Hydropower projects are in place for long periods of time--40 years and often much more.
We select the correct turbine type for each site, choosing the right size and number of machines to fit specific conditions.
This ensures the most efficient and cost effective system over the lifetime of a project. Engineering detail and continuous operational maintenance programs protect the initial investment.
A gearbox at the top of the screw connected to the generator produces standard three phase power for either the grid or direct users as state distribution laws allow. The entire facility is linked to an electronic monitoring and control system that runs automatically, communicating to an operator whenever requested. Safety, shutdown and management protocols are strict and efficient. Their run-of-river operation are compatible with fish and other wildlife safety as extensive studies have shown in the UK and in the U. S.
The StreamDiver was designed to keep construction effort and peripheral equipment to an absolute minimum. This allows for power creation at locations where conventional plants are not viable for economical or ecological reasons. The StreamDiver’s compact design brings maintenance-free operation to minimize costs and its water lubricated drive train is totally oil and grease free, thus environmentally friendly. Fish protection is ensured by the impeller shape as well as well as by a fine trash rack with low spacing and tailored fish migration optimized design. The trash rack‘s optimal inclination of around 15° generates a flow velocity that is ideal even to smaller-sized fish to prevent them from getting too close to the rack.
During the feasibility stage, all elements of a project site are considered in determining the choice of turbine type as well as the optimal size of either turbine type for optimal performance throughout the year. Local rainfall and the size of the river catchment upstream or canal system and volume determine this. Additionally, a key in the decision process is to protect both the aesthetics and environment of the site. An allowance is made for a significant water volume to by-pass the turbine and sustain the river habitat with continuing flow over dams, even in dry periods. At every site this is part of the calculus that drives balance.
NEHC’s systems are designed for entirely safe operation under all conditions. Water flow velocities at the intake are kept low ensuring safe recreational activities. The entire screw mechanism and all the flow channels are fenced and secured to ensure that no one can fall in to the turbine. Every aspect of the electronic monitoring and control system is designed to be ‘fail safe’ so that if a problem occurs the system will automatically shut down without the need for power or intervention. There are operational and safety sensors as well as river height sensors customized to each installation.
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NEHC sites require a “power house.” One of the first questions NEHC constituents want to know is, “What does it look like?” The answer parallels the engineering conversation: Each site is unique and requires good selection and design sensibility. The goal is to create a facility that is a good complement to what is around it. It will be part of the local landscape. The power houses are tailored to mirror the local community or environment and historical landscape: clapboard, stone and brick facing along with more standard external materials are considered in the context of the project costs and the local environment.
Dams and canal systems need repair. Fish need to migrate. NEHC is careful to evaluate the quality of dams that are promising for power generation. In some cases, these requirements may be beyond the company’s ability to repair and then build an economically viable generating facility. At other sites, there may be excellent reason to pursue both repairs and improvements prior to developing generation. Each site requires feasibility study to determine the course of action.
