Pico-Stream - efficient and affordable 24/7 Hydro-Power generation

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Innovate UK
Innovate UK
Innovate UK
Innovate UK
Innovate UK

£971,425

Feb. 1, 2020

Oct. 31, 2021

Around 1 billion people across the world do not have access to electricity and 380 million people do not have access to clean drinking water supplies. The least developed countries (LDC's) need reliable sources to power water filtration equipment (clean drinking water), small refrigeration equipment (storage of food and medication), communications devices and low power lighting. This lack of power dampens economic activity, holds back growth and hinders healthcare. Just turning lights on could lift some of these people out of the depths of poverty [Ref: The Least Developed Countries Report: Transformational Energy Access - UN Symbol: UNCTAD/LDC/2017, ISBN: 978-92-1-112914-4].

The UK has set challenging renewable energy targets to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. Solar and wind have been the preferred choice in the UK due to the number of potential sites and their affordability. However, their yearly efficiency is only around 12% for solar and 20% for wind compared to 70% for hydropower. Hydropower can run 24/7 and does not depend on prevailing weather conditions or hours of daylight.

Hydropower generation depends on water flow to produce energy. This includes large hydro-electric power stations where the water is often held back in a dam and then channelled through a turbine to generate electricity. Hallidays Hydropower have developed the concept of pico-hydro power with a device that generates 24/7 with minimal disruption to water flow. The device can be used in rivers, streams, industrial processes that use cooling water and in wastewater treatment plants. It will generate 0.5 to 1kW of power per device.

The aim of this project is to use the latest cutting-edge research in hydrodynamic efficiency, in order to design and build the most efficient, robust and reliable surface water electrical generator. A prototype system will be built and demonstrated in the UK market and then deployed to LDCs. The device will be manufactured from recycled materials (circular economy) and will require minimal maintenance through life. This project will bring to the world, one of the most exciting and easily deployable energy producing products suitable for use in both developed and developing nations.