Power Notes
Power Notes
The furnace should be sufficient to permit space for combustion of air but not be too large to
permit leakage.
Impingement of flame should be avoided on any part of the furnace.
Dimension should be adequate to complete combustion of fuel.
Fly ash or slag formed deposit to the furnace must be eliminated.
SIZING FURNACE SYSTEM
BIOOMASS GASIFIER
Gasification is the process of converting a solid carbon into combustible carbon monoxide
by thermo-chemical reaction of a fuel.
In complete combustion, the process takes place with excess air while in gasification, the
process takes place with excess carbon.
PRINCIPLE OF GASIFICATION
Limited amount of air is introduced to the reactor of the gasifier and it passes through the
fuel column.
As the air passes through the column of fuel, thermo-chemical reaction takes place to
produce combustible gases.
TYPES OF GASIFIERS
Fixed Bed Gasifiers- Usually used for small scale application, require large dense and
uniformly size fuels, special complex gasifier design are required for quality operation.
Types of Fixed Bed Gasifier
Updraft- The gas stream flows in parallel direction with the fire zone. It has the higher
efficiency because the hot gas passes through the entire fuel bed and leaves the gas producer
at a low temperature.
Downdraft– The gas flow in opposite direction with the fire zone causing the burning of
tars before it leaves the reactor.
Cross-draft– The flow of the gas stream crosses the fuel bed and the direction of the fire
zone.
Fluidized Bed Gasifier- Gas stream passes vertically upward through a bed of inert
particulate material to form a turbulent mixture of gas and solid, fuel is continuously added
at a such a rate that it is only a few percent by weight of the bed material.
Types of Fixed Bed Gasifier
Bubbling Fluidized Bed– The solid particles behave like a boiling fluid but not transported
by the air stream.
Circulating Fluidized Bed– The gas velocity is higher and therefore part of the bed
material leaves the reactor vessel and transported back to the reactor vessel via a cyclone
and return pipe.
FUELS FOR GASIFIER
The gas leaving the producer gas consists of combustible and non-combustible gases.
Gases and other pollutants from the gasifier includes: (a) Sulphur compounds, (b) Nitrogen
Compounds, (c) Dusts, (d) moisture, and (e) tars or hydro carbons.
CLEANING UNITS FOR GASIFIERS
Cyclone Separator– It is a dust collector without moving parts wherein the velocity of the
inlet stream is transformed into a confined vortex and separates the dust from the gas.
Scrubber- It cools and separates pollutants and the solid particles while it passes through a
spray liquid droplets.
Water or Oil Bath Filter– It removes dust and particulates by allowing it to pass through
the bed of water or oil.
Fabric Filter– It removes dust and particulates through mechanical screening using a cloth
of fabric material.
RULES AND GUIDELINES IN USING GASIFIER FOR ICE
All three types of engine (gas, gasoline, and diesel) can be fueled with gasifier.
All diesel engine cannot operate on gasifier alone but must be mixed with diesel oil.
The efficiency of ICE will not be changed much when fueled with gas.
BIOGAS PLANT
Biogas is a gas produced by putrefactive bacteria that breaks down organic material under
airless condition.
Biogas consists of:
BENEFITS OF BIOGAS
First Stage: Substrates are converted into soluble monomers by enzymatic hydrolysis
Second Stage: Soluble organic compound are converted into organic acids primarily acetic
acid
Third Stage: Final stage of decomposition by methanogenic bacteria to produce primarily
of methane and carbon dioxide
DEFINITIONS:
Substrate– It is an organic material used to produce biogas.
Slurry– It is a mixture of manure and water.
Scum–A layer of floating fibrous material on the slurry.
Sludge–A settled portion or precipitate of the slurry. A mud-like, semi-solid mass.
Effluent– A residue that comes out at the outlet after the substrate is digested/processed
inside the digester.
BASIC COMPONENT PARTS OF BIOGAS PLANT
Collecting Tank– It is a holding tank where manure and water are collected stored.
Digester– It is a bio-reactor. It’s a water and air tight container designed for the process
Gas Chamber– It is a space inside or outside the digester for the collection of storage of
biogas.
