21st Century Pocket Guide to Hydropower, Microhydropower and Small Systems, Incentives and Funding, Dams, Turbine Systems, Environmental Impact and Fish Passage, History, Research Projects
Edition: Version 1.0 – 10/2010
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U.S. Government, Department of Energy
Copyright 2010 Progressive Management
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Module 2: Overview of Related Incentives & Funding Opportunities
Module 3: DOE Hydropower Program Report
Module 4: Small Hydropower Systems
Module 6 - Hydropower Service Involvement - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
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HOW HYDROPOWER WORKS - The hydrologic cycle – water constantly moves through a vast global cycle, in which it evaporates from lakes and oceans, forms clouds, precipitates as rain or snow, then flows back to the ocean. The energy of this water cycle, which is driven by the sun, is tapped most efficiently with hydropower.
Types of Hydropower Facilities:
Impoundment hydropower – uses a dam to store water. Water may be released either to meet changing electricity needs or to maintain a constant reservoir level.
Pumped storage – pumps water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir at times when demand for electricity is low. During periods of high electrical demand, the water is released back to the lower reservoir to generate electricity.
Diversion projects – channel a portion of the river through a canal or a penstock and may require a dam. The adjacent project did not require a dam.
Microhydropower projects – produce 100 kilowatts (kW)or less. Microhydro plants can utilize low heads or highheads.
HYDROPOWER ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Current hydropower technology, while essentially emission-free, can have undesirable environmental effects, such as fish injury and mortality from passage through turbines, as well as detrimental changes in the quality (dissolved gases) of down-stream water. Advanced hydropower turbine technology could minimize the adverse effects yet preserve the ability to generate electricity from an important renewable resource. The goal of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Advanced Hydropower Turbine System Program is to develop technology that will allow the nation to maximize the use of its hydropower resources while minimizing adverse environmental effects. Conceptual designs of environmentally friendly hydropower turbines have been completed under the DOE-industry program. Potential injury mechanisms caused by turbine passage have been identified. Research is being performed to understand the effects of these injury mechanisms on fish and to develop methods for reducing their severity.
Potential Benefits of Advanced Turbine Technology
Reduced fish mortality: Advanced turbine technology could reduce fish mortality resulting from turbine passage to less than 2%, in comparison with turbine-passage mortalities of 5 to 10% for the best existing turbines and 30% or greater for some turbines. Improved compliance with water quality standards: Advanced turbine technology would maintain a downstream dissolved oxygen level of at least 6 mg/L, ensuring compliance with water quality standards. Reductions in CO2 emissions: The use of environmentally friendly turbine technology would help reverse the decline in hydroelectric generation and reduce the amounts of CO2 and other greenhouse gases emitted by consumption of fossil fuels.
Advanced Hydropower Turbine System Program
DOE, with matching funds from the Hydropower Research Foundation, Inc., awarded two contracts for developing conceptual designs for environmentally friendly turbines. Contracts were awarded to the Alden Research Laboratory/Northern Research and Engineering Corporation team and Voith Hydro team consisting of Normandeau Associates, TVA, Harza Engineering Company, and Georgia Institute of Technology.
The Alden Design Team:
Developed a set of design criteria that are related to fish injury (number of blades, pressure, etc.)
Designed a turbine runner to minimize both fish injuries and efficiency losses. The final design uses only two long blades, which are wrapped around the central hub in a corkscrew shape to gradually reduce pressure and minimize blade-induced injuries. The Alden team is building a one-third scale proof of concept model that will be tested in a laboratory environment. Tests will verify biological and engineering performance predictions.
The Voith Design Team:
Developed concepts for improving fish passage which include special blade shapes, oil and grease reduction, smooth surfaces, and reduction in the space between the turbine runner and the hub.
Developed a design concept for dissolved oxygen improvement that includes an aerating runner and advanced control systems.
Developed recommendations for future research to improve the knowledge of the physical stresses experienced by fish in the turbine system. Voith is currently testing some of the features developed for improving fish passage at sites in the Pacific Northwest.
