Products
The hydroEngine is a proprietary hydropower turbine designed for high flows at low heads, generating electricity at or less than US $0.05 at projects as small as 1 MW. Civil works and installation are simplified, delivering significant cost savings.
The hydroEngine excels at low net heads between 3 and 20 meters (10 and 65 feet). Single unit capacities range from 25 kW to 1000 kW. Civil works can be greatly simplified over legacy hydro technologies, enabling much more cost-competitive projects from 25 kW to 25 MW or more.
Technology advantages
Isometric view
- Civil construction costs are much lower than for Kaplan, Archimedes or bulb turbines.
- No cavitation allows for new flexibility in installation configurations
- High efficiency and flat performance curve, like a conventional Pelton turbine
- Fish-friendly due to order-of-magnitude lower pressure drops and impact velocities
- Quick and inexpensive maintenance
- Units rated to 1 MW, and 3 to 20 m (10 to 65 feet) of net head
Operating envelope
Installation options
The hydroEngine is uniquely suited for low-cost development of small hydropower resources due to low-cost civil works and flexible installation constraints. The hydroEngine can be integrated into any kind of low head hydropower setting, including in-conduit, run-of-river, and in-dam installations.
Run of river
Over tailwater
In dam
Over Tailwater
Uniquely, the hydroEngine allows for a cost saving “over-tailwater” installation option. Because there is no risk of cavitation and because of its minimal vertical profile, the hydroEngine can be installed above tailwater elevation and discharge directly downward to tailwater or to a tailrace channel adjacent to the main channel. This offers large civil cost savings by reducing the need for excavation and footprint.
In addition, the hydroEngine can be placed in a small vault–and in some cases does not even require an enclosure with all control and electrical equipment on a higher floor or in a small nearby structure, further reducing civil works cost.
Project Calculator
Enter the design head, design flow, and capacity factor for your project. The project calculator will suggest one possible combination of hydroEngines for your site.
Your Site Estimate
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Learn more
To learn more about a hydroEngine configuration for your project
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