Development of an Innovative, High-Efficiency Propeller Hydroturbine for Very Low-Head Applications

Developing a hydraulic turbine generator that can convert flow at low pressure (head) from existing sites into useful electricity on a cost-effective basis. The United States possesses a significant renewable resource in low head hydropower. Idaho National Labs (INL) surveyed over 500,000 low head hydro sites. Of the 500,000 sites, 130,000 sites met the feasibility threshold, for a combined gross power potential of close to 100,000MWa1 (Per the EIA existing hydropower only generated 47,000MWa in 2014, 6% of total electric power). However, the proposed very low head turbine generator in the 50 to 150kW range is required to leverage this potential. How this problem is being addressed: This grant application seeks to develop a unique hub integrated hydraulic turbine generator that meets performance and footprint requirements at a competitive installed Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). A novel reverse profile propeller style turbine with an integrated generator allows for modularity in an effective, high efficiency design. One can replace the propeller, inlet guide vanes, and generator depending on the site demand with common interfacing features for ease of installation. Keeping the propeller relatively short in axial length will allow for quick interchange. The low speed generator power/weight and efficiency will be maximized with sophisticated Maxwell software. The proposed turbine can be assembled using a flange and bolt approach with the main assembly easily removable in its horizontal configuration. What is to be done in Phase I: The Phase I SBIR goal is to demonstrate via design and detailed analysis that a very low head hydraulic turbine generator can meet the cost, performance, footprint, and reliability requirements in order to recover hydro energy currently wasted in the USA. The proposal presents a conceptual design that will be refined and evaluated versus market and regulatory requirements. Commercial Application and Other Benefits: Overcoming the cost and performance challenges associated with a very low head hydraulic turbine generator will be of significant benefit to wide variety of locations across the United States. According to the 2012 Electric Power Research Institute report titled “Assessment and Mapping of the Riverine Hydrokinetic Resource in the Continental United States”, there is significant potential to extract energy from low head rivers. Key Words: Very low head, rivers, hydraulic turbine generator, axial flow turbine, integrated turbine/ generator, hydroelectric power.