Typical Existing Kaplan Turbine - High blade tilt
1.Gate overhangs top of discharge ring
2.Minimum blade entrance edge gap at hub
3.Minimum blade discharge edge gap at hub
4.Small gap at blade entrance edge at discharge ring
5.Overhanging blade with trailing edge (TE) gap at discharge ring
Minimum Gap Kaplan Rehabilitation
High blade tilt position, high discharge
1.No gate overhang
2.No leading edge gap at hub
3.No leading edge gap at discharge ring
4.No TE gap at hub
5.No overhang or gap at discharge ring at blade training edge
Biological Research
The DOE Hydropower Program supports a number of research projects that contribute to its goal of improving the environ-mental performance of hydropower technology. Most of these enable the development of advanced turbines by producing new understanding of the stresses that kill or injure fish. Some of the complementary efforts to develop new understanding of effects on turbine-passed fish are the following:
1.Laboratory studies of the response of fish to turbine-passage stress mechanisms (using live fish)
2.Field measurements of the physical conditions within portions of the turbine (using instrumented sensor fish), and
3.Application of advanced computational techniques to describe the hydraulic environment that fish experience (using virtual fish).
HYDROELECTRIC’S HISTORICAL PROGRESSION
Used by the Greeks to turn water wheels for grinding wheat into flour, more than 2,000 years ago
1775, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers founded, with establishment of Chief Engineer for the Continental Army.
July 1880, Michigan’s Grand Rapids Electric Light and Power Company, generating electricity by dynamo, belted to a water turbine at the Wolverine Chair Factory, lit up 16 brush-arc lamps.
1881, Niagara Falls, city street lamps powered by hydropower.
1886, about 45 water-powered electric plants in the U.S. and Canada.
1887, San Bernardino, Ca., first hydroelectric plant in the west.
1889, 200 electric plants in the U.S. that use water-power for some or all generation.
1901, first Federal Water Power Act.
1902, Bureau of Reclamation established.
1907, 15% of electric generating capacity in U.S. was provided by hydropower.
By 1920, 25% of U.S. electrical generation was hydropower.
1920, Federal Power Act establishes Federal Power Commission authority to issue licenses for hydro development on public lands.
1933, Tennessee Valley Authority established.
1935, Federal Power Commission authority extended to all hydroelectric projects built by utilities engaged in interstate commerce.
1937, Bonneville Power Administration established.•1938, Bonneville Dam, first Federal dam on the Columbia River.
By 1940, 40% of electrical generation was hydro-power.
Conventional capacity in the U.S. tripled between1921 and 1940, almost tripled again between 1940 and 1980.
Currently, about 7% of U.S. electricity comes from hydropower. Today there is about 80,000 MW of conventional capacity and about 18,000 MW of pumped storage.
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Module 2: Overview of Related Incentives & Funding Opportunities
Wind and Hydropower Technologies Program (WHTP) Overview:
The WHTP is located within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This Program is leading the nation's efforts to improve cost, performance and operability of wind technologies, investigate emerging water power technologies, and enhance performance and efficiencies of conventional hydropower. The program's mission is to increase the development and deployment of reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible wind and water power technologies in order to realize the benefits of domestic renewable energy production. To carry out the mission, the program sponsors research and development activities to enable greater use of wind and water resources for electric power generation. These activities are conducted through competitively selected projects with industry and in partnership with federal, state, industry, National Laboratories, and other stakeholder groups. One program mechanism is Wind Powering America, which was established to identify wind power barriers and options for overcoming them. A package of technical assistance and outreach activities is aimed at key user communities: farmers and ranchers, Native Americans, federal facility managers, rural electric cooperatives, and consumer-owned utilities. WPA works with stakeholders and state and local officials to form state coalitions, or Wind Working Groups, to build the local presence required to accelerate wind power.
