Prototype Development of an Automatic and Floating Structured Hydropower Plant

The prototype development of an automatic and floating structured hydropower plant constitutes a pioneering initiative aimed at addressing the critical issue of energy scarcity in remote areas. This research is centered on the creation of an innovative and sustainable energy solution that capitalizes on diverse water flow conditions. It involves design and construction of a floating hydropower plant that seamlessly integrates a Pico hydro turbine, generator, and control system. The IoT technology is incorporated to enable real-time monitoring and visualization of essential electrical parameters through mobile apps. In light of the escalating global demand for renewable energy solutions, this research holds immense significance. By extending access to electricity to off-grid communities, especially those residing in remote regions where conventional energy infrastructure is impractical, the proposed floating hydropower plant offers a reliable, eco-friendly power source. Its deployment in rivers and water bodies underscores its adaptability and potential to significantly alleviate energy deficits in underserved areas. As the world grapples with the pressing need for a transition toward sustainable energy sources, this project serves as a beacon of ingenuity and progress. By broadening the scope of the original research and exploring avenues for further enhancement, this endeavor underscores the commitment to a future where accessible, clean, and efficient power generation can transform the lives of communities plagued by energy scarcity. The outcomes and implications of this research endeavor not only contribute to the field of renewable energy but also provide a foundation for future innovations in sustainable power generation systems.