Inlet Pipe– It serves as conveyor of the manure water mixture.
Outlet Pipe– It serves as conveyor where the effluent or the slurry is forced out.
Stirrer– It is a mechanical device inside the digester used to mix slurry thereby destroying
the formation of scum.
Gasholder Retainer– It is a cantilever beam that hold the gasholder/movable cover
imposition at the desired biogas pressure.
CATEGORIES OF DIGESTION
CHARACTERISTICS OF BIOGAS
Feed Material
Feed materials usually contains carbon
C/N ratio of 20:1 to 30:1 is suitable for anerobic digestion.
Temperature
Sudden change exceeding 30C will affect biogas production.
pH of Substrate
Optimum pH for methane fermentation is between 7 to 8.
Hydraulic Retention Time
This is used as a basis for the design for the volume of the digester.
The optimum HRT for gas production per volume of organic matter is 20 to 25
days.
Amount and Concentration of Organic Materia
The amount of organic matter in the feed or the volatile solid in kg per day per m3
and the organic material concentration in the feed material influence gas production
especially in continuous feeding system.
Feed Material to Water Ratio
Feed material to water ratio of the substrate should be about 1 to 2.
Mixing of Substrate
It is needed to minimize sedimentation in the digester or to prevent the formation of
scum.
BIOGAS APPLIANCES
Gas Cooker/Stove- It require purposive installation with adequate protection from wind.
Efficiency of gas burner typically range from 60 to 80%.
Biogas Lamp- The maximum light-flux values that can be achieved with biogas lamps are
comparable to those of normal 25 to 75watt light bulb.
Radiant Heaters- Radiant heater using sing biogas develops infrared thermal radiation via
ceramic body that is heated to 600-800 C. Biogas fueled radiant heaters should always be
equipped with a safety pilot and an air filter to sustain operation in dusty atmosphere.
Incubators- Indirectly warm-water-heated incubators are usually operated using biogas.
Refrigerator- Absorption-type refrigerating machine operating on ammonia and water and
equipped for automatic thermosiphon circulation are usually used for biogas.
Internal Combustion Engine- Engine suited for biogas are four-stroke cycle diesel engine
or gasoline engine.
SOLAR POWER- Solar power is the conversion of energy from sunlight into electricity, either
directly using photovoltaics (PV) or indirectly using concentrated solar power.
SOLAR POWER COMPONENTS
Solar Panels- Solar panels consist of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into
electricity.
Mounting System- Solar panels need to be mounted on a sturdy structure to ensure
optimal positioning and maximize sunlight exposure.
Inverters- Inverters are used to convert the DC electricity generated by solar panels
into AC.
Batteries- Some solar power systems incorporate batteries to store excess electricity
generated by the panels.
Charge Controller- used to regulate the charging process, preventing overcharging or
damage to the batteries.
Wiring and Connectors- Solar power systems require proper wiring and connectors to
connect all the components together.
Monitoring System- track energy production, panel efficiency, and overall system
health, allowing users to optimize performance and identify potential issues.
SOLAR POWER APPLICATION
Irrigation Systems- Solar-powered water pumps are used for irrigation in areas without
access to a reliable power grid.
Solar Drying Systems- Solar dryers are employed to dry crops, fruits, and other
agricultural products.
Solar Greenhouses- Solar energy is used to control the temperature in greenhouses,
creating an optimal environment for plant growth.
Solar-Powered Sensors and Monitoring Devices- These devices provide real-time data for
precision agriculture, helping farmers make informed decisions about irrigation,
fertilization, and pest control.
Solar-Powered Electric Fencing- used to power electric fencing, providing a sustainable
and effective way to protect crops from wildlife and manage livestock.
Solar-Powered Livestock Watering Systems- used to provide a reliable and sustainable
water supply for livestock.
Solar-Powered Agro-Processing Equipment- Solar energy is harnessed to power agro-
processing equipment such as grain mills, oil presses, and water pumps.
Solar-Powered Refrigeration- Solar energy can be utilized to power refrigeration systems
for storing perishable agricultural products.
