Hydrokinetic turbine (POIR)

CIM-mes Projekt is participating in the project “High-Efficiency Turbine-Generator for a Current-Driven Floating Hydroelectric Power Plant,” co-financed by the National Center for Research and Development under the Intelligent Development Operational Program (POIR) 2014–2020. The aim of the project is to develop a hydrokinetic water turbine.

Water flowing in rivers has very high energy potential. Additionally, it is a type of renewable energy characterized by a high level of production stability over time. Water velocities in rivers vary on a weekly/seasonal cycle, allowing hydrokinetic turbines to ensure constant energy production, which results in significantly lower storage costs for power systems with a high share of renewable energy. Conventional hydroelectric power plants require very large investments and significant environmental impact. One solution that allows for the use of hydropower without building dams is hydrokinetic turbines. These turbines operate on a similar principle to wind turbines, except they are submerged underwater and convert the energy of flowing river water into electricity.

One of the most critical aspects of designing such a device is developing the appropriate turbine shape to achieve high efficiency. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations aid in this process. CIM-mes’s primary role in the project is to conduct computer simulations of the turbine’s operation and perform hydrodynamic optimization of its components.
The project is expected to conclude with the development of a turbine prototype and its testing under real-world conditions.

Project No. POIR.01.02.00-00-0268/17
Total project value (CIM-mes): 715,300 PLN
Grant amount (CIM-mes): 572,240 PLN