Final Report Summary - WATER WING POWER (Enabling renewable energy SMEs to develop submersible and cost-effective vertical axis turbines for energy exploitation in ultra low-head streams) The objective of the WATERWINGPOWER project was to develop an efficient, cost effective, free stream, vertical axis hydro power turbine exploiting 90 % of the theoretical available kinetic energy in rivers primarily.The project was organised into seven main work packages (WPs): - WP1: Enhanced scientific understanding - WP2: Development of optimal hydrodynamic foil design and new mechanical design of the complete mechanical structure - WP3: Development of the prototype self-optimising pitch control system - WP4: System Integration and Industrial validation - WP5: Innovation related activities - WP6: Management of work plan and technical progress tracking - WP7: Consortium management.A complete prototype turbine with a rotor diameter of 1,5 m and a depth of 2,0 m was designed, built and tested successfully, even producing electricity on the public grid. The efficiency of the turbine was measured to approximately 47 %, which is 80 % of the theoretical maximum of 59 %. The research team was not able to field test the self optimising mode of the control system due repeated problems with one torque sensor.Turbine efficiency was measured at 47 % compared to the targeted 53 %. It is believed that a successful implementation of the self optimising control system would have helped reach the initial target. However, the research team has proved that this is a very competitive technology.The research team claims to have achieved the highest hydrodynamic efficiency available in the market, due to optimised hydrodynamics and the pitch control system. Moreover, the technology features the lowest energy production cost due to its relatively inexpensive concept. The project was aimed at laying the foundation for a commercial turbine family that will be marketed and sold by WPI AS. Related documents Final Report - WATER WING POWER (Enabling renewable energy SMEs to develop submersible and cost-effective vertical axis turbines for energy exploitation in ultra low-head streams)
