Objectives.
This project proposes a power energy technology which is interrelated with the current research trends at national and international level, being in line with the European Union research priorities, aiming to respond to at least four R&D challenges: development of ecological turbines with very low environmental impact using permanent magnets generators; improvements in the construction material for the turbine’s moving part using lighter, low cost and more resistant alternatives; development of improved low speed direct-drive generator suitable for low heads; development of improved generators through the use of permanent magnets generators to small hydro applications. Generating electricity only from the kinetic energy of water arises as a possible solution for use in low power applications, like in natural protected areas or in remote communities. With little power generally available from most river systems in which head may be quite small, the research challenges in small hydrokinetic turbines are now focused on developing hydropower systems capable of generating from tens to hundreds of watts. The proposed technological concept, entitled “Hydrokinetic eco - Power System for Ultra Low Head Water Streams” (HyPER) will generate electrical power by using the kinetic energy of ultra-low head water streams, without damaging the existing ecosystem. This technical concept is based on the combination of the classical elements hydraulic turbine and permanent magnets generator (TRL2), with a positive environmental impact, studied for the first time in a novel, compact assembly. The developed experimental model consisting in: hydrokinetic turbine with a shrouded runner, shaftless-coupled in the same casing with a permanent magnets generator and equipped with a flow mixing diffuser will be tested in the laboratory conditions for the validation of the technology (TRL4).
O1 – Defining the solution and designing the components of the
power system;
O2 – Physical development of the components using modern
manufacturing techniques (3D printing);
O3 – Testing the assemble that forms the experimental model;
O4 – Experimental validation of the technology through laboratory
testing of the model; comparison with the preliminary values;
O5 – Dissemination of the results.
