NTN Micro Hydro Turbine

Target SDGs

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Community, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

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

Competitive Landscape

Direct competitors include Turbulent Vortex Turbine, PowerSpout PLT, and SMART Turbine.

Manufacturing/Building Method

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

Intellectural Property Type

Trademark

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

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.

Product Schematics

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

Compliance with regulations

None

Evaluation methods

None

Other Information

Installation requires 1 mobile crane and 3 workers.