Implementation of a Basic Pico Hydro Model Using Domestic Water Supply for Educational Purposes

This paper presents a simple educational model of a pico hydro system that utilizes the flow of water from a domestic household pipe to generate electricity and power an LED. The concept demonstrates the conversion of potential energy from flowing water into mechanical energy using a pelton water turbine, which then drives a small generator to produce electrical energy. The system was constructed using recycled and easily available materials, including a plastic container, a plastic water bottle, and a 6 V DC generator, making it cost-effective and environmentally friendly. When water flows through the turbine, it causes the shaft to rotate, generating electricity that lights up an LED. The performance of the system was tested under varying water pressures (from 10 psi to 13 psi) and flow rates (less than 0.05 liters per second). The results showed that increased water pressure led to higher electrical output, with the system achieving a maximum DC voltage of 3.5 V at 13 psi and the calculated efficiency of about $15.7 \%$. This simple and hands-on project aims to support educational purposes by providing a basic and practical introduction to pico hydro systems, especially for beginners and students learning about renewable energy technologies.