Design considerations for an Archimedean screw hydro turbine

Abstract Archimedean screws have been used for centuries, but only pumping water. In the last decades, a growing interest appeared to also use them as hydro turbines electricity generation. While are already well optimized working pumps, studies still carried out identify those parameters that assure best performances when they operate turbines. This paper proposes simple yet efficient procedure design of an screw operating turbine. The most important formulas proposed in calculating outer diameter and rotational speed screw. condition imposed finding is maximization torque produced. calculation requires estimate volume water buckets form between blades It practically impossible find analytical formula this volume, rough can be found easily. corrected afterwards based on regression data available with good efficiencies. then determined rated discharge run through turbine at speed.