HYDROMATRIX® and StrafloMatrix, Electric Energy from Low Head Hydro Potential

Basic concepts and recent developments of HYDROMATRIX®-technology for the exploitation of hitherto untapped low head hydro potential will be presented. The installation of HYDROMATRIX®-modules into existing dams is described as well as the cost benefits compared to conventional turbine-generator-units - for the dam owner. Some of the physical laws governing the growth of hydro machinery are discussed and the regions of applicability of the technology are sketched. The permanent magnet excited synchronous StrafloMatrix-unit will be contrasted to the original concept employing directly driven induction machines in the full paper. Several examples of built HYDROMATRIX®-plant are given.