User:Cupelsteve/sandbox

OblinArk, also called hydrokinetic power barge, utilises floating water wheels as a form of hydropower that converts the energy of Run-of-the-river hydroelectricity (ROR) into electricity generation.

Although water wheel technology has been in use for centuries, a more updated approach to the use of water wheels has not yet been fully exploited and with the available incentives from the Feed-in tariff Scheme (FITs), there is now an opportunity for a relatively low cost, flexible solution.

With government incentives to allow microgeneration to compete fairly with big scale energy production. For decentralisation of scaled energy generation to happen at scale; customers must have easy access to micro generation.

With an abundant flow of water from rivers which are more predictable than wind energy and solar power, hydrokinetic generation has excellent potential.

OblinArk
The OblinArk is based on a boat design with an integral series of water wheels. Its size is fully scalable and modulated, dependant on the local environment. There is no reason why versions, several times larger than the first production models cannot be built and implemented.

This makes it ideal to be located any where on the water way, which has suitable mooring, water velocity and economical connection to grid.

Utilising the existing waterways to produce carbon free energy. The Ark will provide 24 hours a day, 365 days a year of generation unlike its counterparts wind and solar which have a much higher reliance on suitable conditions.

The design and quality is aimed to limit any down time required for maintenance over a 20 year life span.

Ideal to be located anywhere on the water way, which has a suitable mooring and water velocity.

The "OblinArk" with its low draft, allows delivery to the remotest of locations and provides flexibility to re-position the "OblinArk" into the ideal location should conditions change.

It provides flexibility to position the OblinArk into the ideal location should conditions change.

It has a covered wheel area which provides safety as well as excellent looks. The design is intended not to look out of place in any location.

Safety is integral to the design.

Simple, low maintenance highly durable equipment has been selected, taking advantage of competitive standard parts virtually off the shelf. The selection for development of this 24/7 application, in this case is ideal, when compared to some of the principle alternatives being offered, such as (1) solar power - subject to daylight hours, (2) wind power - limited to optimum generation during specific wind strengths and (3) tidal power - must account for tidal cycle and the variable tidal head.

Low RPM Permanent Magnet Generators (PMG) are now more widely available as micro generation becomes more accessible. This allows for economic solutions in selection of suitable equipment, bringing them well within the reach of the needs encountered by hydraulic engineers for this application.

There are currently two Ark options, 90Kw and 180Kw. Each model can be linked together to offer additional generation from a single site. Bespoke versions and arrays can be designed using the same principles to meet even the largest of energy needs.

The OblinArk offers a unique minimal disruption implementation compared to Solar, Wind and Tidal solutions.

Carbon Savings
A 180kw Ark will save 600 tonnes of carbon production a year against coal generation.

Generating 1103760 kwh per year which supplies 230 average houses with green electricity. (average annual consumption 4800 kwh).

Ecological
The "OblinArk" is a low impact solution and has been developed to co-exist within the environment and support the wildlife habitat.

No long implementation times with disruption to water flows. No major civil works No impoundment No confinement of fish No change to existing fish passes or fish migration paths No turbine damage to fish No depletion of water flow No hindrance to the natural movement of sediment and gravel No increase to vulnerability of fish from predators

Example Locations
The worlds top 10 rivers are ideal for using this approach to energy generation.