Water Current Turbines for River Applications - Alaska Energy ...

WCT EvaluationNRCan-06-01071Hydroreactor Stream Accelerator - PEEHR (Portugal)Technology: This technology consists of a cylindrical duct with a unique “Hydroreactor” profile that isimmersed in streams, attached to an elevating platform bymeans of a yaw bearing, the platform connected by means of anextendable piling anchored at the riverbed or seafloor. Theinside duct is composed of a funneling compression zone, anintermediate narrow venturi zone and finally an expandingexhaust zone where a suction effect is generated by thediffusion of the inside flow and deflection of the outside stream.The duct is automatically and passively oriented according tothe stream’s current direction. A debris screen is attached to theduct. A low pressure/high speed axial flow turbine is located atthe narrowest section of the duct. The turbines drive a low rpmgenerator housed in a watertight chamber located at the duct edge. Theunit’s location is marked by a floating buoy. Maintenance is performedby lifting the duct above the water surface. An extendable scissorsplatform positions the unit for operations or maintenance. The duct’sinside dimensions are roughly 1.2 m at its narrowest, 5.4 m at its widestand 8.4 m long. The axial flow 4 blade impeller has a diameter of 1.2 m.The system is designed for 30 kW at 2.75 m/s. The ducting increases thestream velocity through the duct by 40% with no turbine installed.Applications: Rivers, Tides, Ocean CurrentsStage of Development: Prototypes of the duct and impeller have beentested under a catamaran which was motored to simulate flowing water.Verdant Power Canada ULC 17