Chain and Sprocket Hydro Generator Drive System

Abstract

This project aims to bring power to rural towns in Malawi through the use of a micro hydro generator. Currently only about 11% of rural Malawi have electrical power access according to the world bank, sustainable energy for all database. The rugged terrain makes it ideal for hydro power. Near Hastings Mkandawire village is a small river which is diverted through plastic pipes. These pipes are plumbed downhill, this allows Hastings to increase the pressure of the water. At the bottom of the hill the water is directed at a water wheel on a shaft hooked up to a small generator. Hastings Mkandawire is the man who started the company Magnetic Power Company who is responsible for building these small generators. Hastings started by converting motor casings and other scrap materials into Nano-hydro-generators. What Hastings would like to have in his future design is sand casted key parts so generators can be mass produced. Hastings and his business want to spread access of electricity in his community and other small towns. We are going to aid in this process by helping to design a drive system that maximizes the performance measured as electrical power output for a flow of water.