Simulation Analysis of Adjustable Bracket Movement in the Design and Construction of a Water Turbine Simulation Device with Adjustable Bracket System

Abstract

This study presents the simulation analysis of the adjustable bracket movement in the design and construction of a water turbine simulation device. The background of this research is the untapped renewable energy potential of hydropower plants in Indonesia, which has not reached its desired target. The aim is to design a water turbine simulation device that is effective, efficient, and adaptive to various types of water turbines. The research methods include document study, device design, simulation using SolidWorks 2022, and device testing. Results show that the adjustable bracket system with a universal joint can adjust the working radius angle of the turbine from 90° to 180°, allowing the combination of multiple simulation tools into one integrated device. Moment analysis on the shaft shows the 90° position (Kaplan turbine) has a higher maximum stress (1.136 × 10⁴ N/m²) but lower maximum displacement (2.342 × 10⁻⁵ mm) compared to the 180° position (crossflow turbine) with stress of 8.687 × 10³ N/m² and displacement of 2.775 × 10⁻⁵ mm. Both values remain within safe limits for SS316 material. Actual testing shows the crossflow turbine with a half-opening achieves the most stable rotation (average 619 RPM), while the Kaplan turbine achieves the highest average speed (919 RPM) but with greater variability due to the absence of a flow basin. This simulation tool is expected to serve as a practical learning medium and provide education about the potential of water energy.