Advanced Compact Generation Module with Fish Safe Runner Technology
- Natel Energy, Inc., Almeda, CA (United States); Natel Energy
- Natel Energy, Inc., Almeda, CA (United States)
Hydropower is an important contributor of stable, load-leveling renewable energy to our national grid. Increasingly, the development of new hydropower facilities or the retrofit of existing ones hinges not only on minimizing costs but also environmental impact. In this report, the analysis and testing of a modular and scalable low-head hydropower generation design using Natel Energy’s Restoration Hydro Turbine is described. This design leverages many established industry approaches for compactness and efficiency while simultaneously allowing for safe downstream fish passage through the turbines themselves. This unique approach reduces overall hydropower facility costs and enables a simpler inclusive method of project design and operation. To assess this design, mechanical and fluid computational analyses were used to study and optimize key parameters. Passage tests of important migratory species (salmonids, American eel) were conducted through representative turbines. The unique propeller geometry of the fish-safe Restoration Hydro Turbine was subjected to detailed design and testing using advanced manufacturing composite techniques. Comprehensive module cost models were developed and assessed alongside hydraulic efficiency. The results of this project show promising and economical applications for downstream passage offish through Restoration Hydro Turbine modules.
- Research Organization:
- Natel Energy, Inc., Almeda, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Water Power Technologies Office
- Contributing Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) Energy & Environment Directorate; Kleinschmidt Group, Inc.; Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
- DOE Contract Number:
- EE0008946
- OSTI ID:
- 2212487
- Report Number(s):
- DE-FOA--0002080-EE0008946
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Mon Oct 31 20:00:00 EDT 2022
· Transactions of the American Fisheries Society
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OSTI ID:1901483