Design, fabrication and performance assessment of the spiral water wheel pump for irrigation
Abstract
Due to resource depletion, the world today is using energy more efficiently, and extensive research is being done on sustainable energy. The Spiral water wheel pumps use river flow kinetic energy, a renewable energy source, to pump water to fields. They operate on the principle of energy conservation. As a source of food, agriculture is essential to daily life. A very large portion of the population finds employment opportunities in agriculture, which also serves as the foundation of our economy by providing food and raw materials. This research is focused on providing farmers with easier access to and a practical means of pumping water from rivers as it becomes more challenging to operate water pumps that requires electricity. The objective of this study is to design, fabricate, and analyze the cost benefit compared to other pumps in the market.
Relevant mathematical equations were used to obtain the dimensions required in designing of different components of the spiral water wheel pump and a 3D design developed using solid works software. After designing all the components, material selection was done, then fabrication and plumbing. Mild steel and Galvanized Iron were used for fabricating of the wheel, supports and shaft of the pump and high-density polythene pipes used for making the spirals and outlet. During testing of the pump, the following were necessary to obtain: (1) the discharge, (2) the head, and (3) the horizontal distance.
The spiral water wheel pump was designed, fabricated, plumbed and tested successfully and was found to pump water at the pumping efficiency of 95.5%. It is recommended that the pump should be installed in the river at maximum velocity of 3m/s. The use of water wheel pump should be implemented since it is affordable, labor friendly and can pump sufficient discharge.
Keywords: Discharge, Velocity, Head, Efficiency, Distance,