Performance Enhancement of Hydrokinetic Arrays Using Reliable, Low-Cost Dynamic Components

Emrgy, Inc., a pioneer in commercializing hydrokinetic power systems, is teaming with Premier Energy Holdings, Stanford University and University of Tennessee, Knoxville to develop a highly innovative solution to low-cost, riverine and tidal-based clean energy power generation. The project will implement “dynamic tuning” of the hydrokinetic turbine system to optimize performance across variable water flow conditions and implement newly developed control algorithms at the system level to optimize array performance. Successful implementation of the technology platform can deliver levelised cost of energy of $0.07-0.10/kWh depending on deployment location. Broad deployment of the technology platform in riverine, tidal, and manmade canal resources can displace 1-2 Quads/yr of traditional carbon-based generation and displace 150-300 gigatons of carbon production. Phase I of the project will focus on fluids modeling of the riverine environment to provide insight into the impacts of water depth and velocity on turbine performance. Phase II Technical tasks will focus on the design of dynamic tuning elements in the rotor and flume sub-systems, new materials development for substitution of stainless steel and/or traditional concrete, power system development to improve utility or microgrid operation, and module-level and cloud-based system-level controls development. Phase IIS will build upon sub-scale prototype testing and the fabrications of a full-scale 20- 30kW twin-turbine that will be tested in a suitable riverine environment.