Principle
The OMEGA D turbine eliminates the cost of building a forebay by integrating the turbines directly into a floating structure anchored downstream of one of the existing dam's openings.
The floating structure is made up of juxtaposed modules. It incorporates 1 to 10 turbines absorbing 18 m³/s to 180 m³/s (i.e. 18 m³ per turbine for a head of 3.1 m). The number of turbines activated is automatically regulated according to the available flow.
Unmatched performance
More than 30 years of research and experience, corroborated by intensive testing, have enabled us to define the best turbine parameters.
The turbine wheel and its flow have been optimized using finite elements to achieve the exceptional efficiency of 95.5%. The fine-tuning of the duct (also optimized by finite elements) combined with low flow velocities reduces pressure drop to the minimum possible.
All this enables us to achieve an unrivalled overall efficiency for low waterfalls!
Low impact
As the OMEGA D is almost entirely submerged, visual impact is practically non-existent.
As the turbines and alternators are completely submerged, there is no noise impact.
Fish Friendly
Very low flow velocities (5.3 m/s maximum) enable fish to migrate slowly from the machine inlet to the outlet, with very little and very slow pressure variation.
Positioning the distributor away from the turbine allows large fish to pass through the machine without shock.
The low flow velocity induces less shock to the fish.
In order to compare theoretical studies with reality in operation, Profish carried out a 2-year test campaign on a population of 1,500 fish, which were traced from the entrance to the exit of the machine during turbining. This campaign also included behavioral tests for downstream migration. The tests demonstrated a survival rate in excess of 96%. The OMEGA D has therefore been awarded the Fish Friendly label.
The study of the hydraulic profile, turbine and distributor was carried out to prioritize respect for aquatic fauna over pure energy performance.
Specifications
| Turbine | |
|---|---|
| Type | Fixed pitch Kaplan |
| No. of blades | 4 |
| Diam turbine | 2 m |
| Diam distributor | 3.5 m |
| Turbine alloy | Aluminium bronze HR |
| No. of turbines | 1 to 10 |
| Gradients and flow rates | |
|---|---|
| Waterfall | 1.6 to 4 m |
| Permissible flow rates | 10 m³/sec to 138 m³/sec |
| Turbine flow | 18 m³/sec (waterfall 3.1 m ) |
| Power and energy | |
|---|---|
| Rated P | 561 kW/turbine |
| Max P | 5610 kW (10 turbines) |
| Energy | 30855 MWh/year |
| Alternator and gearbox | |
|---|---|
| Type | asynchronous |
| Rotation speed | 750 rpm |
| Tension | 440 Three-phase V |
| Power | 450 kW |
| Dimensions and weights | |
|---|---|
| Turbine (l x L x h) | 4m x 10m x 8m |
| Machine | 40m x 10m x 8m |
| Turbine weight | 57 t |
| Max weight | 570 t |