grid. The smallest

motor maybe found in electric wrist watches. Medium size motors of highly

standardized dimensions and characteristics provide convenient mechanical

power for industrial uses. The very largest electric motors are used for

propulsion of large ships and for such purposes as pipe line compressors with

ratings in the thousands of kilowatts. Electric motors can e classified by the

source of electric power and by internal construction and application.

DC motor is an electric motor that runs on direct current (DC)

electricity. DC motors were used to run machinery, often eliminating the need

for a local steam engine or internal combustion engine. DC motors can

operate directly from rechargeable batteries, providing the motive power for

the first electric vehicles. Today DC motors are still found in applications as

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small as toys and disk drives, or in large sizes to operate steel rolling mills

and paper machines. Modern DC motors are nearly always operated in

conjunction with power electronic devices.

The DC motor principle is the same principle used in every motor. That

is, a current flows through a conductor and the conductor is placed in

magnetic field, the two fields react to move the conductor.

Actually, the conductors in the field are rotor conductors. The electron

flow to the rotor is provided by a commutator and brush sliding in contact. The

brushes are connected to the power source and make connection to the

proper rotor coil do that there is always the same direction of current flow

under the same magnetic field. The concept of commutation is the same as

for DC generators in that the rotor conductor is connected to the same

polarity voltage as it rotates under specific poles.

It has been said that any DC motor can be used a generator. This is true, but

only if the rule is followed. When the machine is run as a motor, observe the

rotation and reverse it, its reverse when the motor is run as a generator. If this

rule is followed, the interpole can regulate the reaction at the generator the

armature reaction is the generator will shift the neutral place in the direction of

rotation, where the motor will shift pace against the direction of the rotation.

Newton’s third law of motion (action- reaction) is true of armature

reaction. The combination of the two fields in a motor deflects the total field

into or opposite to the direction of the rotation because the conductor is

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repelled out of the field. The direction of the armature in the generator forces

the deflection of the total field in the same direction. The polarity of the

interpole is opposite to that of the main pile preceding it in the direction of

rotation in a motor to control the reaction. The polarities are for the control of

armature reaction and to cancel the flux in the coil being commutated in both

machines.

In ordinary conversation the word power is often synonymous with

energy and force. In physics we use a much more precise definition. Power is

the time rate at which work is done. Like work and energy, power is a scalar

quantity. The SI unit of power is the watt (W), named for the English inventor

James Watt. (Young, Hugh D., et al. University Physics with Modern Physics

12th edition, 2008.)

Effectiveness

Effectiveness is the capability of producing a desired result. When

something is deemed effective, it means it has an intended or expected

outcome, or produces a deep, vivid impression.

Prototype Rain Gutter

A prototype is an early sample or model built to test a concept or

process or to act as a thing to be replicated or learned from. It is a term used

in a variety of contexts, including semantics, design, electronics, and software

programming. A prototype is designed to test and trial a new users.

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Prototyping serves to provide specification for a real, working system rather

than a theoretical one.

The word prototype derives from the Greek (prototypon), “Primitive

form”, neutral of (prototypos), “Original, primitive”, from (protos), “first” and

(typos), “impression”.

Pearson Earth Science 12th Edition (2009) the term rain is restricted to

drops of water that fall from the cloud and have a diameter of at least 0.5

millimeter (0.02 inch). Most rain originates either in nimbostratus clouds or in

towering cumulonimbus clouds that are capable in producing unusually heavy

rainfalls known as cloudburst. Raindrops rarely exceed about 5 millimeters

(0.2 inch) in diameter. Larger drops do not survive, because of surface

tension, which holds the drops together, is exceeded by the frictional drag of

the air. Consequently, large raindrops regularly break apart into smaller ones.

Related Studies

Michael Faraday built two devices to produce what he called

electromagnetic rotation: that is a continuous circular motion from the circular

magnetic force around a wire. Ten years later, in 1831, he began his great

series of experiments in which he discovered electromagnetic induction.

Marasigan, et al. (2008), constructed an “Improvised Battery Charger”

that converted the physical work done by the user to the bicycle into a useful

energy by charging a battery and at the same time promoting healthy lifestyle

and saving the environment. The device is attached to the rear end of the

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bicycle. Inside the device is a motor called the servo motor that acted as the

generator to generate electricity that will flow then to the battery that installed

into the device.

