Approach
The hydro turbine design specific power performance is the highest in the industry.
For the driving turbine, a technological innovation with a Point-Of-Departure a combination applying advanced, small gas turbine engine design techniques and automotive technology from advanced drive trains, results in a product with performance improvements achieving a 30% efficiency gain over existing water turbines. The improved performance capability will produce 8+ kW using only 3.05 meters (10 feet) of water static pressure head. The overall concept will have applications for single or multi-pack small-hydro generators in series and parallel arrangements producing 2 mW or more in combination arrangements.
The physical features of the developing prototype small-hydro generator connote low cost. The turbine is only 30.5 cm (12 in.) in diameter and the total unit stands only 60 cm (24 in.). The overall design with the alternator mounted atop the turbine module with a drive mechanism coupling the two for speed matching for optimum performance. The turbine rotor operates at low rotational speed while the alternator runs at an optimum rotational speed using permanent magnet with high performance magnet characteristics. The moving components are minimal for long life. The structural stress levels are compatible for low cost, corrosion resistant materials, and manufacturing
processes that are available throughout the global market. The accompanying technologies will include the power conditioning, controller and grid interconnection capabilities using solid-state electronics. The prototype design is up-scalable to over 200 kW capability. This provides a simple, reliable product and conforms to regulated safety requirements to make the small hydro turbine generator unit highly desirable for distributed electrical power generation and wide market acceptance.
Several small-hydro generation applications are the focus of the Lion Turbine Company business plan concept. One is "Run-of-the-River" installation, as shown in the following figure. Only a partial amount of water is diverted from a falling stream, and piped to the small-hydro generator. Multi-pack installations are formed with each generator having the same power output that could be in a series configuration as the figure shows or in a parallel configuration where water volume flow is sufficient to achieve the number of systems employed. Single and multiple installations are envisioned for residential usage, while multi-pack installations could be applicable for commercial, small industrial or multi-residential usage. A another installation for "Pumped Storage", a higher elevation reservoir empties to a lower level body of water, as the figure presents. The application is for peak shaving of the demand electric usage. The amount of water in the reservoir determines the duration of the generator operation. The numberof small-hydro generator installations is only limited by the total elevation difference between the high elevation reservoir and the lower level with increments for each generator for a multi-pack installation. During off-peak hours the high elevation reservoir is restocked by pumping from the lower level using energy with off-peak lower cost, perhaps using a windmill driven pump. The lower level may be a reservoir or a stream. The pumped storage is exactly the same concept as used by large distribution utilities for peak time generation. The price difference between the peak periods and non-peak periods offsets the pumping costs involved if grid electric were used for the pumping power. Another potential application is for seaside installations where tidal elevation changes would refill a reservoir. The materials for small-hydro unit are salt water compatible.
