StreamDiver — submersible propeller hydro unit with permanent magnet synchronous generator up to 2 MW
A submersible propeller hydro unit with a permanent magnet synchronous generator for low-head sites with a head of up to 12 m, a flow of up to 23 m³/s and an output of up to 1.6 MW per unit. It runs without oil and needs no machine hall. Used at overflow weirs, irrigation canals, water intakes and small rivers.
- Head
- up to 12 m (higher in the In-Pipe version)
- Flow
- up to 23 m³/s
- Output
- up to 1.6 MW per unit per the small hydro catalogue (up to 2000 kW per the M-Line series page)
- Runner
- fixed-blade stainless steel, Ø 0.79–1.70 m; 7 standard sizes
Price, availability and lead time on request. We help with analogue selection, customs clearance and delivery.
Description
StreamDiver is a compact submersible hydro unit for low-head sites where conventional turbines barely pay back: existing overflow weirs, irrigation canals, water intakes and small rivers. According to the manufacturer, more than 85 % of existing dams in the world are not used for power generation, and most of them are low-head. The unit has been developed since 2011 together with an Austrian energy company. The prototype installed in 2012 in Nussdorf delivered 450 kW with a runner diameter of 1.3 m, and series production has run since 2013.
It is a capsule with a propeller turbine (guide apparatus in the housing, runner) and a direct-drive permanent magnet synchronous generator. The bearings are lubricated by river water on a hard-soft pairing principle, so the unit operates without oil or grease and without discharges into the water. Cooling water and lubrication systems, a gearbox, an excitation system and dynamic seals are not needed. A machine hall is not needed either: the control and monitoring electronics are housed in a small electrical container, sensors monitor temperature, water level, vibration and bearing condition, and control is fully remote.
As to parameters, the head reaches 12 m (higher in the In-Pipe version), the flow 23 m³/s and the output 1.6 MW per unit. The fixed-blade stainless steel runner has a diameter of 0.79–1.70 m, and there are seven standard sizes. Guide vane regulation, variable speed and fail-safe shutdown mechanisms are available as options. Four installation scenarios are provided, namely the standard one with an inclined inlet and trash rack, a shaft hydro plant with a horizontal rack, a vertical arrangement with a swivelling draft tube, and installation in a pressure pipeline. For large flows, units are installed in parallel. Fish safety is achieved by the shape of the runner and a rack with a 20–35 mm bar spacing.
According to the manufacturer, savings on concrete work exceed 50 %, total project costs up to 25 %, and service costs are 55 % lower than for bulb Kaplan units. Major service is needed once in 10 years and takes about three days, with an inspection every 5 years. References are Nogueira (Brazil), 7 units of about 5 MW at a head of 8.2 m, and Serayu (Indonesia), units of about 770 kW at a head of 7.5 m.
Technical specifications
| Head | up to 12 m (higher in the In-Pipe version) |
|---|---|
| Flow | up to 23 m³/s |
| Output | up to 1.6 MW per unit per the small hydro catalogue (up to 2000 kW per the M-Line series page) |
| Runner | fixed-blade stainless steel, Ø 0.79–1.70 m; 7 standard sizes |
| Generator | permanent magnet synchronous, direct drive |
| Bearings | lubricated by river water, no oil or grease |
| Regulation (option) | guide apparatus or variable speed |
| Design | standard, shaft hydro plant, vertical, In-Pipe |
| Maintenance | major service every 10 years (~3 days), inspection every 5 years |
Request a price and lead time
StreamDiver — submersible propeller hydro unit with permanent magnet synchronous generator up to 2 MW. We reply within one business day.
Or email sales@usk.ua or call 044 339-50-20.
Questions and answers
What head and flow does StreamDiver have?
Head up to 12 m, higher in the In-Pipe version, flow up to 23 m³/s. Output up to 1.6 MW per unit according to the small hydro catalogue.
Are a gearbox and a cooling system needed?
No. The bearings are lubricated by river water, and a gearbox, excitation system, cooling water and dynamic seals are not needed. A machine hall is not needed either.
What runner diameters and designs are available?
The fixed-blade stainless steel runner has a diameter of 0.79–1.70 m, with seven standard sizes. Designs are standard, shaft hydro plant, vertical and In-Pipe.
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