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.

The present invention relates to a power generation apparatus and, more specifically, to a freely-controlled power generation apparatus configured so as to generate electric power while being freely controlled under optimal conditions, since a cylinder body for supporting screws submerged under water is elevated by buoyancy or rotated according to the flow of the water.

A hydro-kinetic power generation system is disclosed. The system includes a structure to be positioned in shallow or deep waterways, such as canals and rivers. The structure may be modular, such that the structure may be composed of one or more structural units that are each substantially the same. In various embodiments, each unit includes one or more curved walls for accelerating water through the unit, or through the structure as a whole. In one embodiment, the accelerator walls are curved for optimizing water flow through the structure without generating undue head loss. In certain embodiments, the units may be configured such that the accelerator walls are positioned on opposite sides of the structure, or the accelerator walls may be adjacently positioned. Coupled to the structure are turbines and gear box systems for harnessing energy from the moving water and converting the energy into electric power.

A hydro-kinetic power generation system is disclosed. The system includes a structure to be positioned in shallow or deep waterways, such as canals and rivers. The structure may be modular, such that the structure may be composed of one or more structural units that are each substantially the same. In various embodiments, each unit includes one or more curved walls for accelerating water through the unit, or through the structure as a whole. In one embodiment, the accelerator walls are curved for optimizing water flow through the structure without generating undue head loss. In certain embodiments, the units may be configured such that the accelerator walls are positioned on opposite sides of the structure, or the accelerator walls may be adjacently positioned. Coupled to the structure are turbines and gear box systems for harnessing energy from the moving water and converting the energy into electric power.

A method for in-place machining of a collector ring attached to a turbine shaft of a hydroelectric generator includes: attaching a support member to stationary portions of the hydroelectric generator, the support member being configured to support a machine tool at an angle parallel to an inclination angle of an axis of rotation of the turbine shaft; attaching an adjustable positioning device to the support member; attaching the machine tool to the adjustable positioning device, the machine tool being configured to perform a machining operation on the collector ring; controlling a rotational speed of the turbine shaft to a specified rotational speed by controlling a flow of water through the turbine; adjusting the adjustable positioning device to adjust a position of the machine tool with respect to the collector ring; and performing the machining operation on the collector ring at the specified rotational speed of the turbine shaft.

A method for in-place machining of a collector ring attached to a turbine shaft of a hydroelectric generator includes: attaching a support member to stationary portions of the hydroelectric generator, the support member being configured to support a machine tool at an angle parallel to an inclination angle of an axis of rotation of the turbine shaft; attaching an adjustable positioning device to the support member; attaching the machine tool to the adjustable positioning device, the machine tool being configured to perform a machining operation on the collector ring; controlling a rotational speed of the turbine shaft to a specified rotational speed by controlling a flow of water through the turbine; adjusting the adjustable positioning device to adjust a position of the machine tool with respect to the collector ring; and performing the machining operation on the collector ring at the specified rotational speed of the turbine shaft.

A hydropower system includes hydraulic ram system with a pressure vessel having a one-way inlet valve and an outlet valve controlling the release of pressurized water from the pressure vessel for use in a water turbine for providing electricity. A hydropower system may have two or more hydraulic ram systems with a first system feeding a first water turbine and a second and third system feeding a second water turbine. One or more siphons are provided to assist water flow, and an overflow pressure vessel captures and pressurizes waste water from the first hydraulic ram system for use in the third system, which releases pressurized water for the second water turbine. The second hydraulic ram system accepts spent water from the first water turbine and releases pressurized water for the second water turbine.

A hydropower system includes hydraulic ram system with a pressure vessel having a one-way inlet valve and an outlet valve controlling the release of pressurized water from the pressure vessel for use in a water turbine for providing electricity. A hydropower system may have two or more hydraulic ram systems with a first system feeding a first water turbine and a second and third system feeding a second water turbine. One or more siphons are provided to assist water flow, and an overflow pressure vessel captures and pressurizes waste water from the first hydraulic ram system for use in the third system, which releases pressurized water for the second water turbine. The second hydraulic ram system accepts spent water from the first water turbine and releases pressurized water for the second water turbine.

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 redirection 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 redirection 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.