Valsorable, et al. (2010), used in their study entitled "Pendulum Battery

Charger" a magnetic coil that acts as a swinging pendulum to produce

electricity. Based on this gathered data, they have determined that the design

of pendulum battery charger can be used as an alternative power supply.

Aparan, et al. (2012), construct an "Electric Generating-Step

Platform" that produce electricity once a person steps on the platform. They

used a dynamo to convert the Mechanical energy, produced by stepping on

the platform, to electrical energy.

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Chapter 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This part of the research discuss about the research method used,

the procedures in gathering data needed, the research instrument and the

statistical treatment for the data.

Research Design

The present study utilizes the experimental method of research.

According to Calmorin and Calmorin, as cited by Tobias (2012), this method

of research is a problem-solving approach that the study is described in the

future on “what will be” when certain variables are carefully controlled or

manipulated. Its purpose is to discover the influence of one or more factors

upon a condition; group or situation. In relation to the present research, the

experimental method was utilized because it is the most appropriate with

regards to the purpose of the researchers.

Data Gathering

The following are the steps, procedures, instruments and materials

used in making the rain gutter hydroelectric generator.

Table 1 shows the supplies, materials, tools and equipment used in

constructing the Prototype Rain Gutter Hydroelectric Generator.

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Table 1Supplies, Materials, Tools, and Equipment

Supplies and Materials Tools and Equipment

DC motor (12 volts)

Electric wire

Screw

Galvanized Corrugated

Metal Roofing

23x7” wooden board

LED

1” wooden wheel (4 in

radius)

Customized angle bars

4”x3/8” Nut and Bolt

Measuring tape

Metal roofing scissors

Pliers

Drill

Screw Driver

Saw

Multimeter/Multitester

Alligator clips

Construction Procedure

The construction procedure for the rain gutter hydroelectric battery

charger comes in three phases: (1) improvising a turbine, (2) creation of the

mount, (3) installation of the parts. Some parts of the device during the

construction are customized or improvised from the best available materials.

The materials may be less efficient but due to the reason of shortage in funds

that the researchers are forced to use cheap but easy to be produced

materials.

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Improvising a turbine

1. Let the Bolt pass through an aluminum tube to create a rotating

shaft.

Figure 2. Rotating Shaft

2. Bore a hole in the center of the wooden wheel enough for the

aluminum tube to fit in.

Figure 3. Wooden Wheel with Aluminum

3. Cut six pieces of 2x2” plates from the galvanized corrugated metal

roofing and fold it in half to form a right angle.

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4. Bore two holes from one quarter of the folded plates.

5. Attach the six folded plates to the wooden wheel to create veins.

Make sure the screw would not pass through the trough of the

wheel.

Figure 4. Folded Plates

Creation of the mount

6. Weld a pair of perpendicular angle bars from a steel bar that is1/8”

in thickness forming a “T” shaped footing.

7. The base of the angle bar is three inches in length with holes in

each end for the screw.

8. The height of the mount is six inches with one hole opposite to the

base enough for the bolt to pass through.

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Figure 5. The Mount

Installation of the parts

9. Screw-lock the pair of angle bars three inches away from each

other at one end of the wooden board.

Figure 6. Installing the Mount

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10.Pass the bolt at one angle bar to the aluminum tube in the wheel to

the other angle bar. Secure both ends with washers and nuts.

Figure 7. Installing the Wheel

11.Make a belt out of a thin string of rubber used in aluminum windows

approximately 4 feet in length.

Figure 8. Measuring the Belt

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12.Attach the belt ion the trough of the wheel at one end of the board

.

Figure 9. Attaching the Belt

13.Clamp the dynamo and screw-lock it at the other on of the wooden

board with the belt also on its trough. Make sure the distance

between the dynamo and the wheel would give a little tension in the

belt.

Figure 10. The Clamp

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14.Attach one end of the wires in the terminals of the dynamo and the

other ends to the terminals of the LED respective to the polarity.

Figure 11. Rain Gutter Hydroelectric Generator (Front)

Figure 12. Rain Gutter Hydroelectric Generator (Back)

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Try-out and Revisions

The researchers replaced the rubber tire belt with the aluminum secure

string and adjust to have only little tension between the dynamo and the

wheel for the wheel to turn easier.