I. INTRODUCTION
In recent years, there has been growing interest in the concept of floating structure hydropower plants as an innovative and sustainable solution to overcome the limitations of traditional land-based installations [1].Floating structure hydropower plants involve the installation of power generation facilities on floating platforms in water bodies such as lakes, reservoirs, rivers, or even offshore environments [2].This approach The associate editor coordinating the review of this manuscript and approving it for publication was Tariq Masood .offers several advantages, including increased flexibility in plant location, efficient utilization of underutilized water bodies, reduced environmental impact, and improved scalability.Hydropower is one of the oldest and most widely used forms of renewable energy.It has been used for thousands of years to power mills and other machinery, and in the 19 th century, it became an important source of electricity for industrialized societies.The first hydropower plant was built in Northumberland, England in 1878 [3].The plant used a water turbine to generate electricity, which was then used to power streetlights in the town of Cragside.Over the next few decades, hydropower plants became increasingly common, especially in areas with abundant water resources [4].In the early 20 th century, hydropower technology continued to evolve.New types of turbines were developed that were more efficient and could generate more power.Dams were built to create large reservoirs of water, which could be used to generate electricity on demand.By the 1920s, hydropower was the primary source of electricity in many parts of the world [5].
In the decades that followed, hydropower continued to play an important role in the energy mix of many countries.However, there were also concerns about the environmental impact of large-scale hydropower projects.Dams can have significant ecological effects, including altering river flows and disrupting fish populations [6].Despite these concerns, hydropower remains an important source of renewable energy today.It is used to generate electricity in countries all over the world, from the United States to China to Brazil.In recent years, there has been renewed interest in small-scale hydropower projects, which can be less damaging to the environment than large dams.The Prototype Development of an Automatic and Floating Structured HydroPower Plant aligns with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).It addresses SDG 7 by providing affordable clean energy to remote areas through water currents, supporting SDG 9 by innovating with hydrokinetic turbines and IoT integration, contributing to SDG 11 by enhancing off-grid communities, advancing SDG 13 through reduced carbon emissions, and fostering partnerships for SDG 17, promoting collaboration among stakeholders for effective sustainable energy implementation [7].
Hydropower plants work by harnessing the energy of moving water to generate electricity.The most common type of hydropower plant is a dam, which creates a large reservoir of water that can be used to generate electricity on demand.When water flows through the dam, it turns a turbine, which in turn generates electricity.There are several different types of hydropower plants, each with its advantages and disadvantages.Run-of-river plants, for example, use the natural flow of a river to generate electricity, without the need for a dam [8].This can be less damaging to the environment than large dams, but it can also be less reliable, as the amount of electricity generated depends on the amount of water flowing through the river.Another type of hydropower plant is a pumped-storage plant.These plants use excess electricity to pump water from a lower reservoir to a higher one.
This paper addresses key challenges in hydropower: 1. High costs hinder rural access.A cost-effective alternative is crucial [9].2. Complex installation limits deployment.A floating structure aids flexibility [10].3. Lack of monitoring and control hampers performance.
IoT integration offers real-time oversight [11].4. Current visualization methods are inadequate.A mobile app interface enhances transparency [12].Addressing these problems will lead to the development of a low-cost, easy-to-install, and remotely monitored hydropower plant, providing a sustainable energy solution for remote and rural areas.The project's flexible and mobile nature makes it an ideal solution for powering communities that are off the grid or have limited access to electricity.The project can also provide a sustainable source of power for agriculture and irrigation systems, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels.The Prototype Development of an Automatic and Floating Structured Hydropower Plant is an innovative and sustainable solution to address energy scarcity in remote areas.The project's flexible and automatic nature makes it an ideal solution for generating power in various water flow conditions and supporting various applications.The integration of IoT technology allows for remote monitoring and control of the power generation system, making it a reliable and efficient source of power.The systematically navigates a comprehensive methodology encompassing the innovative design of a floating Pico-hydro turbine, intricate turbine wheel rotation calculations, seamless integration of an undershoot water wheel, and the strategic inclusion of a DC generator.The subsequent electronics circuit synergizes with IoT technology for enhanced efficiency.Results and analysis unveil the MATLAB/Simulink model simulation alongside prototype testing outcomes in a canal.This journey culminates in a conclusive reflection and prospects for future applications and development.
The existing body of literature extensively explores various dimensions of hydropower integration and related technologies.In [13] delve into the components and environmental aspects of conventional hydropower, emphasizing grid integration and pumped storage.In [14] focuses on design considerations for micro-hydroelectric power plants, employing MATLAB Simulink to determine parameters, with a sustainability and efficiency focus.In [15] study the efficiency of micro hydropower undershot turbines, highlighting blade tilt angles' impact on energy conversion.In () [16] present the modeling, simulation, and fabrication of an undershot floating waterwheel, demonstrating the effect of water flow velocity on power output.Integration of renewable, like micro hydropower, has been examined in [17], proposing hybrid PV systems and micro-hydropower systems for continuous power supply.In [18] model and simulate micro-hydropower plants, showcasing speed governing control system stability.Sharma and in [19] focus on run-off river plant modeling, comparing and analyzing hydraulic turbine and governor behavior using MATLAB/SIMULINK.Pico hydropower's potential in rural electrification is highlighted in [20], stressing its cost-effectiveness and suitability for remote areas.In [21] introduce a portable floating pico-hydro system, featuring a low-speed DC generator, controller, and DC-DC converter for power generation.In [22] design a prototype hydroelectric power station within floating cages, investigating wheel diameter and sensor systems' impact.In [23] optimizes gravity water wheel performance, evaluating undershot, breastshot, and overshot water wheels.In [24] models and simulates Shiroro Hydropower Plant's dynamics using MATLAB/Simulink.In [25] MATLAB/ SIMULINK-based simulation model explores hydropower plant dynamics.In [26] introduces a HYPER numerical simulation model for run-of-the-river hydropower plants.In [27] examines water wheels for rural electricity in Sri Lanka, optimizing blade configurations.In [28] low-head hydraulic turbine systems, align with renewable energy's changing landscape.
In [29] investigates micro-hydropower system management for rural electrification in Bhutan.In [30] explores wastewater discharge for electricity production using water turbine/electrical generator setups.Asynchronous vs. synchronous generators for small consumers are compared in [31].Self propelled floating power plants (FPP) are discussed in [32].Small-scale hydroelectric power plant evaluation and design intricacies are explored in [33].In [34] assesses Nepal's hydropower potential and power supply planning.Innovative solutions for renewable energy generation are introduced by Gandhi et al. [2], Vermaak et al. [35], and Khan et al. [36].Bryan Patrick Ho-Yan [37] designs a pico hydro turbine for rural electrification in Cameroon.In [38] reviews Ultra-Low Head hydropower's potential as an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods.
In summarizing the insights from existing literature, several key drawbacks and potential solutions emerge.Traditional hydropower plants face challenges in grid integration and environmental impacts.While micro-hydroelectric power plants offer sustainable solutions, fluctuations in solar irradiance can affect hybrid PV systems' reliability.The importance of generator selection for small electric power consumers is stressed.The management of micro-hydropower systems for rural electrification requires load balancing and grid connectivity solutions.While wastewater discharge shows promise for electricity generation, the transition from large-scale hydropower to low-head systems presents design complexities.Despite the appeal of floating power generators, their real-world scalability and adaptability need evaluation.The research also highlights the significance of appropriate turbine design for rural electrification.The review emphasizes that Ultra-lowhead hydropower can address environmental concerns, but installation sites and sustainable practices must be carefully considered.These insights underscore the need for innovative design approaches and comprehensive planning to maximize the benefits of hydropower while minimizing its drawbacks.
The novelty of the paper is as follows: 1.To develop a floating structure that is lightweight, modular, and easy to install and transport.The structure will be designed to withstand various environmental conditions, ensuring stability and durability while minimizing the need for extensive infrastructure.2. To integrate IoT technology for remote monitoring and control of the hydropower plant.This will involve the implementation of sensors and communication systems to gather real-time data on performance parameters such as turbine speed, water flow, and power output.
Remote monitoring and control will enable efficient operation and maintenance.3. To develop a mobile app interface that enables visualization and tracking of the voltage, current, and power generated by the hydropower plant.The app will provide users with real-time data, allowing them to monitor the plant's performance, identify any issues, and make informed decisions regarding energy usage.

