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80 and 100% of its length. This arrangement prevents bulging and limits overall deformation, ensuring the membrane maintains structural integrity and operates optimally. Excessive deformation, particularly uneven bulging outside the intended undulatory motion, can significantly reduce energy capture efficiency. When the membrane deforms, it disrupts the smooth oscillating flow of water over its surface, diminishing the area available for energy conversion and leading to suboptimal mechanical energy transfer to the electromagnetic converters.
How did carbon flats improve the
design? The integration of these carbon fiber flats was crucial for enhancing the membrane’s mechanical performance. By increasing stiffness and resistance to deformation, these flats help preserve the membrane’s shape during operation, ensuring effective energy capture while adhering to biomimetic design principles. The high strength and stiffness provided by the carbon fiber flats supplied by Exel Composites resolved the delamination issues previously encountered with glass fiber composites (GFRP), which compromised the membrane’s effectiveness. The mechanical properties of Exel’s carbon fiber composites (CFRP) were essential to the membrane’s success. With an E-modulus of approximately 120 GPa, CFRP exhibits higher stiffness than traditional glass fiber composites (GFRP), which is only a third of CFRPs stiffness. This high stiffness ensures the membrane retains its shape under operational stress, preventing excessive deformation and energy loss. CFRP’s tensile strength of 2500 MPa, compared
to GFRP’s 1000 MPa, enables it to withstand greater forces without failure. Additionally, CFRP’s compressive strength, at 1500 MPa, is much greater than the 600 MPa typical of GFRP. This increased strength, combined with CFRPs excellent fatigue resistance, ensures the membrane can handle the cyclic loading conditions experienced during operation, supporting up to 6000 full reversal cycles per day. This durability is key for maintaining high efficiency in energy capture over the long term.
Next steps
With these challenges resolved, EEL is now shifting its focus to the development of the main hydrokinetic generator, a crucial step towards commercialization after nearly a decade of membrane refinement. This transition opens new opportunities for Exel Composites’ carbon flats, which could be pivotal in meeting future performance demands. EEL’s current project includes developing a medium-
sized hydrokinetic generator designed to generate 50 kW per hour. This generator targets isolated communities across the Americas, where many areas face significant energy access challenges due to geographic isolation from the main grid. The vast expanse of this region leaves numerous rural populations disconnected from centralized power sources. EEL aims to support local governments by providing consistent, reliable hydrokinetic energy tailored to the communities’ unique needs, eliminating reliance on expensive and polluting hydrocarbon generators. In parallel, EEL is developing a larger hydrokinetic generator aimed at energy producers such as EDF and Octopus, targeting 1 MW per hour output. These installations are envisioned as hydrokinetic farms located in rivers and coastal areas. A single hydrokinetic generator could power 796 North American homes, and generator farms with multiple generators could significantly enhance regional energy capacity. This dual approach meets the energy demands
of isolated populations and assists larger energy providers in transitioning to sustainable solutions. EEL’s hydrokinetic technology promises predictable, sustainable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuel- powered generators prevalent in remote areas. As the company prepares for commercialization, ongoing discussions with electricity providers and local governments demonstrate its commitment to supporting communities in the shift towards cleaner energy sources. With plans for medium-sized machine production in North America, closer to target communities, and larger systems in Europe, EEL is well-positioned for impactful growth. This partnership with Exel Composites, and a focus on community engagement, positions EEL as a key player in the renewable energy landscape.
Above: EEL’s hydrokinetic generator before being moored in the river. Here the membrane is more easily seen
Further information
For more details visit
exelcomposites.com and
eel-energy.fr.
Below: EEL’s hydrokinetic generator is moored in the river, with overhead cables connecting it to shoreside energy storage
www.waterpowermagazine.com | August 2025 | 37
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