Supporting clean hydroelectric power generation while also protecting freshwater diversity is in many cases an unmet challenge. Exclusion infrastructure (i.e., fine fish screens, behavioral guidance infrastructure, and bypasses) can protect fish from turbine entrainment when it is feasible, but also limits the available passage routes for fish and constrains hydropower generation. Alternatively, turbines designed to pass fish downstream safely can maintain connectivity for downstream migrating species while also enabling uninterrupted hydropower operation. Integrating safe downstream passage into normal hydropower operations through the use of FishSafe™ turbines (fish inclusion) can reduce cost and complexity while facilitating downstream migration. We describe the performance characteristics and application range of a new propeller-style turbine, called the Restoration Hydro Turbine (RHT), as well as passage testing learnings and results.
Gia discusses FIshSafe turbine designs as the best available technology for existing hydro plant refurbishments and upgrades and for powering non-powered dams.
Senior Hydropower Technical Associate Tatiana Marzan and researchers at ORNL found, through detailed analysis of costs associated with fish exclusion, that FishSafe™ RHTs were more cost-effective.
Natel Energy is featured in the Water Power Technology Office 2021-2022 Accomplishments Report for three different projects! Read more on pages 13, 16, and 17.