Recently, a rotating hydraulic pressure machine (‘Staudruckmaschine’) has been suggested by an Austrian inventor for the exploitation of low head hydropower with power ratings of 100 – 1000 kW, and head differences below 2m. The inventor could however not produce a consistent theory to explain the function of the machine nor was any performance data published.

At the University of Southampton, we have developed a theory which explains the governing principles of a rotating hydraulic pressure machine and highlights the ways to improve the principle. Physical model tests are currently under way to make this a feasible proposition. A detailed report of the work so far is available here (currently in German only).

view the report as pdf-file (in German language)

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