In this movie, Karl Kolmsee explains how the small hydrokinetic turbines developed by his company Smart Hydro Power can provide a reliable source of electricity to remote communities in the developing world. Smart Hydro Power, a German-based engineering company, has developed a turbine which exploits the kinetic energy of flowing waters to produce electricity.
source: marineenergy / image: Dezeen
Because it is powered by kinetic energy and not with potential energy it is known as a so called ‘zero-head’ or ‘in-stream’ turbine, and as such, no dams or head differential are necessary for the operation of this device.
source: marineenergy / image: smart-hydro
The turbine consists of a three bladed rotor, a 5 kW generator, the floating body consisting of a three piece diffusor and two floats.According to Smart Hydro Power, the patented floating body is designed to adapt optimally to varying water conditions.
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The diffusor has two main functions: the first increases water pressure on the rotor and minimizes turbulences within the diffusor which therefore produces a maximum output, the latter provides the generator with its stable swimming position in water, Smart Hydro Power states.
In the core of the Smart Hydro Power turbine lays a horizontal-axis permanent magnet underwater generator. The three rotor blades are made of a fiberglass-reinforced epoxy.The turbine allows for various kinds of installations which depend on the specific demand, including floating installations which require different types of anchor systems depending on river characteristics.
