E-Vortex: Energy from Waste & Storm Water Conveyance Systems(harvesting energy from our urban rivers) Dr. Erez Allouche & Dr. Arun Jaganathan Trenchless Technology Center Louisiana Tech University November 5, 2009

Summary StatementThe primary role of drop structures is to direct flow from shallow surface sewers to deeper collection tunnels via a vertical shaft. There are thousands of drop structures across North America, some 300 feet tall, which convey billions of gallons per day. We are developing an innovative method for harvesting the kinetic energy from the flow and converting it to electric power.

Research Context and Prior WorkDevelop a low profile, low cost micro turbine-alternator assembly that can be retrofitted within the inner wall of the vertical pipe in a Vortex Flow Insert drop structure with minimum obstruction to passage of fluids while maximizing the number of revolutions for a given flow rate.

ChallengesDetermine the optimal geometry and orientation of blades as well as the optimal number of blades in the turbine. Mechanical design minimize the vertical load (or weight) applied to the turbine structure. Electrical Design design of alternator for power generation; variability in frequency and voltage of the produced electric power due to the highly variable flow rate.

Accomplishments to DateDevelopment of a 3-D numerical model of the vortex drop structure using a computational fluid dynamics package (Flow-3D)

Design of a 5 ft tall experimental prototype to be fabricated at LTU hydraulic laboratory.

Plans for 2009-10Complete numerical model and optimize blade design Fabricate a physical model to validate predictions from numerical modelFabricate and test a micro turbine-alternator assemblyInterest in technology by the City of Indianapolis (currently planning construction of a 250 tall drop structure; hope to use power production to off-set construction costs)

Value PropositionUniqueness - Emerging renewable hydro technologies are river and tidal based; little development aimed at harvesting urban rivers. Potential Infrastructure already exists (there are 250 drop structures in Chicago alone); generate power where the customers are (urban centers); significant energy potential (some 300 ft tall, 4500 cu.ft. per second) Adaptability can be easily adapted globally (sewer systems around the globe are nearly identical)

**Remaining R&DTechnical riskRemaining milestonesFuture enhancementsNeed for outside expertise or resources