ABSTRACT
An outward radial flow reaction water turbine was designed based on Euler one-dimensional theory, constructed and tested to drive a 6W bicycle electric dynamo using water from supply mains. The turbine watered and lit the place it was tested eliminating the use of energy from other costlier sources which are not as environmental friendly. Available literature showed that water and steam had been used in providing the needed pressure for turbines based on the one-dimensional theory with successes recorded in the past. Dedicated efforts were made in Europe and America at improving different designs until Pelton impulse turbine, the Francis turbine and the Kaplan turbine now universally accepted were satisfactorily designed. In the production of this turbine (water sprinkler), the interest was more on power generation than watering, therefore four arms were used to discharge more water so as to deliver surplus of useful power. Consequently, the design angular speed of the turbine, the rotor arm diameter, the work done on each arm by the fluid, the tangential force and tolerances were determined. Mild steel, cast aluminium alloy and stainless steel were used to fabricate this turbine because they were readily available, cheap and machinable. A range of power output of 0.42W to 2.66W was obtained for a range of mains pressure of 2 5 10 5.1 mN ? to 2 5 10 8.2 mN ? . The results obtained from readings taken were tabulated and graphs plotted accordingly. The optimum performance occurred at 2 5 10 2 mN ? , a speed of 600rpm and a mass flow rate of 0.685 kg/s. The maximum power obtained at maximum mains pressure of 2 5 10 8.2 mN ? was 2.66W. The cost of the water turbine stood at thirty five thousand, three hundred and eighty naira only (N35, 380.00) and this would reduce greatly when the water turbine is mass produced. Power was generated to lit the place that the water turbine was used from the residual power head.