Solar-Powered Lighting- used in agricultural facilities, barns, and outdoor spaces. It
provides illumination for nighttime operations, enhancing safety and security on the farm.
Solar-Powered Autonomous Vehicles- used for precision agriculture, such as solar-
powered drones or robots. These vehicles can perform tasks like crop monitoring, seeding,
and spraying with minimal environmental impact.
Solar-Powered Aquaculture Systems- Solar energy is applied to power aeration systems
and water pumps in aquaculture operations, promoting sustainable fish farming practices.
SOLAR-POWERED IRRIGATION SYSTEM
COMPONENTS:
OPERATIONS:
BENEFITS:
EQUIPMENT:
GLOBAL RADIATION
BASIC INFORMATION
Power Density of solar radiation entering the earth atmosphere is about 1.355 kW/m2
Average power density striking the earth surface is about 0.89 kW/m2
Types of Global Radiation Striking the Earth Surface
Factors Affecting the Amount and Intensities of Global Radiation Received at the Earth
Surface:
Low temperature system- It uses a flat-plate solar collector, operating temperature is less
100 C and below, collection efficiency is up to 70%
High Temperature System- It uses a concentrating-type solar collector, operating
temperature is above 100 C, collection efficiency is up to 80%
System Employing Flat-Plate Collector- It utilize the total global radiation, Losses due to
shading of the side wall is approximately 3%
System Employing Concentrating Collector- It only utilize direct radiation, requires to
track the sun, various lenses are parabolic and spherical, cylindrical and dish-shaped mirror.
BASIC PARTS OF SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEM
Heat Source– It is used to absorb the solar energy and convert it to heat energy
Heat Store– It is used to trap the heat and store it successive use
Heat Transmission System– It is used to transport the heat from the source to storage and
to the appliances
Consumer- It serves to utilize the solar energy
APPLICATION OF SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEM
SOLAR COOKERS
Box-Type Solar Cooker– It consist of well-insulated box with black interior in which the
food is place.
Reflector Cooker and Concentrators– This consists of parabolic reflectors and holder for
the cooking pot situated at the cooker’s focal point.
Heat Accumulating Solar Cooker– It gather heat from the sun all day long and store it for
use after sundown and even on the next morning.
Steam Cooker– It uses an efficient collector to generate steam which rises to an elevated
cooking box which heat the food at the bottom of the cooking pot.
SOLAR COLLECTORS FOR GRAIN DRYING
Photovoltaic is a system that generates electricity from sunlight by means of a solar cell.
THE SOLAR CELL
They type of solar cell that is widely used today is made of pure silicon
Solar cell thickness is about 0.3 mm
Silicon crystal is dope with boron atom to make it a positive conductor.
INFLUENCE OF THE OPERATING TEMPERATURE
As the temperature of the solar cell increases, the open circuit voltage decreases at constant
radiation intensity.
The power output of the solar cell also decreases markedly as the temperature increases.
CHARACTERISTICS OF SOLAR-CELL MODULE
The solar cell module has a panel dimension of approximately 560 mm long x 480 mm wide
and 13 mm thick.
Each panel with 36 solar cells (76 mm diameter) has a weight of approximately 4 kg.
The short circuit current is equal to 1150 mA. The open circuit voltage is 20.8 V. The output
current and power are 1010mA and 15.9 W, respectively.
THE PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM
Solar modules are an array of the solar cells which are interconnected and encapsulated
behind a glass cover.
The stronger the light on the cells and the larger the cell surface, the more electricity is
generated and the higher the current.
The charge regulator protects the battery against over-charging and deep-discharging both
of which are harmful to battery.
The charge regulator also interrupts the amount of energy supplied to the load appliances
when the battery has discharged to a critical level.
THE CABLES
WIND POWER- Wind power is the use of wind energy to generate useful work. Historically,
wind power was used by sails, windmills and windpumps, but today it is mostly used to
generate electricity.
A windmill is a very old technology that uses the wind to either mill grains into flour,
drive machines, or move water.
A wind turbine converts wind energy into electricity by turning a turbine.
HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL AXIS TURBINES
Horizontal-axis wind turbines have three or four blades and operate "upwind," with the
turbine pivoting at the top of the tower so the blades face into the wind.
