Publications
The Tuapeka linear turbine was developed through theoretical analysis, experimental investigation and practical design. The publications collected here document the development of the underlying theory and its application to a simple river-flow turbine intended for practical construction.
The 1984 work develops the theoretical conditions governing an open-channel-flow linear turbine and compares the theory with experimental measurements. The later design work applies this foundation to the development of a small, approximately 1 kW river-flow turbine using simple and readily available materials.
1984 — Theoretical Conditions Related to an Open Channel Flow Linear Turbine
K. Ishida and M. J. Service
Published in Small Hydro Power Fluid Machinery 1984, presented at the Winter Annual Meeting of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, New Orleans, Louisiana, 9–14 December 1984.
This paper develops a theoretical model for a linear turbine operating in open-channel flow. It examines the relationship between flow conditions, vane motion, vane forces and power output, and compares theoretical predictions with measurements obtained from experimental vane tests.
Publication details
Ishida, K. and Service, M. J., “Theoretical Conditions Related to an Open Channel Flow Linear Turbine,” Small Hydro Power Fluid Machinery 1984, pp. 101–106.
1986 — A Simple River Flow Linear Turbine Design for Developing Countries
M. J. Service
This paper develops a practical 1 kW linear turbine intended for use in river flows, with emphasis on simple, inexpensive construction using locally available materials and semi-skilled labour. It applies the earlier theoretical work to the design of a complete turbine, including the vane system, chain and wheel arrangement, speed control, power take-off and support system.
The proposed design uses two loops of chain carrying balanced sheet-metal vanes whose angle can change with the operating conditions. Power is taken off through a modified bicycle transmission and V-belt drive to two automotive alternators, while the turbine assembly is supported in the river by floats and cables to the river banks.
Publication details
Service, M. J., “A Simple River Flow Linear Turbine Design for Developing Countries,” Fourth International Symposium on Hydro Power Fluid Machinery, presented at the Winter Annual Meeting of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Anaheim, California, 7–12 December 1986.
Construction Drawings — 1 kW Linear Turbine
Appendix C provides three sheets of detailed construction drawings for the 1 kW linear turbine. The drawings show the overall turbine arrangement and principal dimensions, vane and sprocket assemblies, support structure, control mechanism, and power-transmission arrangement.
The drawings accompany the practical turbine design described above and provide construction details intended to allow the turbine to be fabricated using relatively simple materials and workshop methods.