More detailed information can be found at the Program’s website: www.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro
Specific funding opportunities may be monitored at: www.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/financial.html
WHTP Recent Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOA):
Closed FOA-20% Wind by 2030: Overcoming the Challenges:
On May 6, 2009, DOE Secretary Chu announced the selection of 53 new wind energy projects for up to $8.5 million in total funding. Selections announced in four topic areas: market acceptance, environmental impact, workforce development, and distributed wind technology. Selections in additional topic areas (supporting wind turbine research and testing; and transmission analysis, planning and assessments) will be made at a later date.
Closed FOA -Advanced Water Power FOA for Industry & National Laboratories, closed 6/18/09: The FOA for Industry contained 3 topic areas: 1. Marine and Hydrokinetic Energy Conversion Device or Component Design and Development 2. Marine and Hydrokinetic Site-specific Environmental Studies/Information 3. Advanced Water Power Market Acceleration Projects/Analysis and Assessments.
National Laboratories competed for funding within the following 4 topic areas: 1. Supporting Research and Testing for Marine and Hydrokinetic Energy 2. Environmental Assessment and Mitigation Methods for Marine and Hydrokinetic Energy 3. Supporting Research and Testing for Hydropower 4. Environmental Assessment and Mitigation Methods for Hydropower.
Recovery Act Investments - Open FOA-Recovery Act: Initiative to Expand Hydropower:
On June 30, 2009, DOE Secretary Chu announced up to $32 million in Recovery Act funding to modernize the existing hydropower infrastructure in the U.S., increase efficiency, and reduce environmental impact. The announcement is designed to support the deployment of turbines and control technologies to increase power generation and environmental stewardship at existing non-federal hydroelectric facilities. Projects will be selected in two areas: deployment of hydropower upgrades at projects >50 MW and < 50 MW. These include projects at non-federal facilities with existing or advanced technologies that will enable improved environmental performance and significant new generation. (Letters of intent due July 22, 2009, and completed applications are due August 20, 2009. Projects are expected to begin in fiscal year 2010.) The press release can be viewed here: http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/progress_alerts.cfm/pa_id=195 The complete Funding Opportunity Announcement (DE-FOA-0000120) can be viewed on the Grants.gov Web site.
Open FOA-Recovery Act: Large Wind Turbine Drivetrain Testing Facility: On June 23, 2009, Secretary Chu announced that DOE will provide $45 million for the development of a dynamometer and facility to ensure the performance, durability, and reliability of utility-scale wind turbine drivetrain systems. The press release can be viewed here: http://www.energy.gov/news2009/7358.htm (Letter of Intent due July 15, 2009, Applications are due Aug 6, 2009) The FOA (DE-FOA-0000112) can be viewed here: http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=48091
Open FOA-$24 million: Wind Energy Consortia between Institutions of Higher Learning and Industry
DOE to provide funding for development of up to 3 consortia between universities and industry. These partnerships will allow universities to establish research and development programs to advance material design, performance measurements, analytical models, and work with the industry to improve power systems operations, maintenance and repair, and component manufacturing. (Applications due July 29, 2009; Letters of Intent were due June 19, 2009) The FOA (DE-FOA-0000090) can be viewed here: https://www.fedconnect.net/Fedconnect/PublicPages/PublicSearch/Public_Opportunities.aspx
$10 million for National Wind Technology Center in CO: To enhance the ability to support the wind industry through testing current and next generation wind turbine drive train systems for better performance and reliability.
$14 million for technology development in the private sector. Aims to improve the quality and use of lighter weight, advanced materials for turbine blades, towers, and other components. Another area of emphasis will be process controls for lamination, blade finishing, trimming, grind, painting, materials handling and inspection. This is additional funding is allocated to support applications made under the 20% Wind by 2030: Overcoming the Challenges FOA (see above) which closed in March 2009.
$25 million for Large Blade Test Facility in Massachusetts: DOE to award Massachusetts $25 million to accelerate development of the state's Wind Technology Testing Center and create 100’s of new jobs in the area. The new center will test commercial-sized wind turbine blades to help reduce cost, improve technical advancements, and speed deployment of the next generation of wind turbine blades into the marketplace. Charlestown will be the eventual site of the testing center.
