Fish Strike Survival
Live fish strike tests are being conducted on the uniquely thick, curved leading edges of Natel’s Restoration Hydro Turbine.
Initial Restoration Hydro Turbine fish friendliness results from analysis of the RHT by ALDEN Research Laboratory:
- Safe fish passage: >99% for fish <200 mm at 7 meters of head
Hydraulic Performance Testing
Initial Restoration Hydro Turbine performance results from analysis of the RHT by ALDEN Research Laboratory:
- Turbine hydraulic efficiency: 89.8%
A scale model of the RHT is being tested in Alameda, CA. The test unit is a D055 size (0.55m-diameter runner). At the test stand maximum of 10 m head, the turbine will pass 0.9 cms flow and generate approximately 70 kW. The test stand utilizes world class instrumentation, such as a Kröhne magmeter and Himmelstein torque sensor. Experimental uncertainty is <0.8%.
Natel Hydraulic Loop
Alameda, CA
Hydraulic Testing Video
Fatigue Testing
Natel’s Fatigue Lab has the ability to life-cycle test all wear components of the hydroEngine. Dedicated test rigs put components through high-cycle fatigue tests at full scale.
The testers are designed to go through high loads and tens of millions of cycles to verify life of core components. Focus has been primarily on long running fatigue testing, and on exploring new materials and methods of fabrications. The test is also a great way to see the hydroEngine in operation at our Alameda facilities.
