Patent ID: 8581430
Filing Date: 2013-11-12
Classification: F03B,F05B,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A hydroelectric turbine generator comprising: a) an inlet; b) a plurality of wicket gates; c) a wicket gate angle adjustment mechanism; d) a plurality of runner blades; e) a runner blade pitch adjustment mechanism; f) a means for converting torque and angular velocity to a power output; g) a control loop capable of (i) calculating a difference between a target water source height and an actual water source height, and (ii) calculating a wicket gate angle adjustment and a runner blade pitch adjustment; h) a power optimization algorithm capable of optimizing peak operational efficiency based on a runner blade angle and the power output; i) an electronic means capable of (i) an electronic process comprising storing and executing the control loop, and (ii) a mechanical process comprising instructing the wicket gate angle adjustment mechanism to adjust the wicket gate angle; and (j) an electronic means capable of (i) an electronic process comprising storing and executing the power optimization algorithm, and (ii) a mechanical process comprising instructing the runner blade pitch adjustment mechanism to adjust the runner blade pitch.