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Abstract

To enhance the sustainability of water supply systems, the development of new micro hydropower technologies remains substantial. In the framework of the DuoTurbo project, HES-SO Valais//Wallis and EPFL-LMH, in collaboration with industrial partners, have jointly developed a new micro-hydroelectric system for drinking water facilities, targeting a power range between 5 kW and 25 kW. A counter-rotating microturbine forms the core of this new energy recovery station. The modular in-line “plug & play” technology requires low capital expenditure, expecting profitable operation within 5 to 10 years. One stage of the DuoTurbo microturbine consists of two axial counter-rotating runners, each one featured with a wet permanent magnet rim generator with independent speed regulation. This compact design enables a serial installation to cover a wide range of hydraulic power. The first DuoTurbo product was investigated using CFD simulations and experimental tests to validate the design efficiency and methodology. Good agreements between simulated and measured hydraulic characteristics are observed. The developed machine provides a maximum electrical output power of about 6 kW for a head of about 75 m, reaching a hydroelectric efficiency of nearly 60 %. End of 2018, the first product was installed at a pilot test site to assess its long-term behaviour. Estimations let anticipate an annual electricity production of 26 MWh at the pilot site.

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