Micro Hydropower Generation System WaterWeco (R)
Micro Hydropower Generation System WaterWeco®
WaterWeco® Micro hydropower generation that produces electricity even in unprecedented low head and low flow environments.
WaterWeco® can generate stable power with minimal fluctuations day and night, thanks to its unique patented mechanism. It is an initiative to effectively utilize natural energy by installing water wheels in small rivers and waterways scattered across various regions. Through repeated demonstration experiments with numerous municipalities, universities, and research institutions, it has been improved to generate power efficiently even with low head. It mainly handles systems in the tens of kW range. (Note: Power generation can be increased through parallel installation.) 【Features】 ■ Stable power generation with minimal fluctuations day and night, thanks to the unique mechanism ■ Equipment utilization rate 5 to 8 times higher than solar power generation ■ Can be commercialized at a higher selling price than solar power generation when utilizing FIT ■ Approximately 170,000 kW of potential in agricultural waterways (within Japan) ■ Lower environmental impact compared to large-scale hydropower ■ Easy debris management due to the unique mechanism ■ Maximum utilization of flow velocity with an extremely low risk of overflow, thanks to the unique mechanism ■ High power generation efficiency due to the unique turbine ■ Ability to secure fish passages and consider biodiversity due to the unique mechanism *For more details, please feel free to contact us.
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basic information
"Suitable locations for micro-hydropower generation" - High flow rate - Stable flow rate - Available drop height - Strong riverbank protection - Nearby utility poles or expected power load *For more details, please feel free to contact us.
Applications/Examples of results
【Case Studies】 ■Water Channels ■Factory Wastewater ■Parks and Gardens (Monument Water Wheel that Generates Power) ■Waterfall Works in Rivers (Such as Water Gates) *For more details, please feel free to contact us.
Detailed information
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Mini hydroelectric power generation, a sustainable distributed energy source suitable for the natural environment. Small-scale hydroelectric power generation under low-flow and low-drop conditions.
Company information
Output corresponds to approximately 5 to 20 kW per unit. Output can be enhanced by installing multiple units. Brief history: From 2009, collaborated with municipalities such as Okayama City, Tsuyama City in Okayama Prefecture, and Miyoshi City in Hiroshima Prefecture, as well as consulting companies for feasibility studies (demonstration experiments), owning power generation and self-consumption facilities, conducting long-term operational tests and improvements in power generation efficiency, with support from organizations such as the Okayama Prefectural Industrial Promotion Foundation, and collaborating with Nagasaki University Graduate School of Engineering and Nishinihon Fluid Technology Co., Ltd., a fluid research institution, from 2016 for joint research, CFD fluid analysis, model testing, optimization, product development, and completion of actual machine installation operations, with domestic patent registration in October 2020 (along with approximately 60 overseas patent registrations, WaterWeco® trademark, and design registration for turbine blade shapes). *Effective installation is possible in suitable locations that were previously deemed unfeasible due to overflow risks (low drop height drop structures). ★ Labor-saving: Easy measures against dust and heavy snowfall (no dust removal equipment required): Significant reduction in maintenance costs (initial costs). ★ Automatic layout control mechanism that adjusts to flow rate fluctuations ➢ Stable power generation efficiency during the period. ★ Consideration for biodiversity: Fish passages can be secured even when installed in rivers where fish migrate. ★ Awards and technology registration history: Received various awards including the Eco-Products Award and the Chairman's Award from the Invention Association; registered with UNIDO STePP.