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Title: Application of marine thrusters as ultra-low head hydroturbines

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6838604

The results of the first field test of an ultra-low head hydropower unit based on a marine thruster are presented. Testing was initiated in December 1982 and resumed in April 1983, coincident with the irrigation season. Use of a modified marine thruster as a hydroturbine was successfully demonstrated, though power output was lower than calculated as further explained in this test report. Installation and test was at Stone Drop on the MID Main Canal. Flow during test was 500 to 540 cfs at 16 ft of head. Maximum scheduled canal flow is 1100 cfs. Flow is available throughout the District's eight month irrigation season. In the as built final site configuration, the thruster was operating at 13 ft of effective head and 386 cfs flow. Power output is 235 kW under these conditions. At this installed capacity, typical annual generation is 1,353,600 KWHRS with actual energy output dependent on the irrigation period.

Research Organization:
Energy Research and Applications, Inc., El Segundo, CA (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
FC07-80ID12201
OSTI ID:
6838604
Report Number(s):
DOE/ID/12201-T3; ON: DE84013096
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Portions are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English