A large lawn sprinkler with four identical arms is to be converted into a turbine to generate electric power by attaching a generator to its rotating head, as shown in the below figure. Water enters the sprinkler from the base, along the axis of rotation, at a rate of 20 L/s and leaves the nozzles in the tangential direction. The sprinkler rotates at a rate of 300 rpm in a horizontal plane. The diameter of each jet is 1 cm and the normal distance between the axis of rotation and the center of each nozzle is 0.6 m. Note the relative motion between the jets and nozzles.
1. Use the angular momentum analysis to estimate the electric power produced. Explain your work details.
2. Conduct a parametric study to investigate the effects of operating variables that influence the generated power. These parameters may include the number of nozzles, angle of nozzles, water flow rate, sprinkler rotational speed (rpm), etc. Support your discussion with plots and trends. Select wide and suitable ranges of variables.
3. Investigate the optimum operating conditions (best combination) for maximum power production. Suggest design modifications, if possible.
4. Support your conclusions and recommendation with results from your study.
