by Citation News Editor
4. November 2011
The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), an independent, non-profit company performing research, development and demonstration in the electricity sector for the benefit of the public has been selected for a $1.5 million award from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to deploy and test the Alden turbine, which consists of a “fish friendly” three blade runner. This new concept is designed to reduce mortality in migratory fish through improved pressure levels in the turbine, pressure change rates, shear rates, strike damage, and strike occurrences. The Alden turbine accomplishes this without diminution of electrical output. Although the Alden turbine could be used on 1,000 MW projects, its potential use may be greater at smaller hydro projects where the greatest gains in fish survival and additional power production can be achieved.
This progressive fish-friendly technology will be tested over the next three years. Commercial deployment will have the potential for application at hundreds of existing water power projects across the country.