Tax Incentives (All administered by IRS/Treasury. Government and non-taxable entities not eligible):
Production Tax Credit (PTC) of 2.1 cents/kWh for 10 years, Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for 30% of capital costs of project (depreciable items)
Section 1603 Grant in Lieu of ITC: project must commence construction in 2009 or 2010, and complete by credit expiration date. Applications must be submitted by 10/1/2011.
ITC/PTC/ITC grant expiration dates: 1/1/2013 for large wind, 1/1/2017 for small wind (100 kW), 1/1/2014 for waterpower (incremental hydro, marine & hydrokinetic).
Advanced Energy Tax Credits: Provides new 30% ITC for US manufacturers of renewable energy components
Includes technology for the production of renewable energy, energy storage, energy conservation, efficient transmission and distribution of electricity, and carbon capture and sequestration.
Credits are available only for projects certified by the Secretary of Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, through a competitive bidding process. The Secretary of Treasury must establish a certification program no later than 180 days after date of enactment, and may allocate up to $2.3 billion in credits.
Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS) + Bonus Depreciation: immediate 50% tax write-off for capital cost of depreciable property (including wind turbines) acquired in 2008 & 2009
The Renewable Energy Production Incentive (REPI): REPI is managed by the USDOE and provides annual financial incentive payments of 1.5 cents per kilowatt-hour (1993 dollars and indexed for inflation—at 2.1 cents/kWh now) for electricity generated and sold by new qualifying renewable energy generation facilities for the first 10-year period of their operation, subject to the availability of annual appropriations in each Federal fiscal year of operation. Eligible electric production facilities that may apply to be considered to receive REPI payments include not-for-profit electrical cooperatives; public utilities; state governments; Commonwealths; territories of the United States; the District of Columbia; Indian tribal governments, or a political subdivision thereof; or Native Corporations that sell the facility's electricity.
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs): CREBs were designed for non-taxable entities that cannot receive the PTC or ITC (including mutual or cooperative electric companies, or governmental bodies such as state and local government entities). Proceeds of these bonds are used to finance certain renewable energy projects. The allocation method is based on smallest to largest dollar amount and has resulted in funding for a high number of smaller renewable technologies, i.e. solar. Past project awards ranged from $23,000 to $80 million. The Recovery Act increased the CREBs allocation from its original $800 million to $1.6 billion. The allocations in the past were set up so that no more than $500 million could be allocated to qualified projects for borrowers that were State or local governmental entities and the balance was to be allocated to mutual or cooperative electric companies.
Increased limitation of Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECB): The Recovery Act increased bonds by an additional $2.4 B (includes renewable energy production). Operates similar to CREBs. In contrast, QECBs are not subject to a U.S. Department of Treasury application and approval process. Bond volume is instead allocated to each state based on the state's percentage of the U.S. population (as of July 1, 2008). Each state is then required to allocate to "large local governments" (municipalities and counties >100,000 population) based on the local government's percentage of the state's population. Renewable energy facilities that are eligible for CREBs are also eligible for QECBs. [see H.R. 1424 for additional details]. For more information on QECBs, contact Timothy Jones or David White of the IRS Office of Associate Chief Counsel at (202) 622-3980.
Loan Guarantee
Innovative Loan Guarantee Program created [EPAct Title XVII] to support the deployment of innovative, clean energy technologies that “reduce, avoid or sequester carbon dioxide & other air emissions.”
Up to $42.5 billion in loan guarantees authorized
Credit subsidy cost of the guarantees is to be self-funded by borrowers
The Recovery Act provides a new, temporary addition to the existing program which is aimed at standard renewable projects including wind, solar, incremental hydropower, leading edge biofuel projects & transmission projects
$6 B provided to offset loan guaranty charges which a project must pay to the DOE as a risk premium for the guaranty. Industry estimates suggest that this level of appropriations can support well in excess of $60 billion of new financing
Temporary addition, projects must commence construction by September 30, 2011.
