Zero Head Drag Flow Turbine

Lead Participant: ESTRIATUS ENERGY LIMITED

Abstract

Estriatus Energy Ltd was established in 2009 to bring to market a novel type of hydro power
generation technology invented by the Director. The company has spent the past 2 years
establishing and securing its intellectual property prior to commercial implementation.
This new type of turbine relies upon fast flowing water rather than falling water in order to
generate renewable electricity. This feature allows the turbine to be non-permanent, floating
on the water's surface as opposed to being cemented into any kind of dam or other permanent
structure. Thus it poses no threat to local wildlife and offers a clean, non-invasive,
environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional hydro power systems.
Using a system of scoops arrayed along a conveyor belt, the turbine catches the flowing water
underneath and turns much like a waterwheel. The advantage of using a belt type system over
a wheel is that the scoops are reacting to the drag of the water all along the turbine's length,
rather than just the first paddle as a wheel does.
We aim to prove the concept of this technology during the course of the project, utilising
University facilities and feasibility testing to settle upon a finished design before taking the
product to market. At this point we will install the turbines at river locations and profit from
the sale of the electricity to the grid.

Lead Participant

Project Cost

Grant Offer

ESTRIATUS ENERGY LIMITED £45,325 £ 27,195

People

ORCID iD

Publications

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