Tuesday, December 2, 2014

US Department of Energy awards $4.4 M to develop “low-head” hydropower ... - CSP World

US Energy Department has awarded a total of $4.4 million to two projects about advanced materials and manufacturing techniques in the development of new “low-head” hydropower technologies.


The Energy Department believes there are major opportunities across the country to add new hydropower generating capabilities at low-head sites, which operate with a change in elevation between 2 and 20 meters, including waterways at existing non-powered dams, canals, and conduits.


There are more than 50 GW of potential capacity at these low-head sites, according the Energy Department. To harness the full generating potentian of these low-head sites, new low-cost, integrated hydropower turbine and generator sets made with modern materials and manufacturing technologies are required to produce cost-competitive, renewable electricity.


The funding will support the research and development of new technologies to quickly manufacture low cost equipment that can be rapidly deployed without the need for expensive powerhouses.


Eaton Corporation of Southfield, Michigan, will develop a turbine and generator system that uses lightweight advanced materials and advanced manufacturing techniques such as laser-assisted welding, surface treatments, and processing. The turbine will be designed to deliver a constant source of energy despite changes in water flow by using a system that operates efficiently across a range of ebbs and flows. The Eaton Corporation will design, fabricate, and test its turbine at 1/10th scale.


Pennsylvania State University will develop and demonstrate a low-head hydropower turbine and generator system prototype that combines lightweight, corrosion-resistant metallic components that can be produced through an additive manufacturing process. A condition-based monitoring system will also facilitate improved operation and maintenance.

Together, these organizations will combine advanced materials and manufacturing techniques to maximize efficiency and improve the design, performance and durability of innovative hydropower manufacturing capabilities.



US Department of Energy awards $4.4 M to develop “low-head” hydropower ... - CSP World

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