The researchers adjusted diameter of the outlet of the flowing water

from .10m to .03m in diameter. This concentrated more the flowing water to

one point only.

Construction time frame

It took eleven (11) days to complete the “Rain Gutter Hydroelectric

Battery Charger”.

Table 2Construction Time Frame

Activities Numbers of hours Numbers of days

Planning and designing 48 2

Acquisition of supplies and materials used

72 3

Preparing the tools and equipment

48 2

Measuring and making layout

24 1

Testing and revising 72 3

Total 264 11

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Cost of Production

The list for the production of the Rain Gutter Hydroelectric Generator is

shown below in Table 3. The price of some parts includes the customization

fee to fit the material for the research. The angular stands and the wooden

wheel are customized parts requested from the metal and wood shops

respectively.

Table 3Cost of Production

Quantity Description Unit Cost Total Cost

1pc DC motor Php. 710.00 Php. 710.00

3m Wire Php. 5.00 Php. 15.00

1pair Alligator clips Php. 10.00 Php. 10.00

1pair Angular stand Php. 150.00 Php. 150.00

1pc Wooden wheel Php. 80.00 Php. 80.00

1pc Wooden board Php. 40.00 Php. 40.00

16pcs Screw Php. 5.00 Php. 5.00

1pc Bolt and Nut Php. 14.00 Php. 14.00

1pc LED Php. 5.00 Php. 5.00

2m Soldering lead Php. 12.00/m Php. 24.00

Total Cost of Production Php. 1053.00

Research Instrument

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The primary instrument in collecting data is by using a multimeter that

exhibits to measure both the voltage and current generated by the device. An

LED is connected to the terminals of the device to represent current

production as the LED blinks.

Statistical Treatment

The statistical treatment used in the study was the computed weighted

mean (W), according to Ileto (1990) is a proportion or part considered in its

quantitative relation to the whole. The analysis of variance for one-way

classification is used to interpret the weighted means of the device in different

heights. The One-way ANOVA is said to be a test of calculations on several

variances to test the hypothesis that several population has the same

weighted mean according to Gonzales (2003).

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Chapter 4

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This chapter is composed of the presentation, analysis and

interpretation of the data obtained. The study sought to determine the power

rating produced by the rain gutter generator compare to the power rating of

the water relative to the height of the storage of water that will run the device.

Voltage Reading Based on Different Heights

Table 4The Ratio of the Average Power Ratings of the RGHG in 1m Storage

HeightTrial

#Voltage Reading

Current Power Rating (Motor)

Power Rating (Water)

Ratio

1 8.17V 117.8mA 0.96W 2.94W 32.7%2 8.50V 116.3mA 0.99W 2.94W 33.7%3 9.79V 121.1mA 1.16W 2.94W 39.5%

Mean 9.15V 118.4mA 1.04W 2.94W 35.4%Legend Verbal Interpretation85 – 100 excellently efficient70 – 84 highly efficient55 – 69 efficient40 – 54 less efficient39 below not efficient

The ratio of the average power ratings of the RGHG in 1 meter storage

height is revealed in Table 4, which shows the average mean of the power

rating based on the height of the water storage which is 1 meter. The power

rating of the motor is compared to the power rating of the water alone before

its mechanical energy was converted to electrical energy.

It can be gleamed from the Table 4, that the ratio of the power ratings

of the RGHG in 1 meter height of storage is 35.4% with “not efficient” as

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verbal interpretation. Meaning, the device was not able to convert most of the

raw mechanical energy of water into useful electrical energy. The remaining

64.6% of energy was lost during the process. We can infer from these

statistical data that more than half of the energy is wasted during the

transformation from mechanical to electrical. The height of the gutter is very

low that it is not enough to create such potential to convert energy at better

efficiency. Extending the height of the gutter is advised for better results.

Work is required to elevate objects against Earth’s gravity and the

potential energy due to elevated position is the gravitational potential energy.

The water in an elevated reservoir and the raised ram of a pile driver has

gravitational potential energy. The gravitational potential energy, mgh, is

relative to that level and depends only on the weight and height.

