S.T.E.M. Research: Small-Scale Hydropower and Global Water Resources Study Guide

Project Identification and Authorship

• Project Title: S.T.E.M Research Paper: Power and Water Resources (Chemistry Semester Project)

• Submitted By:   - Dulzaides, Alex   - Haase, Sienna   - Keenan, Madelyn   - Morgan, Allison

• Group Identification: Period: A, Group No. $1$

• Date Submitted: April $28$, $2026$

• Instructor: Mrs. Ligon

Abstract: Problem Statement and Proposed Solution

• Global Issues Identified:   - The lack of access to electricity, particularly in rural and low-income areas.   - Environmental pollution resulting from traditional electricity production methods (e.g., fossil fuels).

• Primary Objective: To develop a sanitary, accessible, plausible, and sustainable energy source.

• Proposed System: A small-scale hydropower system that converts water flow into electricity through a series of energy conversions.

• Energy Conversion Path: The system follows a progression from gravitational energy $\rightarrow$ kinetic energy $\rightarrow$ mechanical energy $\rightarrow$ electrical energy.

• Storage and Application: The electrical energy is stored in a battery and used to power a model house.

• Key Hardware: A small-scale system connected to a DC motor which functions as a generator.

• Research Foundation: Previous literature and data were analyzed to understand past and present hydropower systems, various types of hydropower, benefits, and future potential.

• Findings: The system is designed for effective electricity generation with a low environmental impact. It is most efficient with available flowing water and has significant potential as a sustainable source for communities.

• Limitations: Large-scale execution can be costly and varies based on environment, ecosystem, and existing infrastructure. Despite these, the model acts as a proof of concept for core principles.

Background of Study and Introduction

• Goal: To identify an accessible and clean method for converting water flow into energy.

• Target Demographics: Locations in poverty where power is lacking.

• Essential Needs Addressed: Access to electricity facilitates food storage, lighting, functioning restrooms, cooking, and other vital utilities.

• Resource Rationale: Rivers are common geographic features; utilizing them to generate community power is a realistic and beneficial strategy.

• Benefits of Community Power: Improved sanitation, economic prosperity, and agricultural growth.

• Potential Scalability Challenges:   - High construction costs at a larger scale.   - Financial inability for some communities to afford generators or wire infrastructure.   - Lack of existing electrical appliances in certain extreme cases.

• Small-Scale Limitations: A primary technical concern is preventing water from damaging sensitive electronics.

Literature Review Summary

• Topic 1: Types, Benefits, and Future of Hydropower   - Major Source: "A Guide to Hydropower" by Fuergy.   - Insight: Provided the basic conceptual understanding of hydropower and its applications.

• Topic 2: Effects and Future of Hydropower in the US   - Major Source: Hydropower vision report by the US Department of Energy.   - Insight: Offered deep understanding of community benefits and effects within the United States.   - Noted Limitation: The research was US-centric and lacked focus on third-world applications.

• Topic 3: International Variety and Geography-Based Methods   - Major Source: "Four Innovations to Watch in Hydropower" by the International Energy Forum.   - Insight: Focused on how hydropower methods vary globally based on local geography.

• Topic 4: Technological Advancement and Research   - Major Source: "National Labs and Water Power" by Energy.Gov.   - Insight: Explored advancing technology and current research trends in water power.

• General Insights from Other Literature: Sources discussed economic and agricultural importance, technological advancements, and different hydropower classifications.

Design System and Methodology

• Physical Structure:   - Base: Foam board or cardboard approximately $30\,\text{cm} \times 20\,\text{cm}$ for a lightweight yet stable foundation.   - Water Containment: A shallow plastic tray (length: $20\,\text{cm} \text{ to } 25\,\text{cm}$) to guide flow and prevent water loss.

• The Turbine (Water Wheel):   - Material: Rigid plastic (PVC) for durability and lightness.   - Dimensions: Diameter of approximately $8\,\text{cm} \text{ to } 10\,\text{cm}$.   - Design Detail: Features evenly placed blades to maximize water contact and rotation.

• Power Generation Mechanics:   - Shaft: A wooden skewer, approximately $15\,\text{cm}$ long.   - Generator: A small DC motor capable of generating electricity at low speeds.   - Delivery System: A plastic tube (length: $20\,\text{cm}$) elevated at a height of $25\,\text{cm}$ to increase the speed of the water reaching the wheel.