Vertical-axis wind turbines are omnidirectional, meaning they don’t need to be adjusted to
point into the wind to operate.
WIND PUMP- a device that converts kinetic energy from the wind into mechanical energy to pump
water through windmills, to obtain source of fresh water from wells and for draining low lying areas
of land.
WIND POWER PRINCIPLE
harnessing wind energy to perform various tasks. This includes using wind turbines to
generate electricity for powering farm operations or utilizing wind pumps for water
pumping in irrigation systems.
Efficiency is key, considering factors like wind speed, turbine design, and proper site
selection for optimal energy production.
AGRICULTURAL APPLICATIONS
WIND PUMP- Windpump is a machine that convert the kinetic energy of the wind to mechanical
power for pumping water.
ADVANTAGES OF WIND ENERGY SYSTEM
WIND RESOURCES
Western Visayas
Horizontal Axis Rotor– The axis of rotation of the rotor is parallel to the direction of the
wind.
Characteristics
High rotational speed and more power output especially for the few bladed rotors.
High torque for multi bladed rotors.
Vertical Axis Rotor- The axis of the rotation of the rotor is perpendicular with the wind
direction. It does not need a device to orient rotor to the direction of the wind.
Characteristics
Has lower efficiency compared with the horizontal axis rotor.
Generally needs high starting wind velocity.
Cross-Wind Rotor- The axis of the rotation of the rotor is both horizontal to the surface of
the earth and perpendicular with the wind direction.
Characteristics
Not effective since it is a system that is dependent with the wind direction.
Complicated design.
CLASSIFICATION OF WIND PUMP ACCORDING TO THE SPEED OF THE ROTOR
High Speed- A wind pump with few number of blades. They are rotor usually having up to
8 blades. They are normally characterized by low-torque, fast speed rotor.
Low Speed- A wind pump with construction having several numbers of blades usually 18 to
48 blades. They are characterized by a high-torque low-speed rotor.
Rotor Assembly– This to convert the kinetic energy of the wind to mechanical power.
Head Assembly– This supports the rotor and the tail vane assemblies.
Tail Vane Assembly– This makes the rotor to perpendicularly face the incoming wind.
Tower Assembly– This is used to elevate the rotor to the desired elevation.
Pump Assembly– This is used to lift water from the source at a desired rate and head.
DEFINITIONS
Wind Power– It is the amount of energy available from the wind within a unit time.
Power Coefficient– It is the ratio of the mechanical power actually attained directly from
the rotor and the wind power.
Torque Coefficient– It is the ratio between the torque at the rotor and the reference torque.
Solidity– It is the amount of the rotor surface area facing the wind in proportion to the total
swept area of the rotor.
Tip-Speed Ratio– It is the ratio of the circumferential velocity at the tip of the rotor to the
free stream velocity.
Airfoil– It is the surface of the blade over which the air flows. The flow results in either lift
or drag force.
Angle of Attack– It is the angle required to lift an airfoil. It is measured between the chord
line and the direction of the airflow.
Electrical Power- It is the amount of power generated in the windturbine system.
Cd/Cl Ratio– It is the ratio of the drag coefficient to the lift coefficient.
Hydraulic Power- It is the amount of power required in lifting a given rate of water at a
given height or lift.
Overall System Efficiency– It is the ratio of the power generated in pumping water to the
power received by the rotor.
Pump Volumetric Efficiency– It is the ratio of the total capacity to the displacement
volume of the pump.
PUMPS SUITABLE FOR WINDPUMP
Reciprocating Pump- this are appropriate for slow windpump with high torque. It allows
pump at a head of up to 6 meters except for submerged type pump.
Diaphragm Pump– This pump operates the same as reciprocating pump and is suitable for
high-output small pumping head.
Centrifugal Pump– It is a high speed driven directly by a windpump through a appropriate
transmission system.
Rotary Pump– This type of pump has a rotating member eccentrically located at the casing.
Spiral Pump– It follows the principle of a conveyor where water hose is spirally wounded
around an inclined rotational axis and driven directly by a low speed windmill.