Table 5The Ratio of the Average Power Ratings of the RGHG in 2m Storage

HeightTrial

#Voltage Reading

Current Power Rating (Motor)

Power Rating (Water)

Ratio

1 10.01V 125.3mA 1.25W 2.94W 42.5%2 10.01V 125.7mA 1.26W 2.94W 42.9%3 10.00V 123.6mA 1.24W 2.94W 42.2%

Mean 10.01V 124.9mA 1.25W 2.94W 42.5%Legend Verbal Interpretation85 – 100 excellently efficient70 – 84 highly efficient55 – 69 efficient40 – 54 less efficient39 below not efficient

The ratio of the average power ratings of the RGHG in 2 meters

storage height is revealed in Table 5, which shows the average mean of the

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power rating based on the height of the water storage which is 2 meters. The

power rating of the motor is compared to the power rating of the water alone

before its mechanical energy was converted to electrical energy.

It can be gleamed from the Table 5 that the ratio of the power ratings

of the RGHG in 2 meters height of storage is 42.5% with “less efficient” as

verbal interpretation. Meaning, the device was not able to convert most of the

raw mechanical energy of water into useful electrical energy. The remaining

57.5% of energy was lost during the process. The data shows that even by

doubling the height of the rain gutter from the ground, still, the generator

requires greater potential to further convert half of the mechanical energy to

electrical energy. But there is a significant raise in the energy converted by

7.1%.

The amount of gravitational potential energy possessed by an elevated

object is equal to the product of its weight and height.

Table 6The Ratio of the Average Power Ratings of the RGHG in 3m Storage

HeightTrial

#Voltage Reading

Current Power Rating (Motor)

Power Rating (Water)

Ratio

1 10.21V 127.4mA 1.30W 2.94W 44.2%2 10.99V 133.4mA 1.47W 2.94W 50.0%3 10.12V 125.8mA 1.27W 2.94W 43.2%

Mean 10.44V 130.1mA 1.35W 2.94W 45.8%Legend Verbal Interpretation85 – 100 excellently efficient70 – 84 highly efficient55 – 69 efficient40 – 54 less efficient39 below not efficient

33

The ratio of the average power ratings of the RGHG in 3 meters

storage height is revealed in Table 6, which shows the average mean of the

power rating based on the height of the water storage which is 3 meters. The

power rating of the motor is compared to the power rating of the water alone

before its mechanical energy was converted to electrical energy.

It can be gleamed from the Table 6 that the ratio of the power ratings

of the RGHG in 3 meters height of storage is 45.8% with “less efficient” as

verbal interpretation. Meaning, the device was not able to convert most of the

raw mechanical energy of water into useful electrical energy. The remaining

55.2% of energy was lost during the process. It is seen that by tripling the

height of the gutter from the motor at ground level, which is ideally a two-story

building, the height promotes enough potential energy to be converted into

mechanical energy.

Table 7Comparative Trials in Power Ratings of RGHG in Varying Heights

(In Watts)Trial # 1meter 2meters 3meters (1m)2 (2m)2 (3m)2

1 0.96 1.25 1.3 0.9216 1.5625 1.69

2 0.99 1.26 1.47 0.9801 1.5876 2.1609

3 1.16 1.24 1.27 1.3456 1.5376 1.6129

∑ 3.11 3.75 4.04 3.2473 4.6877 5.4638

34

Table 7 shows the comparative trials in power ratings of the RGHG in

varying heights of 1 meter, 2 meters, and 3 meters. The Table also exhibits

the summation of the trials for each height and the summation of the squares

for each trial.

It was revealed that the higher the reservoir the higher the power

rating. Higher reservoir possessed higher gravitational potential energy that

gives higher power rating.