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Industrial, Nonprofit, Schools, Local Government, State Government, Agricultural, Institutional, Any non-federal entity
Terms: Full repayment is required over a period not to exceed the lesser of 30 years or 90% of the projected useful life of the physical asset to be financed
The Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E): ARPA-E is a new organization within the Department of Energy (DOE), created by the Recovery Act to specifically foster research and development (R&D) of transformational energy-related technologies. ARPA-E will fund scientists and technologists to take an immature technology that promises to make a large impact on the ARPA-E Mission Areas (see Section I.B) and develop it beyond the “valley of death” that prevents many transformational new technologies from becoming a market reality. ARPA-E welcomes submissions from any type of capable technology research and development entity. This includes, but is not limited to for-profit entities, academic institutions, research foundations, not-for-profit entities, collaborations, and consortia. The lead organization that will enter into the agreement with ARPA-E must be a U.S. entity. Initial Cover Sheet submissions for the first Funding Opportunity Announcement were due May 26.Tribal Economic Development Bonds and Additional Recovery Act Incentives: The Recovery Act temporarily allows tribal governments to issue $2 billion of tax-exempt bonds for economic development projects on tribal land that otherwise would be restricted under the applicable “essential governmental function” requirement. Overall, the Stimulus Act expands the ability of tribes to borrow on a lower-cost tax exempt basis, permits tribes to issue a new type of tax credit bond, provides tax credit subsidies of up to $400 million for tribal school construction, and adds further tax incentives to make tribal bonds more appealing to investors and lenders (summary drawn from this article: http://www.orrick.com/fileupload/1718.pdf).
Tribal Energy Program Grant: DOE’s Tribal Energy Program promotes tribal energy sufficiency, economic growth and employment on tribal lands through the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. The program provides financial assistance, technical assistance, education and training to tribes for the evaluation and development of renewable energy resources. The Program consists of program management through DOE headquarters, program implementation and project management through DOE's field offices, and technical support through DOE laboratories. Program management for the Tribal Energy Program is carried out by DOE's Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program, which provides programmatic direction and funding to DOE field offices for program implementation. DOE's field offices, specifically the Golden Field Office, issue solicitations and manage resulting projects. (funding opportunities: http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/tribalenergy/government_grants.cfm#Tribal)
Contact: Lizana Pierce, U.S. Department of Energy, Golden Field Office, 1617 Cole Boulevard, MS 1501, Golden, CO 80401 Phone: (303) 275-4727, Fax: (303) 275-4753 E-Mail: lizana.pierce@go.doe.gov, Web Site: http://www.eere.energy.gov/tribalenergy
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG):
Funding: Over $2.7 billion in formula grants are now available to U.S. states, territories, local governments, and Indian tribes under the EECBG, funded for the first time under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Cities and counties will receive nearly $1.9 billion under the block grant program, while states and territories will receive nearly $770 million, and more than $54 million will flow directly to tribal governments. States will receive and administer funds for those counties and cities that are not large enough to qualify for direct DOE funding. In addition, up to $456 million will be made available for local energy efficiency projects under a separate competitive solicitation to be released at a later date.
Administration: The Program is administered by the Office of Weatherization and Intergovernmental Programs (WIP) in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
Program Focus: This Program provides funds to develop and implement projects to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions in their communities. Renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, biomass or fuel cell energy are eligible for development and installation on or in any government building of a grantee. Grantees are encouraged to first cut total energy consumption by taking the appropriate steps to maximize energy efficiency.
Application Deadline – NEW-The program application deadline for ALL applicants, including local, tribal, and state governments, is June 25, 2009, 8:00:00 PM, Eastern Time.
How to Apply -The EECBG Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) and its attachments are located at FedConnect and the application package is located at Grants.gov.