Bucket Wheel Pump– It operates like a simple chain conveyor consisting of endless chain
with pails, cups, or other bailing container.
WIND TURBINE- It is a machine that converts the wind kinetic energy into electrical energy using
a fast rotating rotor.
THE WIND TURBINE SYSTEM
Variable Axis Control- this relies upon the wind speed pressure on the rotor to turn it
sideways or upwards away from the wind.
Coning Speed Control– The blades are actually bended away from the wind as the wind
speed increases.
Spoiler Flaps Control– This slows the rotor blades by disrupting the smooth airflow over
them.
Blade Pitch Control– This is commonly used method of speed control on moderate size
rotor of 10 to 15 feet in diameter.
Brakes– The rotation of the rotor is controlled by providing the rotor shaft of a brake
control device to reduce the speed of the rotor at high wind.
CLASSIFICATION OF TOWER
Guyed Tower– This are similar to those used for antennas and the guy wires hold up the
tower. The main advantage is the low cost while its disadvantages are more ground area is
required and the maintenance of guy wire tension.
Self-Supporting Tower– This is commonly used for smaller systems.
Pole Tower– they are lower cost but shorter life time. They also requires guy wire for
additional support.
Tubular Steel Tower– they are more expensive but aesthetically pleasing in appearance.
THE GENERATOR- converts mechanical power to electrical power.
Commercial or Automotive Battery– They are the most common type of lead-acid battery
designed to provide large amount of electrical current in a very short period time.
Industrial Battery– They are made of fewer but thicker plates and can provide lesser
amount of current for a longer period of time.
Floating battery– They are designed to require minimum amount of current to
maintain the battery at full charge.
Deep-Cycle Battery– They are designed to withstand a large amount of charge and
discharge cycles and best suited for wind system.
WIND TURBINE SELECTION GUIDE
Determine the theoretical wind demand.
Estimate the total efficiency of the wind turbine and the connected load.
Calculate the rotor diameter.
Select site
WIND TURBINE SYSTEM DESIGN
WATER POWER- refers to the use of water as a source of energy to perform various tasks and
operations in agriculture.
WATER POWER APPLICATION
Water wheels are mechanical devices that convert the energy of flowing or falling water
into mechanical power. Watermills use water wheels to grind grain into flour.
Hydropower involves the use of flowing or falling water to generate electricity.
Water power can be used to operate irrigation systems. This includes using the energy
from flowing water to lift and transport water to fields for crop irrigation.
Water-powered devices like Archimedean screws or hydraulic rams can be employed
to lift water from lower levels to higher levels, aiding in irrigation and water supply for
agricultural purposes.
Hydraulic power involves using the energy of moving water to perform tasks like
operating gates, controlling the flow of water in canals, or even powering certain
agricultural machinery.
Micro-hydro systems can be installed to generate electricity for agricultural activities,
providing a sustainable energy source.
PRINCIPLES
Magat Dam- located in the Cagayan Valley, constructed in the early 1980s and was
completed in 1983.
San Roque Dam- is situated on the Agno River in the province of Pangasinan, began in
1998 and was completed in 2003.
Lake Lanao- situated in the province of Lanao del Sur, Lake Lanao is a tectonic lake,
meaning it was formed in a tectonic basin.
La Mesa Watershed and Eco-Park- situated in the Novaliches area of Quezon City, Metro
Manila, the eco-park is managed by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System
(MWSS).
Angat Dam- situated in the province of Bulacan on Luzon Island, Philippines, constructed
in the 1960s and completed in 1967.
Ambuklao Dam- situated in the town of Bokod, Benguet, was initially constructed in the
1950s as part of the Agno River Hydroelectric Complex. It was completed in 1956.
Pantabangan Dam- situated in the municipality of Pantabangan, in the province of Nueva
Ecija, began in the 1970s, and the dam was completed in 1974.
ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS
The use of micro-hydro is a good alternative to provide low cost electricity to far flung
places that are accessible to continuous supply of water.
BENEFITS OF MICRO-HYDRO SYSTEM
Full-Scale Hydro– this produces enough electricity for large towns and extensive grid
supplies. This produces more than 10 MW of power.
