CEAC-2022-08-August

A series of joint studies between Natel Energy and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have concluded that Natel’s unique turbine design accommodates
the safe passage of more than 99 percent of key migratory fish species.
hydropower turbines without needing to be excluded from
them with fine screens and enduring delays in migration
while navigating to downstream bypass systems,” said Natel
co-founder and CTO, Abe Schneider. “Fish inclusion may
be the simplest and most cost-effective way to ensure safe
downstream passage of fish, while allowing hydropower
plants to operate normally and without the high costs
imposed by fish exclusion screens and periodic shutdowns
during migratory periods. The studies we’ve conducted with
PNNL have helped validate the fish safety of our unique
turbine design, highlighting its potential to upgrade existing
hydro plants that block downstream migrations, and to
develop new plants that maintain downstream river connectivity.”
Beyond its positive impact on fish population health, Natel’s
turbine can boost project economics with up to 20-percent
improved efficiency through modernization upgrades
and can reduce installation costs by up to 10 percent. The
combined results of Natel’s three studies with PNNL lay a
foundation for a new era of fish-safe hydropower that can
accelerate the transition to a renewable grid while maintaining
aquatic biodiversity.
When variable speed is
what you need.
Our qualified team assembles, installs, and
repairs a wide variety of programmable
controllers and drives.
• Retrofitting Pumping Systems to Variable
Frequency Drives
• Extended warranties up to ten years
• Base Mounted or In-Line Pumps
• Sensor-less or with sensors
• Energy savings analysis
Call us today for a complimentary, intelligent
estimate for retrofitting your pumping system to VFD.
(630) 455-1034
novatronicsinc@bornquist.com | www.novatronicsinc.com
Volume 87 · Number 8 | 19