II. PROBLEM STATEMENT
The Prototype Development of an Automatic and Floating Structured Hydropower Plant aims to address several challenges and gaps in the field of renewable energy generation.
The current problem revolves around the limited access to affordable and efficient hydropower solutions, especially in remote and rural areas.The existing hydropower plants are often expensive, complex to install, and lack advanced monitoring and control capabilities.This research identifies the following key problems: 1. High cost and limited availability of hydropower solutions: Conventional hydropower plants are expensive to construct and maintain, making them inaccessible to remote and rural communities [39].There is a need for a low-cost alternative that can provide affordable electricity generation.2. Difficulty in installation and transportation: Existing hydropower plants require complex infrastructure and extensive construction, limiting their deployment in various locations [40].There is a need for a floating structure that is easy to install and transport, enabling power generation in diverse water bodies.3. Lack of remote monitoring and control: Traditional hydropower plants often lack advanced monitoring and control systems, making it challenging to monitor their performance and optimize power generation [41].
There is a need to integrate IoT technology for real-time monitoring and remote control of the plant, enabling efficient operation and maintenance.

Limited visualization of power generation parameters:
Existing hydropower plants lack effective methods to visualize and track the voltage, current, and power generated [42].There is a need to develop a mobile app interface that allows users to monitor and track the electrical parameters, promoting transparency and informed decision-making.5. Evaluation of efficiency and cost-effectiveness: It is essential to evaluate the performance of the prototype in terms of its efficiency and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional hydropower plants [43].This evaluation will help identify areas for improvement and ensure the viability of the developed solution.Addressing these problems will lead to the development of a low-cost, easy-to-install, and remotely monitored hydropower plant, providing a sustainable energy solution for remote and rural areas.

III. METHODOLOGY A. FLOATING PICO-HYDRO TURBINE
The design of the floating structure is a critical aspect of the project.It focuses on developing a lightweight yet robust platform that can support the turbine, generator, and control system while floating on water.Material selection is critical to ensure corrosion resistance and durability, considering the aquatic environment and exposure to weather conditions.
Developing a hydroelectric power station integrated with floating cages involves various essential processes, including design and prototyping [44].The hydroelectric power station system is meticulously designed to be seamlessly integrated into the floating cages, as illustrated in Figure 1.This design approach enables the hydroelectric power station to effectively harness the kinetic energy of the river's flow, converting it into clean and renewable electricity.

