Concept Assessment for an Application of a Crossflow Turbine Module for an In-Stream Hydropower System

The study presents a concept assessment of a crossflow turbine with vertical-axis application in a “zero-head” system for rivers with high discharge. The evaluation of system output parameters, such as generated power and efficiency, is performed through numerical simulations over a virtual prototype. The approach used is validated in previous studies through a physical prototype of the downscaled system. The focus is on the virtual prototyping results for a single module of two Bánki–Michell/Ossberger turbines across a range of rotational speeds to assess system robustness. An overall efficiency of about 60% is calculated, indicating opportunities for design improvement. The obtained results relate to a complete channel system with five site stations, each with four modules. The study also includes a preliminary financial assessment of parameters, such as the investment period and the overall financial efficiency of such a solution. The main result of the study is an evaluated concept, with certain directions for further improvement in the next stage of detailed design development, using the validated simulation model.