3rd Prize – Super Butterfly: An In-Pipe Hydropower Generator

Super Butterfly is a newly designed in-pipe hydropower generation system that can harness excess
pressure from the water pipe and convert it into clean electric energy without disturbing water
production and demand. The design separates water flow into the main water channel and power
generation (PG) channels within the same pipe compartment. Water in the PG channels is compressed by nozzles before hitting and spinning turbines for power generation. Water flow to the power generation channels can be controlled using valves. This way, the water supply to consumers through the main pipe will remain uninterrupted during service or maintenance work to the turbine or any power generation components. All these advantageous key features are combined within a single pipe structure. This compact system enables installation in urban areas where the energy demand is higher but spaces are scarce and expensive. The system will be tailor-made based on the water flow and operation conditions, where basically the bigger the power generation channel’s size the more energy can be harvested. Thus, a proper feasibility study is necessary before the implementation of the system so that an optimum amount of power can be produced without compromising the requirement of the water supply.