Small Hydro Power– Provides power between 3-10 MW.
Mini-Hydro– This provide a small contribution to the national grid and typically supply
power from 300 kW to 10 MW.
Micro-Hydro– This is a smaller hydro system than mini hydro and generally do not
contribute to national grid. This is used in remote areas where the power grid does not
extend. Power range from 200 watts to 300 Kw.
APPLICATIONS OF MICRO-HYDRO SYSTEM
Intake and diversion weir– This is used to divert water through an opening of the river
into an open channel.
Settling basin– This is used to remove sand particles from the water.
Channel– This follows the contour of the hill side serving as canal to convey water.
Forebay tank– This is a tank to store water before it enters the penstock.
Pentock– This is a pipe that conveys water from the forebay tank to the turbine.
Powerhouse– This is where the power is generated from the turbine to the generator
including its accessories.
Consumer– This is the final end of the system where the power generated is consumed for
various applications such as domestic use and processing operations.
TIDAL ENERGY- form of power produced by the natural rise and fall of tides caused by the
gravitational interaction between Earth, the sun, and the moon. Tidal power or tidal energy is
harnessed by converting energy from tides into useful forms of power, mainly electricity using
various methods.
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES
TIDAL TURBINES- devices designed to harness the kinetic energy of tidal currents and convert it
into electrical power.
TYPES OF TURBINES
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY- heat energy from the Earth's crust, which originates from the
formation of the planet and from radioactive decay. Unlike wind and solar energy, geothermal plants
produce power at a constant rate, without regard to weather conditions.
PRINCIPLES- Geothermal energy is stored in the Earth's crust in the form of hot water reservoirs
at varying temperatures and depths. When underground water comes into contact with these hot
spots, steam is generated. This steam can be used to generate electricity by driving turbines
connected to generators.
ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS
Heating/Cooling- Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) are the primary method for the
direct use of geothermal energy for heating and cooling. GSHPs use the shallow ground as
an energy reservoir because it maintains a nearly constant temperature between 50-60°F
(10–16°C).
Electricity Generation- Geothermal energy is used to generate electricity through various
methods. Hydrothermal energy, typically supplied by underground water reservoirs, is a
main source of thermal energy used in electricity generation.
NUCLEAR ENERGY- type of energy that is released during nuclear reactions, specifically nuclear
fission or fusion.
NUCLEAR FISSION- the splitting of the nucleus of a heavy atom, such as uranium-235 or
plutonium-239. When the nucleus of an atom is split, a large amount of energy is released in the
form of heat. Nuclear fission is the process commonly used in nuclear power plants.
NUCLEAR FUSION- the merging of two light atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus. This
process releases a significant amount of energy. Fusion is the process that powers the sun and other
stars.
COMPONENTS
Central part- the nuclear power plant where nuclear fission reactions occurs.
Fuel rods- typically containing uranium-235 or plutonium-239, are placed in the reactor
core.
Control rods- used to regulate the rate of the fission reactions.
Coolant- circulates through the reactor core to absorb heat generated by the fission
reactions.
Generator- responsible for converting the mechanical energy from the turbines into
electrical energy.
Rods- made of materials that absorb neutrons and are inserted or withdrawn from the
reactor core to control the rate of fission reactions.
Reinforced structure- surrounds the reactor to contain any potential release of radioactive
materials. It is designed to withstand external forces and protect the environment in case of
accidents.
Control room- where operators monitor and control the various systems and parameters of
the nuclear power plant. It houses the control panels, instrumentation, and computers
necessary for safe and efficient operation.
PRINCIPLES AND APPLICATIONS
ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS
Hydrogen Generation- Nuclear power plants can be used to generate clean hydrogen,
which can be used to create ammonia and nitrogen for fertilizers.
Desalination and Water Treatment- Advanced reactor systems can be used to
concurrently produce water and electricity when paired with desalination plants, addressing
water scarcity and improving public health.
Industrial Processes- Heat from nuclear energy can drive various industrial processes, such
as steam electrolysis and melting iron for steel.
Medical and Consumer Products- Nuclear technology is used in various sectors, including
medicine, agriculture, consumer products, and industry.