B. TURBINE WHEEL ROTATION CALCULATIONS
In the prototype hydropower plant, the gear system plays a crucial role in increasing the rotation speed of the generator to efficiently generate electricity.The gear setup consists of four gears: Turbine Gear, Gear1, Gear2, and Generator Gear.
The gear ratios can be represented as follows: Turbine Gear : Gear1 Gear2 : Generator Gear 48 : 8 48 : 6 6 : 1 8 : 1 To calculate the Turbine Gear's rotation to Generator Gear's rotation, we can combine the gear ratios: Turbine Gear : Generator Gear 1 : (8 × 6) 1 : 48 Thus, for every single rotation of the Turbine Gear, the Generator Gear rotates 48 times.During the testing phase in the canal, the Turbine wheel was observed to rotate 15 times in one minute.Consequently, the Generator Gear will rotate 15 × 48 = 720 revolutions per minute as shown in Table 1.
This calculated data demonstrates the gear system's effectiveness in significantly increasing the generator's rotation speed, resulting in a higher rate of electricity generation.

C. UNDERSHOOT WATER WHEEL
The undershoot water wheel turbine is constructed with a Plastic plate featuring 12 closed blades.These blades are designed like a Pelton turbine, where the incoming water is directed to strike the turbine and subsequently gets trapped, 109192 VOLUME 11, 2023 Authorized licensed use limited to the terms of the applicable license agreement with IEEE.Restrictions apply.imparting force to the turbine [45].The Pelton turbine is characterized by its specially shaped buckets, which further enhance the efficiency of the turbine in capturing the water's kinetic energy as illustrated in Figure 2. Table 2 presents the specifications of the undershoot water wheel turbine, which is made of a plastic plate with 12 closed blades.The turbine's design, inspired by the Pelton turbine, allows efficient capture of kinetic energy from the flowing water.

D. DC GENERATOR
The DC generator with a permanent magnet is a crucial component of the hydroelectric power plant as it plays a vital role in converting the mechanical energy from the water wheel rotation into electrical power [46].During the selection process, various parameters should be carefully considered, including the generator's nominal speed, power output, dimensions, and weight.These factors influence the overall performance and efficiency of the power generation system.Choosing an appropriate generator is essential to ensure optimal power conversion and reliable electricity generation from the kinetic energy harnessed by the water wheel.By evaluating and selecting the right DC generator, the hydropower plant can effectively and efficiently harness renewable energy from flowing water, contributing to a sustainable and eco-friendly power generation solution [40].
Table 3 presents the specifications of the permanent magnet DC generator used in the hydroelectric power plant.The  table includes details such as length, diameter, type, nominal speed, weight, voltage, and current, crucial for the generator's efficient functioning and integration into the system.

E. ELECTRONICS CIRCUIT
The electronic circuit of the hydroelectric power plant consists of several essential components, each playing a vital role in the efficient operation of the system.The main components include the electric power generator, DC-DC converters for voltage conversion, voltage and current sensors to monitor input and output parameters, microcontrollers for overall system control, an IoT microcontroller to transmit data to the internet cloud, an LCD, and the load.Figure 4 illustrates the block diagram of this electronic circuit [47], [48].
The DC-DC converters play a crucial role in converting the generated DC voltage to the desired voltage level suitable for various applications within the power plant.To ensure efficient performance and system safety, voltage and current sensors are incorporated to monitor the input and output parameters of the DC-DC converters continuously [49].These sensors provide real-time feedback to the control system, allowing for accurate adjustments as needed.The microcontrollers act as the central control unit, overseeing and regulating the entire system's operation.They receive data from the sensors, process it, and make decisions to optimize power generation and system efficiency.The prototype's electronic circuit employs water turbine-generated power, amplified through a gearbox to drive a generator.A DC voltage regulator stabilizes fluctuating voltages, connecting to a load.Current and voltage sensors feed data to an Arduino Uno microcontroller, displayed on an LCD.The ESP8266 microcontroller connects to Blynk Cloud via the internet, facilitating real-time data visualization and remote monitoring.This integrated circuit ensures stable electricity generation, enhanced by IoT connectivity for efficient and sustainable renewable energy harnessing from flowing water sources as shown in Figure 5.

