Ecological energy system for the use of hydrokinetic energy of very low water streams – HyPER

This project proposes a power energy technology which is interrelated with the current research trends at national and international level, being in line with the European Union research priorities, aiming to respond to at least four R&D challenges: development of ecological turbines with very low environmental impact using permanent magnets generators; improvements in the construction material for the turbine’s moving part using lighter, low cost and more resistant alternatives; development of improved low speed direct-drive generator suitable for low heads; development of improved generators through the use of permanent magnets generators to small hydro applications. Generating electricity only from the kinetic energy of water arises as a possible solution for use in low power applications, like in natural protected areas or in remote communities. With little power generally available from most river systems in which head may be quite small, the research challenges in small hydrokinetic turbines are now focused on developing hydropower systems capable of generating from tens to hundreds of watts.