Abstract:
In Romania, the small hydro power scheme (mini-, micro- and pico- hydro power) represents a potential renewable energy source
for electrical energy. Nevertheless, this small hydro potential must be used efficiently. The paper proposes an innovative e-method
of integrating design with manufacturing, for a small Pelton turbine. The first part presents the application of Rapid Product
Development (RPD) with focus on Product Design (PD) of a new, very small customized hydropower turbine. This turbine, with
an output of less than 5 kW, can be a good option for use in experimental research stands and for the electrification of rural
communities. In the second part, applications of Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM) technology, with focus on customized
small hydro turbine, are presented. An experimental Pelton turbine was manufactured, using an additive manufacturing
technology known as Polymer Jetting (PolyJet). The research was conducted at the Industrial Innovative Technologies
Laboratory, within the Advanced Manufacturing Technologies and Systems (AMTS) research department. The paper shows how
additive manufacturing technologies (AMT) can be used to build complex customized parts, such as new small Pelton turbines
(for the pico hydro scheme), used in experimental research stands. It gives guidelines for designers wishing to follow a similar
route.