F. INCORPORATION OF IOT TECHNOLOGY
The infusion of Internet of Things (IoT) technology into the project has revolutionized the Automatic and Floating Structured Hydropower Plant.Real-time data acquisition from sensors relayed to the Arduino Uno enables immediate insights into power output and system health.The integration of the ESP8266 (NodeMCU) microcontroller establishes seamless connectivity to the Blynk cloud platform shown in Figure 6, allowing remote monitoring and control.This IoT-driven approach enhances operational efficiency, data visualization, and sustainability, positioning the project as a pioneering solution in the realm of renewable energy.
The Blynk Cloud Platform lies at the core of the IoT integration, acting as a vital conduit connecting the hydro power plant's sensors and controllers to the user interface.It enables the real-time transmission of data from the plant's sensors, offering a secure and efficient data management solution.Figure 6 illustrates the platform's prowess in remote monitoring and control, empowering users with the ability to oversee the hydro power plant's status from virtually anywhere with internet access.This extends to monitoring key parameters like power output, voltage, and current, while also granting the flexibility to make remote adjustments or execute commands.The platform's user-friendly interface, thoughtfully depicted in Figure 6, provides an intuitive and visually engaging representation of critical data, ensuring that operators and maintenance personnel can readily interpret the plant's performance.This accessibility proves invaluable in the efficient operation and upkeep of the hydro power plant.
The mobile accessibility showcased in Figure 7 demonstrates a significant advantage of the Blynk Cloud Platform, as users can effortlessly tap into real-time data and exercise control over the hydro power plant via their smartphones or tablets.This functionality substantially enhances the system's flexibility, liberating users from the confines of a fixed location for monitoring and management.Impressively, the mobile view appears to be meticulously tailored for smaller screens, ensuring that users can navigate and engage with the platform seamlessly across a spectrum of mobile devices.This responsiveness is paramount for on-the-fly monitoring and swift decision-making.Moreover, this mobile interface grants users immediate insights into the hydro power plant's performance, allowing them to access vital information regarding power generation statistics, voltage and current readings, and other critical data without any delay.Such instantaneous access proves invaluable for efficient plant oversight and timely actions.
This IoT-driven approach enhances operational efficiency, data visualization, and sustainability, positioning the project as a pioneering solution in the realm of renewable energy.

IV. RESULTS AND ANALYSIS
The presentation and analysis of results obtained from rigorous testing and validation, shed light on the prototype's performance and efficiency.A thorough comparison with existing systems or technologies accompanies the discussion, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of its implications and significance.

A. MATLAB/SIMULINK MODEL SIMULATION
The MATLAB/Simulink model simulates the prototype water turbine generator shown in Figure 8, where a PMDC machine is employed as the generator.The PMDC machine receives input in the form of speed from the prime mover.To convert the speed from RPM to rad/s, a constant block is connected through a gain block.This ensures that the PMDC machine receives speed in the appropriate units for generator operation.
The generator produces an output in the form of DC voltage and current, which is obtained from the positive and negative terminals.To measure the generated voltages and current, Voltmeter and Ammeter measuring instruments are used.To regulate the output of the generator, a combination of capacitor and inductor is connected.This is essential as the generator generates pulsating voltages, and the capacitor-inductor combination helps in stabilizing and maintaining a constant voltage.In the MATLAB/Simulink model, the output of the Voltmeter and Ammeter is multiplied using a product block to calculate the generated power.This enables us to visualize the power output of the water turbine generator.
The generated power is then displayed on the LCD screen, providing a clear and real-time representation of the power generated by the water turbine.This simulation allows for the evaluation of the system's performance and the efficiency of power generation under different operating conditions.By employing MATLAB/Simulink for the simulation, the 109196 VOLUME 11, 2023 Authorized licensed use limited to the terms of the applicable license agreement with IEEE.Restrictions apply.behavior of the prototype water turbine generator can be analyzed comprehensively.This model serves as a valuable tool for assessing the performance of the system, optimizing its design, and making informed decisions for its further development and implementation as shown in Figure 9.
Table 4 presents the results obtained from the simulation tests conducted using the MATLAB/Simulink model.These tests were performed to analyze the power generated by the water turbine generator at various speeds, showcasing its performance under different operating conditions.

