Dr. Renyl Barroca, Asst. Dean of the School of Engineering and Architecture and one of the faculty-researchers at the Center for Renewable Energy and Appropriate Technologies / Mindanao Renewable Energy Center, engages with a community in Marilog, Davao City, which could potentially host a demonstration facility for pico-hydrokinetic turbine (HKT).
The HKT is an emerging field in hydropower generation. It is a hydro machine that works with the kinetic energy of water only and thus an elevation head is not crucial in the design. The HKT system is similar to wind turbines in principles and operation but differs in the type of working fluid used. The HKT principle has vast potential for applications in terms of power generation on distributed scale that directly benefits the communities along the river systems.
Text and Images: AdDU Center for Renewable Energy and Appropriate Technologies