Dr. J.R.Gandhi et al. Int. Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com ISSN: 2248-9622, Vol. 6, Issue 2, (Part - 6) February 2016, pp.49-52 www.ijera.com 49|Page Renewable Energy Based Floating Power Generator (Rivers and Canals) Dr. J.R.Gandhi 1 , Harshvardhan Jha 2 , S. N. Jha 3 and Dr. D.S.Patel 4 1 Department of Physics, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh VIdyanagar, Gujarat, India. 2 Final year student, Institute of Studies & Research in Renewable Energy, New Vallabh Vidyanagar. 3 Consultant, Supernova Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Vitthal Udyognagar, Dist. Anand 4 Research Scientist-Renewable Energy Department, Dinesh Allorga Ltd. At. Lunej, Khambhat, Gujarat Abstract We have developed a stand alone, (river and canal water stream) floating power generator system for village electrification, agriculture water pumping, bridge street lights and such other utilities. The system is the unique one of its kind as per our knowledge and various surveys. The physical structure of the system is made of the non corrosive and unbreakable materials like mild steel, fiber glass etc. It works, as it rotates in the water flow. It does not require any kind of the external electric grid power for its working. As the water flows, the specially designed blades of the system rotate in the direction of the flow and ultimately the consistent power is generated, this power can be used directly or it may be stored in battery and the utilized as and when required. No permanent installation, No pollution and environment friendly floating Pico turbine. The observations taken from the sight are tabulated and accordingly results are discussed. Key Words: Water Stream, Float, Water Wheel, Water proof power generator, Electric load I. Introduction Humans have used the hydropower for more than 2000 years. Hydropower is the rate at which hydraulic energy is extracted from specific amount of falling water as a result of its velocity or position or both. As a working fluid, water in a hydropower system is not consumed and is available for other uses. Hydropower can be used to power machinery or to generate electricity or both at the same time. The small scale hydro plants are suitable for mechanical applications while large scale hydro power plants are used for electricity generation [1]. For a well planned and operated hydropower project, electricity generation technology is stated as one of the cheapest in terms of cost possibly because of the working fuel availability free of cost without its wastage [2]. It is the most important renewable energy contributes for more than 19% of the world total electricity generation. Small scale hydro is in most case ―run-of- river‖ with no dam or water storage and is cost effective system. India is endowed with rich hydropower potential but less than 25% has been developed or taken up for development. For a well planed and operated hydropower project, hydropower electricity generation technology is one of the cheapest in terms of the electricity generation costs possibly because the fuel (flowing water) is available without any direct cost. This relatively low electricity generation cost makes the hydropower, one of the best renewable energy sources [3, 4]. Being a clean, cheap and renewable source of energy, a lot of research is being put in to efficient utilization of water resources we have available on the planate [5]. Hydroelectric power plants are able to respond to power demand fluctuations much faster than other electricity generation systems such as thermal electric power stations.This makes hydropower a flexible energy conversion technology and also explain why hydroelectric power stations are sometimes used for peaking purposes. Further, hydroelectric power technology is a high efficient energy conversion process. The energy conversion system efficiency for a well-operated hydroelectric power plant can be around 85%, while the system efficiencies for thermal-electric plants are less than 50%. In India, hydropower projects having less than 25MW of installed capacity are defined as small scale projects. A classification by head refers to a difference in level between inlet (headrace) and outlet (tailrace) of a hydropower installation [6]. A ―run-of-river ―type hydropower project generate electricity from the river flow without significant impoundment. Water flow in the river depends on precipitation and ground water flow. These parameters may have substantial daily, monthly, or seasonal variations. Our newly developed floating water wheel power generator system is a stand alone device which can be anchored and unanchored as and when needed in any open water body like canal and rivers. This portable unit can be shifted easily to the required place, as government doesn’t allow a permanent installation in river and canal, it is also a costlier job RESEARCH ARTICLE OPEN ACCESS