South Extension Drop, 2006
With 2.6 meters of head and 0.6 - 1.4 m3/s of flow, the South Extension Drop was ideal for Natel’s smallest hydroEngine™ unit, the SLH10.
Buckeye South Extension Canal Project
South Extension Drop, 2006
With 2.4 meters of head and 0.6 - 1.4 m3/s of flow, the South Extension Drop was ideal for Natel’s smallest hydroEngine™ unit, the SLH10.
Installing the draft tube
Installation began after the site had been modified, with the addition of an 11’ by 17’ concrete vault, to safely and securely accommodate the SLH10 unit. The draft tube was assembled in place and the team used a small crane to lower the SLH10, mounting frame and generator into the vault.
Inside the vault
Within two weeks, the hydroEngine™ installation process was complete.
South Extension Drop, 2009
In April 2010 the interconnection process with Arizona Public Service was complete and the District was able to begin generating power.
Collecting performance data
Since September 2010, data captured at the South Extension Drop has enabled Natel to validate the efficiency of the hydroEngine™ at above 85%.
Welcoming visitors
The project has attracted visitors from numerous utilities, irrigation districts, and other owners of non-powered dams in the United States and abroad.
When the Buckeye Water Conservation and Drainage District began to consider developing its canal system for hydropower in 2007, it knew that installing conventional turbines wouldn't be cost-effective at many of its low drops. With a view toward enabling development of these sites in the future, the District agreed to partner with Natel Energy the first commercial installation of Natel's hydroEngine™ technology.
| Category | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Buckeye, Arizona, USA |
| Rated Output | 9.6 kW at 2.6 meters of head and 0.5 m3/s of flow |
| Climate | Desert |
| Owner | Buckeye Water Conservation and Drainage District |
| Utility | Arizona Public Service |
| Head | 2.4 meters |
| Flow | 0.6 – 1.4 m3/s |