Run-of-the-river Micro Hydroelectric Power Generation from Artificially Induced Vortices

Run-of-the-river micro hydroelectric power systems are a purely green form of renewable energy generation. In the case of a run-of-the-river hydroelectric power generation scheme, there is absence of an energy storage device (like dam) to allow manipulation of the mass flow rate to efficiently extract power. The postulation of presenting a vortex as a kinetic energy storage device analogous to a flywheel to extract power in run-of-the-river generation is introduced here. Studies show that Coriolis force is a major factor in vortex formation, but its effect in artificially induced vortices for power generation is negligible owing to high Rossby number .This paper discusses various aspects in the realization of power generation from artificial vortices and how to utilize artificial vortices for micro hydroelectric power generation with water head as low as 1 meter. The low head requirement makes the technology a viable option for decentralised cascaded power generation and community electrification.