B. THE RESULTS OBTAINED FROM TESTING OF PROTOTYPE IN THE CANAL
During the testing and validation of the prototype in the canal, it was observed that the performance of the floating structured hydropower plant was influenced by losses in the physical system.While the generated power closely aligned with the simulated results, some variations were noted due to losses in the system.These losses can be attributed to factors such as mechanical friction, electrical losses, and other inefficiencies.However, overall, the prototype demonstrated reliable and efficient power generation capabilities, despite minor deviations from the simulated performance.
During the testing phase, the prototype of the automatic and floating structured hydropower plant was subjected to six different generator rotation speeds, ranging from 480 rpm to 261 rpm.The corresponding power generated by the prototype at each speed was measured and recorded.The results indicated that the power generation was directly influenced by the rotation speed of the generator, with higher speeds resulting in higher power outputs.At 480 rpm, the prototype produced 204 watts of power, which gradually decreased as the generator rotation speed reduced.At 261 rpm, the prototype generated 23.6 watts of power.Table 5 illustrates the prototype power generated at different speeds.Figure 10 shows the power generated under different rotational speeds and the graph line shows an exponential increase in the electrical power generated.These findings demonstrate the significant impact of generator rotation speed on power generation efficiency and help identify the optimal operating range for the prototype to achieve maximum power output.
The results obtained from the testing phase revealed the impressive power generation capabilities of the prototype.As the generator rotation speed increased, the power output exhibited a proportional rise, signifying the system's ability to effectively convert water's kinetic energy into electricity.The data revealed power generation values ranging from 23.6 watts at 261 rpm to 204 watts at 480 rpm.This direct correlation between generator speed and power output demonstrates the efficiency of the prototype.
In Figure 11, snapshots (a, b, c, d) colorfully capture the multifaceted prototype of the Automatic and Floating Structured Hydropower Plant.These images show the prototype from diverse angles, presenting its innovative design and real-world testing scenario within a canal environment.

V. CONCLUSION
The Prototype Development of an Automatic and Floating Structured Hydro Power Plant signifies a remarkable achievement in the realm of sustainable energy solutions.Through innovative design and the integration of IoT technology, the project has effectively demonstrated the potential of a versatile and efficient floating hydro power plant, producing a noteworthy 204 watts of power at 480 rpm.These findings underscore the prototype's enhanced efficiency, scalability, and adaptability, positioning it as a transformative solution for remote and off-grid power generation.This contribution to renewable energy practices not only empowers underserved communities but also showcases significant technological advancements.Consequently, this endeavor propels us closer to realizing a greener and more accessible energy future.The portable nature of the floating pico-hydro system further reinforces its efficiency and cost-effectiveness, as it requires no permanent civil works installation, is user-friendly, and has minimal ecological impact, making it a promising and sustainable energy solution.

VI. APPLICATIONS AND FUTURE WORK
The Prototype Development of an Automatic and Floating Structured Hydropower Plant exhibits versatile applications and beckons future endeavors.This innovation holds the potential to illuminate remote communities and power agricultural irrigation systems, mitigating energy scarcity.Furthermore, its scalability and adaptability position it as a key player in disaster relief efforts.Future work should delve into real-world implementation, optimizing turbine designs, exploring hybrid renewable energy systems, and conducting comprehensive environmental impact assessments.This holistic approach will not only refine the prototype's performance but also shape the blueprint for a sustainable and energy-abundant future.

FIGURE 11 .
FIGURE 11.Snapshots of the developed prototype of an automatic and floating structured hydropower plant.

TABLE 1 .
Different calculation of rotation of turbine water wheel.

TABLE 3 .
Specification of permanent magnet DC generator.

TABLE 5 .
Prototype power generated on different speeds.