Summary
An Italian SME developed a hydro micro-turbine specifically designed to exploit kinetic energy of waterways to turn into electric power. The turbine technology, whose features have been patented, is suitable for applications on rivers and canals. It allows to operate hydro power plants with near zero environmental impact, adaptability to the watercourse characteristics and high producibility. They are looking for partners to collaborate within Commercial agreement with technical assistance.
Description
Thanks to the research activities carried out in collaboration with the University, an Italian SME has developed a hydro microturbine to exploit kinetic energy of waterways, whose innovative features have been patented. Currently the Italian SME is able to design and deliver SHP(Small Hydro Power)-sized hydroelectric plants thanks to its manufacturing capabilities, the microturbine technology and the experience that the company has gained over the years.
Depending on electric grid connection or not, two are the markets that can be addressed: where the electric grid does not reach and where the electricity power is guaranteed by the grid.
In the first case combining the benefits deriving from power generation and the communities or industrial equipment can leverage on the electricity they need without grid interconnection. In the second case the development of electricity generation through the full and comprehensive utilization of the power of watercourses allows to increase the share of green energy produced; energy which, if not exploited, would be lost. Moreover, where the grid is unreliable, it makes electric system more resilient. At the same time, each power plant investment possibility of using new technologies (renewable energy systems) for the off-grid storage, distribution and consumption of energy, local must pay itself off and operate competitively.
The potential customer are: large and small hydro power companies, utilities, water management consortia and local communities and municipalities.
Stage of development: Two turbines (one on river and on small canal) are already running. Other 6 turbines on different canals are under construction. Furthermore, to meet the specific needs of the hydroelectric market, the Italian SME has integrated the microturbine with a smart-grid to allow the remote management of gates of a water supply canal to hydroelectric plant reservoir.
Partners characteristics: The Italian SME is able to deliver turnkey project managing the whole asset life cycle from opportunity identification to plant hand over and following operation. However, for non-Italian activities, SME is looking for foreign partners who can carry out promotion and sales activities, plant installation and following operation, consisting of maintenance operations and customer assistance.
The foreign companies/organisations will be supported during their activities by the Italian company, that will carry out the plant design and the component construction, providing the partners with the necessary assistance to install and manage the plant itself.
The proposed collaboration type is Commercial agreement with technical assistance.