Table 8Test in the Significant Differences in the Power Rating of the RGHG in

Varying Heights

Sources Variation

Sum of Squares

Degrees of

Freedom

Mean Squares

Computed F

Tabular F (0.05)

Decision Interpretation

Between Column 0.1510 2 0.0755

0.0343 5.14 Accept Ho

Not SignificantWithin

Column 13.2478 6 2.2010

Table 8 shows the output of the statistical treatment used (One-Way

ANOVA). It shows the sum of squares between columns which is 0.1510, the

degrees of freedom which is 2, the mean squares value of 0.0755; and the

sum of squares within columns which is 13.2478, having the degrees of

freedom of 6 and a mean square value of 2.2010. The computed F value is

80.0343, which is less than the Tabular F value with a level of significance

0.05. Since the computed F value is less than the Tabular F value, the

researchers decided to accept the null hypothesis and give a not significant

interpretation in the case study. This implies that the power rating generated

35

by the RGHG in varying heights of 1 meter, 2 meters, and 3 meters is just the

same at 5 percent level of significance. It may be so that a greater value for

height is needed to have a significant difference in the power rating.

36

Chapter 5

FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter covers the summary, conclusions, and recommendations

on the results of the study about the prototype rain gutter hydroelectric

generator.

Summary of Findings

Analyses revealed the following:

1.) In a 1 meter height of the water storage, the power rating of the

prototype rain gutter hydroelectric is not efficient converting only 35.4% of the

mechanical energy of water into useful electrical energy.

2.) The efficiency of the prototype rain gutter hydroelectric generator

when the storage height is 2 meters is less than efficient with only an energy

conversion of 42.5%.

3.) At a storage height of 3 meters, the prototype rain gutter

hydroelectric generator has an energy conversion of 45.8% which still falls in

a less than efficient performance.

4.) With a computed F value of 0.0343 which is greater than the tabular

F value of 5.14 at a 0.05 level of significance, the study earned a not

significant remark. There is no significant difference in the power ratings of

the prototype rain gutter hydroelectric generator in terms of different heights.

37

Conclusions

It can therefore be concluded that there was no significant difference in

the power ratings produced by the prototype rain gutter hydroelectric

generator in terms of heights.

Recommendations

With the give findings, the following recommendations are advanced

1. Use lighter and water resistant materials for the water wheel to

make it easier for the flowing water to turn the wheel.

2. The settings of the prototype are to be installed in bungalow-height

households that has at least 3 meters of height for the roofing. Adjusting the

height to a higher water storage setting and replacing the 12V DC motor with

a more powerful dynamo could yield to better electric production.

3. Future researchers could make further study to modify the device for

it to be able to charge batteries or even power up small electronic devices

that do not consume too much power.

38

BIBLIOGRAPHY

A. Books

Crouse, William H., et al, (2004), Automotive Mechanics 10th edition, McGrawHill ,Inc.

Gibilisco Stan (2005), Electricity Demystified

Gibilisco, Stan (2006), Teach yourself: Electricity and Electronics 4thedition

Herman, Stephen L. (2005), Industrial Motor Control 6th edition, Delmar,Cengage Learning

Keljik, Jeff (2007), Electric Motors & Motor Control 2nd edition, ThomsonDelmar Learning, Inc.

McGrawHill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology 10th edition, 2007

Radas, Gary J. et al (2005), Electrical Motor Controls for Integrated Systems3rd edition, American Technical Publishers, Inc.

Ripka, L. V. (1987), Plumbing Installation and design 2nd edition, AmericanTechnical Publisher, Inc.

Silberstein, Engene (2005), Residential Construction Academy HVAC

Young, Hugh D., et al. University Physics with Modern Physics 12th edition,2008

B. Unpublished Materials

Aparan, et al. (2012), Electric Generating-Step Platform

Marasigan, et al. (2008), Improvised Battery Charger

Valsorable, et al. (2010), Pendulum Battery Charger

39

C. Website

Effectiveness(2014, February 10). Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, Retrieved March 25, 2014 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effectiveness

Mc Cormack Dan.(2001-2014).Prototype.Online Ethymology Dictionary,Retrieved October 10, 2008, from www.etymonline.com

Pearson Education Ltd. (2014). Effectiveness. Longman Dictionary ofContemporary English, Retrieved July 12 2011

Prototype(2014, March 18). Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, RetrievedMarch 25 2014, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prototype

40

APPENDIX A

Power Rating of Motor (Watts) = Voltage Reading (Volts) Current (Amperes)

Ratio of Power Rating (%)= Power Rating of Motor (Watts) x 100 Power Rating of Water (Watts)

Comparative Trials in Power Ratings of RGHG in Varying Heights(In Watts)

