The Australian renewable energy company Kinetic NRG stated that it and ACS-A have jointly designed and manufactured a composite blade for a hydroelectric generator. According to the company, composite materials provide a low-cost, lightweight solution compared to previously used metal blades. In order to meet the complex geometry requirements of the blades, the project also developed a low-cost composite tooling for blade assembly.
The company also stated that it uses a specially designed assembly jig to laminate the manufactured blade sub-components together to form an integral blade with precise dimensions and complex shapes, while integrating the internal hub of the central drive shaft. The completion of the blade components also includes finish treatment and rotating dynamic balance. According to ACS-A, a 1.5-meter composite engine can generate 30 kW of electricity at a flow rate of 2 meters per second.
The final components designed and manufactured for this project enabled Kinetic NRG to complete the assembly of the prototype water wheel for underwater testing. The company added that the developed composite turbine prototype created an opportunity for untapped low-head hydroelectric power generation in Australian rivers and creeks.