A novel green and renewable energy approach; watermills in Eastern Black Sea region

Abstract

Today, energy is an indispensable necessity, making it imperative to harness even the smallest energy resources available to us and extend the benefits of this progress to rural communities, ranging from large settlements to villages. In order to promote the utilization of green and environmentally friendly energy sources, such as water mills, it is crucial to pave the way for their implementation. Research indicates that by harnessing the energy produced by water mills, the costs associated with electricity transmission and maintenance will decrease, resulting in more affordable energy for the local communities. Consequently, the production of water-based energy, as a renewable energy source, will not only contribute to the economy but also foster sustainable development. During the research, comprehensive information was provided regarding the technology and materials employed in the construction of water mills. Additionally, hydraulic data pertaining to the Total Runoff Water (TRW) were collected, and a military map was utilized to determine the coordinates. By facilitating the establishment of water mills, the hydroelectric energy generated can be utilized for various purposes, including grinding corn and wheat grains, powering household appliances, and even supporting tea harvesters, which serve as a significant source of income. The calculation of energy is determined using the formula P = η.ρ.g.Q0.H0, with P representing power in kilowatts (kW). The abbreviation for this formula is P = 8.Q0.H0 kW. Water mills typically have an average vertical height of approximately 8 m. If Banki and Kaplan turbines are employed, the hourly electrical energy production of a water mill can be estimated as P = 8 × 0.15 × 7–11 = 8.4–13.2 kWh, with an average of 10.8 kWh. Consequently, considering the existence of an estimated 3660 water mills, predominantly located in the rural areas of the Eastern Black Sea Region, a total energy output of Ptop = 3660 × 10.8 = 39,528 kWh can be obtained, thereby significantly increasing the utilization of renewable energy. The average annual energy consumption in the region amounts to 1849 kWh, resulting in an hourly energy consumption per person of 1849/8760 = 0.211 kWh. It has been calculated that water mills can meet approximately 4.67% of the electricity consumption, considering that one year consists of 8760 h. However, wood is currently utilized as a fuel source in rural areas. By transitioning to water mills, this energy dependency on wood can be reduced.