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

WCT Evaluation3.3.3 PaddlewheelsFloating Power Station- ECO HYDRO ENERGY LTD. - (Canada)NRCan-06-01071Technology: The floating power station is anchored in an existing river system. Flexible rotor bladesare mounted on an axis which rotates, providing a turbine effect. The flexible rotor blades are arrangedalong the rotor axle in staggered rows. The blades also extend gradually outwards in relation to the axis.The effect creates a very high level of torque at the axle. The rotating assembly directly drivesconventional electromagnetic generators. The systemalso causes an aeration effect which oxygenates theriver at and downstream from the generation site.The complete unit can be towed from one location toanother thus providing significant level of powergeneration on a given site at extremely short noticeand on a highly economical basis. The developerclaims the system can be built in any size from 100KW hours to 500 megawatt hours dependant uponpower requirements as well as river characteristicsincluding depth, width and flow velocity. Because theunits are modular, larger floating power systems canbe assembled from individual units.Application: NTR’s. Possibly tidal rivers if platform is allowed to swing around with changing tide.Depending on the river, floating turbines can be installed in arrays, a fixed distance apart.Stage of Development: The Company manufactured five prototypes in Brazil with various generatingcapacities. These prototypes went through extensive testing. While the developer believes the product isnow ready for market, further testing will continueunder the auspices of the Federal University of Itajubain the state of Minas Gerais. Manufacturing andinstallation protocols are nearing completion to enablemanufacturers in multiple global locations tomanufacture the product to Eco Hydro’s specificationsand quality requirements. The Company is marketingthe technology through a global network of Licensees.Each Licensee entity will have responsibility formarketing and sales and also for manufacture,installation and commissioning of systems.Verdant Power Canada ULC 29