Hydroelectric Power

I was the mechanical and civil lead for a pico-hydroelectric project run through Dartmouth Humanitarian Engineering (DHE). I was involved in design, construction and implementation of the system. For an independent study I built and tested a variety of nozzles that were modeled using SolidWorks. I also developed a MATLAB code with two other students that accurately modeled (at the system level) the civil, mechanical and electrical components of the system as an aid in designing systems for sites with different head and flow. 

I made a layup board for aluminum sandcasting turbine buckets by external contractors. Later I developed in-house aluminum sandcasting (right) capabilities that could be implemented in Rwanda.  

Using SolidWorks's simulation capabilities, I performed strength and fatigue analyses on several components. I also helped build and design a local test site in Vermont before sending a team over to Rwanda to implement a full hydro site.

The hydroelectric system was used to charge batteries used for running lights, radios, hair clippers, cell phones and more!