Experimental investigation on the effect of channel width on flexible rubber blade water wheel performance

A laboratory scale flexible rubber blade water wheel has been investigated at the hydraulic laboratory of University of Southampton. The effect of channel width on water wheel performance has been studied. Different upstream and downstream channel widths are set for the tests. In this paper, the experimental set up, tested water wheel and the measurement procedure are described and the experimental results are shown. Results show significant improvement in power output and efficiency in reduced channel width.

► Channel shape plays vital role on the performance of water wheel.
► Flexible rubber blade water wheel has been tested in different channel widths.
► In the narrower channel, turbulence losses are reduced and performance increased.
► Channel wider than the wheel is not necessary for optimum wheel performance.