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content@managingwater.co.uk New thinking for Hydropower


that try to pass through or nearby. Studies can often show that fish passage with these turbines is successful, but often have not identified the impact on larger fish, in particular, Salmonids. Fish ladders and Larinier passes are often installed to allow for the passage for fish upstream but there is still the risk of death or injury in the turbine itself, for fish migrating


downstream.


Our new design for Archimedean hydro turbines addresses the majority of current hydro turbine problems.


Firstly the leading edge of the Archimedean screw has been tapered and fixed into a rotating drum.


Aquatic Control Engineering Ltd and Fishflow Innovations have been working closely together to provide a fresh outlook on hydro turbine power generation and pumping in the UK. The new


concept combines ecological concern with high output efficiency.


The installations of traditional Archimedean hydro turbines in catchments and tidal environments have produced a range of negative ecological impacts, most notably in the UK with respect to fish migration.


Current designs, featuring sharp leading edges can cause damage to, or kill fish


This


lowers turbulence and provides a smooth edge-less ride for fish safely to the other side. In addition this enclosing drum and tapered leading edge provide a smaller loss of water thus increasing efficiency and reducing noise pollution in comparison with traditional designs.


Our new Archimedean Hydro turbines are fitted into an adjustable frame; compared to traditional fixed turbines this allows the top of the turbine to track the water level, increasing efficiency throughout the year and during tidal fluxes.


These turbines have been tested in Delft University (Top University in Holland for Civil Engineering) for efficiency of up to 85%- see included chart.


The use of unique materials including a silicon carbide coating, which is used on bullet proof vests and ceramic disk pads, increase the longevity of the product to a minimum 50 year lifespan. The rigidity of a composite material used


provides strength in the shaft to prevent warping, a common failure of steel based counterparts.


Archimedean screw turbines have not had the most successful past, but with a new image comes a new chance to prove that Archimedean hydropower can work in unison with the local ecology whilst providing feasible outputs to its users.


Should you require any more information or a full leaflet on the Archimedean Hydro turbine please do not hesitate to contact ACE on 01777 249080


or email: info@aquaticcontrol.co.uk Testing courtesy of Delft University


Renewable Energy


Scotland announces £18m investment surge for wave and tidal


An £18 million fund will help develop Scotland's first commercial wave and tidal power arrays.


The money forms part of £35 million the Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scottish Enterprise will provide in direct support to the marine and tidal industry over the next three years.


The fund, which was announced today by First Minister


Alex


Salmond, will help the marine renewables industry make the next step towards commercial maturity, and help planned developments in the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters and other waters around Scotland.


The Scottish Government will consult with the industry about the nature of the projects to be supported by the fund, and additional support will be made available for infrastructure and supply chain development to keep pace with the speed of development.


The fund will build on successes in the industry to date, achieved through Scottish Government support and the facilities at the world-class European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), where it


30


was announced last week that Kawasaki Heavy Industry are bringing their tidal energy system to the centre for testing.


Funds will complement those already announced by DECC and supplement the significant funds that could be made available through the EU's New Entrant Reserve - for which four Scottish based array deployment projects are competing.


First Minister Alex Salmond said: "I am delighted to announce an eighteen million pound commercialisation fund which will help developers to unleash the power of Scotland's seas, as part of our biggest financial commitment to date of £35 million for this sector. "We know Scotland's waters are host to awesome forces and that there is enough wave and tidal energy around Scotland to meet our demands for power several times over.


"Scotland can lead the world in marine energy. We have a tenth of Europe's wave power and a quarter of its tidal power as well as the legacy and expertise of our traditional energy industries. "Marine energy will be crucial in transforming our energy supply and will contribute to our ambitious target for all of Scotland's electricity needs to be met from renewables by 2020.


"This fund will play a vital role in helping the industry move us towards that goal, helping them develop their prototype devices into commercially viable arrays."


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