Hydro turbines are devices that convert water energy into electricity. A Belgian company has designed hydro turbines to harness available flows in lakes, streams, rivers, and other waterways. These turbines can generate approximately 120,000 – 560,000 kWh per year, depending on their size, power, and flow conditions.
Hydro turbines can produce electricity continuously. (Photo: Design Boom)
The Belgian company Turbulent has developed hydro turbine technology to bring affordable electricity to remote areas, as reported by Design Boom on January 13. The design team utilizes existing flows and constructs a curved structure that allows water to swirl continuously. This process generates electricity that local residents can use to power streetlights or other devices.
Turbulent states that the new technology enables energy production from rivers and streams that were previously deemed non-exploitable. Turbulent’s compact hydro turbines can supply electricity to areas with 50 to 500 households, with each turbine generating about 120,000 – 560,000 kWh annually.
Hydro turbines consist of five main components and can provide energy 24/7 throughout the year. The underwater turbine blades play a crucial role, positioned between a curved barrier to create a swirling motion that generates electricity of 15 – 70 kW. The subsequent slope transforms the flow into a low-pressure vortex. According to Turbulent, this structure allows aquatic creatures to pass through without injury.
A protective mesh covers the top of the hydro turbine, preventing large debris from entering and contaminating the flow. The system also includes an automatic sluice gate to control the flow and a protective trench beneath the gate to stop larger debris from floating in.
Turbulent’s hydro turbines come pre-assembled, making transport and installation straightforward. Additionally, the system is equipped with monitoring software, allowing operators to control and gather information about the motors anytime and anywhere.
Turbulent claims that the turbines utilize the natural flow of water and can provide continuous energy, are easy to install, can be monitored remotely, require minimal maintenance, are fish-friendly, pose no flood risk, and have a long operational lifespan. The company has installed this type of turbine in various locations, including Versailles (France), Otepää (Estonia), Green School Bali (Indonesia), and Molino California Donihue (Chile). Systems are also being constructed in Patagonia (Chile), Yilan (Taiwan), Mindanao (Philippines), Denver (UK), and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
