Abstract: A low-head impulse jet water turbine for electric power generation at irrigation canal drop structures, navigation dam spillways or other low head watercourses achieves renewable electric power generation at competitive cost. Kinetic energy of a low-pressure jet is employed in a way that enables numerous locations to generate electricity conveniently near points of use, from a renewable source at minimum cost. The equipment can be pre-assembled for minimum installation cost at sites with no existing impoundment and can be automatically raised clear of flood levels with built-in lifting equipment. Existing multi-span bridges offer convenient access for installation and maintenance. The system for raising the equipment also provides clear passage for fish migration.

Abstract: A low-head impulse jet waterwheel for power generation at irrigation canal drop structures and navigation dam spillways achieves renewable electric power generation that has been lost until now due to lack of suitable equipment to convert such energy at competitive cost. Conventional practice has limited use of impulse turbines to heads of more than 50 meters or about 150 feet. However, there is now no need for such a limitation. Kinetic energy of a low-pressure jet is employed in a way that enables numerous locations to generate electricity conveniently near points of use, from a renewable source at minimum cost. The equipment can be pre-assembled for minimum installation cost at sites with no existing impoundment and can be automatically raised clear of flood levels with built-in lifting equipment. Existing multi-span bridges offer convenient access for installation and maintenance. Raising the equipment also provides clear passage for fish migration.

Abstract: An electric power-generating assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a sill wall constructed within the bed of the waterway and at least one waterwheel-driven generating unit supported directly downstream of the sill wall. The waterwheel generating unit includes a waterwheel, a chute and an electric generating unit. The electric generator unit is mounted axially within the waterwheel and includes a rotor disposed axially within a stator and drive means operably connecting the waterwheel to the rotor.

Abstract: An electric generator assembly driven by a waterwheel wherein the axial length of the waterwheel is substantially greater than the diameter thereof and contains a speed-increasing device for driving a high speed generator. The assembly is supported from a bridge spanning the full axial length of the waterwheel and the width of the stream and said bridge also supports an adjustable chute extending from the dam crest to the waterwheel. The waterwheel has longitudinal buckets designed to develop maximum energy over a wide range of flow of water and also discharge debris. The buckets are vented as necessary to improve filling and discharge and also minimize vibration. The complete bridge assembly is supported adjacent opposite ends by hydraulic cylinder units connected to and adapted to raise the unitary bridge, chute and waterwheel assembly above increased tailwater levels to reduce drag and rotating friction.

Abstract: A hydroelectric power generating plant includes separate barges upstream and downstream of a dam, and a siphoning penstock attached to and spanning between the barges to enable fluid communication over the dam and to appropriate power generating equipment. In constructing the power generating plant, the barges and penstock are constructed remotely at a convenient manufacturing facility and either floated to the dam site over water, or transporated to the dam site over land. At the dam site the barges are positioned so as to span the dam, and moored in position, and the siphoning penstock is connected to and between the barges using trunnion supports which enable respective pivotal movement.

Abstract: A hydroelectric power generating plant includes separate intake and power generating barges spanning a dam, and a penstock attached to and between the barges to enable fluid communication over the dam and between the barges. In constructing the power generating plant, the barges are constructed remotely at a convenient manufacturing facility and floated to the dam site over water. At the dam site the barges are positioned so as to span the dam, making use of a lock system associated with the dam, and moored in position. The barges may be floated adjacent to opposite side of the dam, or grounded, making use of discrete moorings associated with the dam site and/or the dam itself.