Wu, Qiwen, Department of Engineering Physics, Juniata College, 1700 Moore St, Huntingdon, PA 16652, WUQX22@juniata.edu; Adhikari, Kushal, Department of Environmental engineering, Juniata College, 1700 Moore St, Huntingdon, PA 16652, ADHIKARI@juniata.edu.
Waterwheels are simple yet effective mechanisms that convert energy from flowing water into rotational energy. This study proposes an optimal waterwheel configuration designed to maximize efficiency when integrated with an alternator to generate electricity. Using Autodesk Fusion for design and Prusa 3D printing for fabrication, five waterwheel models were tested under varying flow rates to measure rotational energy and efficiency. The efficiency was calculated by comparing the rotational energy produced to the gravitational energy of the water. Results showed that solid waterwheels with curvy paddles were the most efficient, while hollow designs were the least.
This project will culminate in the construction of a demonstration waterwheel system for Juniata College’s engineering lab, serving as both a practical teaching tool for energy conversion and electricity generation concepts, and as a way to inspire high school students’ interest in STEM during outreach events. Additionally, it serves as a preliminary investigation into scalable waterwheel systems for addressing energy needs in impoverished areas, with the next step being the installation of a pilot system in the river at Sparks Farm, a Juniata College property.
