Turbine technology proven to meet downstream fish passage requirements while delivering high performance.

High performance

Natel’s runner designs combine through-turbine fish passage with resistance to cavitation and 94-95% peak hydraulic efficiency. Natel works in partnership with established turbine manufacturers to provide FishSafe™ runners or turbines of any diameter for sites with a wide variety of head and flow characteristics. FishSafe™ RHTs can be directly integrated with existing civil works, providing the lowest cost option for meeting downstream passage requirements while simultaneously modernizing aging plants. Natel rigorously tests design performance at our California hydraulic test facility. Performance tests measure flow, pressure, torque, and speed of scale-model turbines and are conducted to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers PTC-18 standard.

Abrasion resistance

The same innovative design principles that allow Natel’s FishSafe™ turbines to function as a fish passageway also provide significant advantages in reducing hydro-abrasive erosion. The thick, rounded leading edges that characterize FishSafe™ turbine designs reduce sediment impact velocity and create a stagnation effect that minimizes abrasion. For plants in mountainous regions with heavy sediment loads, this could mean substantial economic benefits and reduced downtime—all while supporting exceptionally fish-friendly operations.

In tests following IEC Standard 62364, FishSafe™ blades showed up to 78.5% less wear in high-sediment conditions compared to conventional turbine blades. This translates to: 5x longer blade life in sediment-heavy environments, reduced maintenance costs due to extended intervals between repairs, and consistently higher turbine efficiency over time.