• Storage: Electrical wires connect the DC motor to a rechargeable battery, which then powers the model house.

• Design Rationale:   - Lightweight and smooth materials were chosen to reduce rotational resistance and friction, improving energy transfer.   - Rectangular shapes for materials were utilized to minimize waste.

Scientific Principles of Operation

• Continuous Energy Process:   - Water flows from the elevated tube, converting gravitational energy into kinetic energy.   - The kinetic energy of the water hits the wheel blades, converting it into mechanical energy through the rotation of the wheel and shaft.   - The rotating shaft moves magnets within the DC motor, generating electrical energy via electromagnetic induction.   - Electromagnetic Induction Definition: The process where a moving magnet near a wire creates an electric current.

• Sustainability Features:   - Relies on renewable energy (moving water).   - Zero pollution production.   - Water can be collected and reused in a continuous, resource-conserving cycle.

• Comparative Advantage: Small hydropower systems avoid the environmental damage (flooding, habitat destruction) associated with large dams.

Comparative Data: Hydropower and Other Renewable Energies

• Small-Scale Hydropower Model:   - Source: Small controlled system of flowing water.   - Impact: Very low environmental disruption; no emissions.   - Factors: Consistent water flow, gravity, and generator system.   - Efficiency: High when flow is steady.   - Sustainability: High (reusable cycle, low impact).

• Large-Scale (Dams):   - Source: Reservoirs or large water storage.   - Impact: High; causes flooding and habitat loss.   - Factors: Controlled water release through dam infrastructure.   - Efficiency: Very high output with high environmental trade-offs.   - Sustainability: Less sustainable due to long-term ecological damage.

• Solar Energy:   - Source: Sunlight.   - Impact: Low; requires large land areas but no emissions.   - Factors: Sunlight availability and weather conditions.   - Efficiency: Moderate; varies by time of day.   - Sustainability: Highly sustainable and clean.

• Wind Energy:   - Source: Wind movement.   - Impact: Low; potential impact on birds and bats.   - Factors: Wind speed, location, and turbine systems.   - Efficiency: Moderate; varies with wind consistency.   - Sustainability: Highly sustainable and clean.

Global Statistics and Economic Impact

• Global Electricity Production: Hydropower produces approximately $16\%$ of the world's electricity.

• US Electricity Production: Hydropower produces approximately $6\%$ of US electricity.

• Nepal Case Study: Nepal relies on hydropower for approximately $98.6\%$ of its total electrical output.

• Economic Forecasts: According to Jose Zayas (US Department of Energy Technologies Office director), hydropower investments could support over $195,000$ jobs by $2050$ in the U.S.

• Environmental Role: Hydropower is vital for reversing climate change by reducing carbon emissions and preventing pollution from fossil fuel plants.

Drawbacks and Innovative Solutions

• Primary Drawbacks:   - Ecosystem disruption (fish migration, river health).   - High construction costs for infrastructure.   - Potential for reduced efficiency depending on environment.

• Proposed Innovations/Solutions:   - Turbine Technology: Implementation of fish-friendly turbines with temperature regulation.   - Retrofitting: Upgrading efficiency of existing dams rather than building new ones.   - Small-Scale Dams: Increasing the use of mini/micro dams for maximum efficiency with lower impact.   - Hybrid Systems: Pairing hydropower with solar and wind as energy storage (e.g., initiatives by FUERGY) to improve overall reliability.

Key Findings and Future Research

• Key Achievements: Successful identification of the hydropower process and development of a sustainable small-scale prototype.

• System Strengths: Clear real-world application, low environmental impact, and an effective full energy conversion process.

• System Weaknesses: Small-scale materials may not be suitable for long-term use; model cannot perfectly illustrate performance in all different environments.

• Opportunities for Future Research:   - Real-world scaling of the model for larger communities.   - Long-term durability and maintenance requirements for materials.   - Integration into existing societal infrastructure.   - Environmental impacts on efficiency.

• Sustainability Context: These systems are especially useful in regions with rivers/streams and can be integrated without requiring major infrastructure transformations.