An accelerated and/or redirected flow arrangement, optimally serving as a wildlife and/or debris excluder (WDE), is used in combination with a turbine-like device having an inlet end and an outlet end for fluid flowing therethrough, e.g., a hydro-turbine. The arrangement includes at least a forward part designed to be placed in front of a fluid inlet of a turbine-like device and configured to produce at least one of the following effects on the fluid: (a) imparting a re-direction of the fluid; and/or (b) accelerating the flow velocity of the fluid, as it flows through the forward part. Turbine-like devices having both a forward part and a rearward part of flow arrangement are disclosed, as well as a method of enhancing turbine performance.

An accelerated and/or redirected flow arrangement, optimally serving as a wildlife and/or debris excluder (WDE), is used in combination with a turbine-like device having an inlet end and an outlet end for fluid flowing therethrough, e.g., a hydro-turbine. The arrangement includes at least a forward part designed to be placed in front of a fluid inlet of a turbine-like device and configured to produce at least one of the following effects on the fluid: (a) imparting a re-direction of the fluid; and/or (b) accelerating the flow velocity of the fluid, as it flows through the forward part. Turbine-like devices having both a forward part and a rearward part of flow arrangement are disclosed, as well as a method of enhancing turbine performance.

A control device estimates a flow rate and an effective height difference of a fluid machine based on a characteristic detectable with regard to a rotating electrical machine and correlating with the flow rate and the effective height difference of the fluid machine. A total flow rate in a pipe system is estimated based on these values estimated by the control device and a flow resistance characteristic line, and cooperative control of the fluid machine and the flow rate control valve is performed such that the estimated value of the total flow rate becomes close to a target flow rate of the total flow rate in the pipe system.

A method and a device for supplying a measurement electronics system in a fitting, through which a fluid flows, with electrical energy, which is generated in a turbine by the fluid flowing through the filling, wherein the flow quantities and pressures vary within wide boundaries, typically 1:1000. A pressure control device associated with the turbine controls the pressure of the fluid striking the turbine in such a manner that the electrical energy required for operating the measurement electronics system is generated with a small flow quantity, the pressure loss incurred by the fluid while flowing through the fitting being limited to a maximum value.

A method and a device for supplying a measurement electronics system in a fitting, through which a fluid flows, with electrical energy, which is generated in a turbine by the fluid flowing through the filling, wherein the flow quantities and pressures vary within wide boundaries, typically 1:1000. A pressure control device associated with the turbine controls the pressure of the fluid striking the turbine in such a manner that the electrical energy required for operating the measurement electronics system is generated with a small flow quantity, the pressure loss incurred by the fluid while flowing through the fitting being limited to a maximum value.

An accelerated and/or redirected flow arrangement, optimally serving as a wildlife and/or debris excluder (WDE), is used in combination with a turbine-like device having an inlet end and an outlet end for fluid flowing therethrough, e.g., a hydro-turbine. The arrangement includes at least a forward part designed to be placed in front of a fluid inlet of a turbine-like device and configured to produce at least one of the following effects on the fluid: (a) imparting a re-direction of the fluid; and/or (b) accelerating the flow velocity of the fluid, as it flows through the forward part. Turbine-like devices having both a forward part and a rearward part of flow arrangement are disclosed, as well as a method of enhancing turbine performance.

An accelerated and/or redirected flow arrangement, optimally serving as a wildlife and/or debris excluder (WDE), is used in combination with a turbine-like device having an inlet end and an outlet end for fluid flowing therethrough, e.g., a hydro-turbine. The arrangement includes at least a forward part designed to be placed in front of a fluid inlet of a turbine-like device and configured to produce at least one of the following effects on the fluid: (a) imparting a re-direction of the fluid; and/or (b) accelerating the flow velocity of the fluid, as it flows through the forward part. Turbine-like devices having both a forward part and a rearward part of flow arrangement are disclosed, as well as a method of enhancing turbine performance.

The invention concerns a method for coupling to the grid a hydraulic unit having a synchronous generator, a runner, and wicket gates. The method includes a step of increasing the flow of water into the runner from a time t.sub.0 to a time t.sub.1 so that the rotation frequency of the rotor of the synchronous generator is, at time t.sub.1 equal to the frequency of the grid, and closing the circuit breaker at time t.sub.1. A sub-interval from a time t2 to time t1 is defined, with t0<=t2<t3<=t1, wherein a sub-step is executed to apply an adjustment torque to the shaft line via a first actuator that controls the flow of water into the runner and a second actuator coupled to a stator of the synchronous generator.

In a general aspect, a system can include a reactor for combusting fuel and producing high-temperature, high-pressure liquid as a byproduct, and at least one vessel defining a cavity to be partially filled with water, with an air pocket within the cavity above the water. The system can further include respective valves to control admission of liquid from the reactor into the air pocket when the air pocket has a pressure lower than an operating pressure of the reactor, and to control emission of the water from the at least one vessel through of the vessel after the water in the at least one vessel has been pressurized by the liquid from the reactor. The system can also include a hydroelectric drive system for receiving water emitted from the cavity, and for converting energy in the received water into electrical energy.

In a general aspect, a system can include a reactor for combusting fuel and producing high-temperature, high-pressure liquid as a byproduct, and at least one vessel defining a cavity to be partially filled with water, with an air pocket within the cavity above the water. The system can further include respective valves to control admission of liquid from the reactor into the air pocket when the air pocket has a pressure lower than an operating pressure of the reactor, and to control emission of the water from the at least one vessel through of the vessel after the water in the at least one vessel has been pressurized by the liquid from the reactor. The system can also include a hydroelectric drive system for receiving water emitted from the cavity, and for converting energy in the received water into electrical energy.