Trial # 1meter 2meters 3meters (1m)2 (2m)2 (3m)2

1 0.96 1.25 1.3 0.9216 1.5625 1.69

2 0.99 1.26 1.47 0.9801 1.5876 2.1609

3 1.16 1.24 1.27 1.3456 1.5376 1.6129

∑ 3.11 3.75 4.04 3.2473 4.6877 5.4638

n= 3 N= 3 + 3 + 3 = 9

Σx= Σ1m + Σ2m + Σ3m

Σx= 3.11 + 3.75 + 4.04

Σ= 10.9

Σx2= Σ(1m)2 + Σ(2m)2 + Σ(3m)2

Σx2= 3.25 + 4.69 + 5.46

Σx2= 13.40

dfw= N-K

dfw= 9-3

dfw= 6

dfbet= K-1

dfbet= 3-1

dfbet= 2

41

SStot= Σx2 - (Σx)2

N

SStot= 13.3988 - (10.9)2

9

SStot= 0.1977

SSbet= (Σ 1m)2

n+(Σ 2m)2

n+(Σ 3m)2

n−

(Σx)2

N

SSbet= (3.11)2

3+

(3.75)2

3+(4.04)2

3−

(10.9)2

9

SSbet= 0.1510

SSw= SStot-SSbet

SSw= 13.3988-0.1510

SSw= 13.2478

MSbet= SSbetdf bet

MSbet= 0.15102

MSbet= 0.0755

MSw= SSwdf w

MSw= 13.24786

MSw= 2.2010

F= MSbetMSw

F= 0.07552.2010

F= 0.034

Sources Variation

Sum of Squares

Degrees of

Freedom

Mean Squares

Computed F

Tabular F (0.05)

Decision Interpretation

Between Column 0.1510 2 0.0755

0.0343 5.14 Accept Ho

Not SignificantWithin

Column 13.2478 6 2.2010

Critical value: At 5% level of significance, with 2° and 6° freedom, the critical

value is 5.14.

42

CURRICCULUM VITAE

Rommer John P. De Guzman

#9049 National Road B Dila, Bay, Laguna

unexist07@yahoo.com

09468703831

Personal DataDate of Birth: November 7, 1994 Age: 18y/o

Place of Birth: Bay, Laguna Height: 5’7” (170.18cm)

Citizenship: Filipino Weight: 110lbs (50kg)

Religion: Fundamental Baptist Civil Status: Single

Father’s Name: Romeo A. De Guzman

Mother’s Name: Merly P.De Guzman

Educational AttainmentElementary Bay Central Elementary School

Secondary Nicolas L. Galvez Memorial National High School

Tertiary Laguna State Polytechnic University

Santa Cruz Main Campus

Bachelor in Secondary Education

Major in Physical Science

43

CURRICCULUM VITAE

Gary Ed P. Flores

237 Brgy. San Isidro, Pagsanjan, Laguna

garyedflores@rocketmail.com

09487061594

Personal DataDate of Birth: September 29, 1993 Age: 19y/o

Place of Birth: Pagsanjan, Laguna Height: 5’5”

Citizenship: Filipino Weight: 50kg

Religion: Roman Catholic Civil Status: Single

Father’s Name: Edgar C. Flores

Mother’s Name: Anicia P. Flores

Educational AttainmentElementary Maulawin Elementary School

Secondary Pagsanjan National High School

Tertiary Laguna State Polytechnic University

Santa Cruz Main Campus

Bachelor in Secondary Education

Major in Physical Science

44

CURRICCULUM VITAE

Aries B. Marcelino

164 Brgy. Cabanbanan, Pagsanjan, Laguna

marcelinoaries@yahoo.cm

0939259025

Personal DataDate of Birth: December 12, 1985 Age: 27y/o

Place of Birth: LPH Sta. Cruz, Laguna Height: 5’5”

Citizenship: Filipino Weight: 50kg

Religion: Roman Catholic Civil Status: Single

Father’s Name: Arnel R. Marcelino

Mother’s Name: Riza B. Marcelino

Educational AttainmentElementary Unson Elementary School

Secondary Pedro Guevarra Memorial National High School

Tertiary Laguna State Polytechnic University

Santa Cruz Main Campus

Bachelor in Secondary Education

Major in Physical Science