3/23/08

Hydro Kinetic Technologies - Hydro Kinetic Turbine


Over the last century we have realized that we can tap the energy of the flowing water, by not just merely allowing it to flow, but building up enough energy in it by stopping the flow and then harnessing the latent potential energy in it. It is this exact principle that has enabled us to construct dams and make sure that we generate power by storing water. Despite all the advantages that dams offer, they are proving to be a bit hazardous in regards to preservation of nature around these structures. They are causing problems that are as simple as flow of fertile soil to the prevention of movement of fishes in certain rivers.

Hydro Green Energy's hydro kinetic turbine arrays are composed of the only truly modular interchangeable zero head current based turbines in the industry. Hydro Green Energy's dual duct axial flow interchangeable hydro kinetic turbine is covered by U.S. and International patents.

Hydro kinetic technologies describe the ability to produce zero emission renewable power (energy) from the movement of water. Unlike traditional/conventional hydropower, which requires an impoundment of water usually created by a large dam, no large infrastructures are required eliminating negative side effects to the environment and marine life.

The name plate capacity of the design is 250 kW per unit with a rotor diameter of 12 feet. Due to our surface suspension system, there are inherent operational maintenance and safety advantages. An on-board gantry allows for the raising and lowering of individual units in the hydro kinetic turbine array without having to conduct underwater diving and maintenance operations in extreme water velocity and near zero visibility conditions. The floating raft provides a platform for operation and maintenance workers to stand on and place equipment during activities.

In a tidal energy generation setting, this advantage becomes even more pronounced since all maintenance activities typically occur within a 15 to 30 minute slack tide (the period during which the current reverses direction). From a underwater diving standpoint, the short operational window during the slack tide significantly increases the risk of injury to the divers and the potential loss of equipment.

The technology is a wonderful solution to the growing troubles caused by dams across the planet. This should offer a viable solution both in regards to the energy needs of the planet and the environmental concerns that come attached with it.

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