NTN Micro Hydro Turbine

Product Description

The NTN Micro Hydro Turbine is a hydroelectric turbine designed to be placed in flowing bodies of water, rather than requiring a change in elevation. It is intended to be installed in irrigation or sewage channels, and can be used to provide power to pumps or other equipment. The product has been tested and is available for market purchase.

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

This product is distributed by NTN Global from Kuwana-shi, Mie Prefecture, Japan.

Manufacturing/Building Method

The product is manufactured by NTN's Green Energy Products Division in Kuwana-shi, Mie Prefecture, Japan.

Intellectural Property Type

Trademarked

User Provision Model

Users can obtain the product by inquiring to NTN's Green Energy Products Division on their website.

Distributions to Date Status

As of July 2019, 10 units have been distributed in Japan. ^{Interview with representative}

Output voltage: (VAC)

200 V

Power output, min (kW at head, flow rate)

0.4 kW at 0.9 M, 1,600 L/s

Power output, max (kW at head, flow rate)

2.0 kW at 1.3 M, 2,000 L/s

Output frequency (Hz)

50 Hz

Minimum required head (m)

N/A

Minimum required flow rate (L/s)

Approximately 2,000 L/s

Number of nozzles

N/A

Weight (kg)

170 kg

Phase

3-phase

Design Specifications

The NTN Micro Hydro Turbine is a hydraulic, permanent magnet, synchronous generator with a propeller turbine of 5 wings, with the option of wing diameters of 600 mm, 900 mm or 1,300 mm. They are designed to be placed in flowing bodies of water to rotate the turbine using low torque bearings where the flow rate does not exceed 3 m/s. Each unit weighs 170 kg and can be installed over existing waterways with a minimum width and depth of 1 m. The power output depends on the size of the turbine wings. The largest turbine with 1,300 mm diameter wings produces 2.0 kW of power in a channel of water with a flow rate of 2 m/s. The energy is stored in batteries included with each unit.

Technical Support

Technical support can be provided domestically within Japan. The unit will be repaired free of charge by the manufacturer in accordance with the warranty agreement during the warranty period (1 year). However, technical support is not currently offered internationally.

Replacement Components

Replacement components are available from the manufacturer. ^{Interview with representative}

Lifecycle

This product includes a 1 year warranty, and has an expected lifetime of 20 years. ^{Interview with representative}

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

The product is designed to be operated in water channels with small flow rates, up to a maximum of 3 m/s. Performance varies depending on wing diameter and flow rate.

Vetted Performance Status

Testing performed by the manufacturer measured a power output of 500 W for a turbine with a wing diameter of 900 mm in a channel with a flow rate of 1.6 m/s. However, no third-party testing has been completed.

Safety

Potential hazards for this product arise from debris in the water channel. NTN offer a debris screen that can be installed to protect the turbine.

Complementary Technical Systems

An existing waterway or channel of flowing water is required to install this product within.

Academic Research and References

Although no academic research was found featuring this product, this paper presents general information on micro hydro turbines:

Alexander, K., Giddens, E., Fuller, A., 2009, Axial-flow turbines for low head microhydro systems. Renewable Energy. Vol 34, Issue 1, pp 35-47.

Compliance with regulations

None

Other Information

Installation requires 1 mobile crane and 3 workers.