Information resources for renewable projects for government facilities: EECBG web site at www.eecbg.energy.gov: Click on: Solutions Center Web site, Eligible Activities, Renewable Energy
Technologies on Government Buildings:
“PROGRAMS TO PROMOTE RENEWABLE ENERGY IN MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS”
“Clean Energy Strategies for Local Governments On-site Renewable Energy Generation”
“Clean Power Success Stories”
Also available on the Solutions Center Web site web site: Webcasts and Information Resources
The State Energy Program (SEP):
SEP provides grants to states and directs funding to state energy offices from technology programs in DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. States use grants to address their energy priorities and program funding to adopt emerging renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. States often combine many sources of funding for their projects, including DOE and private industry. DOE also provides quick turn-around technical assistance to state and local officials to help them with their renewable energy and energy efficiency programs through the Technical Assistance Project.
Funding: The USDOE State Energy Program (SEP) will distribute $3.1 billion to the states under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Based on the following allocation formula: 1/3 equally among all states and territories, 1/3 according to population, 1/3 according to energy consumption.
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Module 3: DOE Hydropower Program Report
Prepared for U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Wind and Hydropower Technologies
SUMMARY
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Hydropower Program is part of the Office of Wind and Hydropower Technologies, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The Program’s mission is to conduct research and development (R&D) that will increase the technical, societal, and environmental benefits of hydropower. The Department’s Hydropower Program activities are conducted by its national laboratories: Idaho National Laboratory (INL) [formerly Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory], Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and by a number of industry, university, and federal research facilities. Programmatically, DOE Hydropower Program R&D activities are conducted in two areas: Technology Viability and Technology Application.
The Technology Viability area has two components:
(1) Advanced Hydropower Technology (Large Turbine Field Testing, Water Use Optimization, and Improved Mitigation Practices) and
(2) Supporting Research and Testing (Environmental Performance Testing Methods, Computational and Physical Modeling, Instrumentation and Controls, and Environmental Analysis).
The Technology Application area also has two components:
(1) Systems Integration and Technology Acceptance (Hydro/Wind Integration, National Hydropower Collaborative, and Integration and Communications) and
(2) Supporting Engineering and Analysis (Valuation Methods and Assessments and Characterization of Innovative Technology). This report describes the progress of the R&D conducted in FY 2005-2006 under all four program areas. Major accomplishments include the following:
Conducted field testing of a Retrofit Aeration System to increase the dissolved oxygen content of water discharged from the turbines of the Osage Project in Missouri.
Contributed to the installation and field testing of an advanced, minimum gap runner turbine at the Wanapum Dam project in Washington.
Completed a state-of-the-science review of hydropower optimization methods and published reports on alternative operating strategies and opportunities for spill reduction.
Carried out feasibility studies of new environmental performance measurements of the new MGR turbine at Wanapum Dam, including measurement of behavioral responses, biomarkers, bioindex testing, and the use of dyes to assess external injuries.
Evaluated the benefits of mitigation measures for instream flow releases and the value of surface flow outlets for downstream fish passage.
Refined turbulence flow measurement techniques, the computational modeling of unsteady flows, and models of blade strike of fish.
Published numerous technical reports, proceedings papers, and peer-reviewed literature, most of which are available on the DOE Hydropower website.
Further developed and tested the sensor fish measuring device at hydropower plants in the Columbia River. Data from the sensor fish are coupled with a computational model to yield a more detailed assessment of hydraulic environments in and around dams.
Published reports related to the Virtual Hydropower Prospector and the assessment of water energy resources in the U.S. for low head/low power hydroelectric plants.
Convened a workshop to consider the environmental and technical issues associated with new hydrokinetic and wave energy technologies.
Laboratory and DOE staff participated in numerous workshops, conferences, coordination meetings, planning meetings, implementation meetings, and reviews to transfer the results of DOE-sponsored research to end-users.
ACRONYMS
AHTS Advanced Hydropower Turbine System
ADYN * simulating hydrodynamics model
ADV * acoustic Doppler velocimeters