Our Work
We are in the process of identifying the optimum configuration for our fighter aircraft-inspired approach to hydroelectric system design. Our baseline configuration is calculated to produce 1,500 foot pounds of torque. The system has three parts, each of which we will optimize through exhaustive tests in our dynamic water tunnel research facility:
Hydro Accelerator.
Increases power output even from a slow moving stream.
Novel Vortex Extraction.
Exploits naturally occurring wing-rock phenomenon
Dual Turbine Extraction.
Nature-inspired vortices designed for flows with low height differences.
Visualizing innovation.
Our on-premise research water tunnel is an excellent design and research tool for investigating the underlying flow physics that inform wing rock. This is primarily because of the extremely high quality of flow visualization that is possible in the water tunnel.
Although water tunnel testing was once regarded only as a qualitative tool used for visualizing the flow field around vehicles, our team has matured the technique to include quantitative measurements of forces and moments with a submersible strain-gage balance. In addition to static measurements, the water tunnel is an excellent tool for studying dynamic motions of slender wings at the center of our novel approach, and the resulting differences in the flow field and corresponding forces and moments.
The latest enhancement to our facility is a computer controlled model support system that is designed to provide very smooth, accurate motions. When used in combination with our submersible 5- component semi-conductor strain gage balance, the system is capable of performing experiments that previously could only be performed in expensive, specialized wind tunnels. Now, experiments such as forced oscillations and rotary balance motions can be performed in the water tunnel with the extra benefit of excellent flow visualization of complex flows. These advances are extremely well-suited to our project aims.
Co-founder Andrew Skow explains the pressurized, six-color dye system in our water tunnel research facility which features water-soluble food coloring with individually routed lines from the dye canisters to the model support system.