Hanna Turbine in TIDAL configuration Prototype for the original Hanna Turbine in WAVE configuration on display at Oregon State
University's Hatfield Marine Science Visitor Center in Newport, Oregon
The information below describes the Hanna Mono-radial Turbine:
PROTOTYPE FOR THE HANNA MONO-RADIAL TURBINE IN OPEN-ENDED OWC CONFIGURATION
In-house Proof of Concept testing was successfully completed for the mono-radial turbine by Oregon inventor John Clark Hanna. An in-depth numerical and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) study for the turbine was fully-funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and was completed in March, 2022. A full report on the study is now featured on the John Clark Hanna LinkedIn page. The new mono-radial power take-off (PTO) is a novel and exquisitely simple wave energy converter. From the exterior, the method of air intake appears to be self-evident. But inside the turbine's casement, there is a proprietary method of directing the air. The full force of the bi-directional air flows are efficiently harnessed to increase the rotational driving force.
Unlike common OWC (Oscillating Water Column) impulse turbines, the new Hanna PTO somewhat resembles a Pelton Wheel. The design has two iterations: 'closed loop' and 'open-ended' configurations. The closed loop design does not use valves, sensors or solenoids to help the rotor turn in one direction. Instead, the closed loop design uses two hinged 'V-shaped', self-activated guide vanes to rectify the bi-directional air flows. The closed loop configuration has balanced air flows in both directions because the flows are being pushed in on one side of the turbine and pulled out from the other side simultaneously! This improves flow efficiency inside the system. The open-ended type differs slightly from the closed loop type because its hinged 'V-shaped' guide vanes are activated by solenoids to rectify the bi-directional air flows. Both turbine iterations will use a brushless, air-cored, axial flux generator. This generator design avoids the magnetic resistance and drag that normally hinders a turbine's forward motion and torque.
The closed-loop version is never exposed to corrosive salt water mist and the resulting marine slime that coats internal parts. The closed loop system can be miniaturized and is ideal for charging batteries on board small autonomous, extended mission research and data gathering buoys. To read the Mono-radial Turbine patent, click HERE.
PROTOTYPE FOR THE HANNA MONO-RADIAL TURBINE IN CLOSED LOOP CONFIGURATION
When operated as a full-size OWC-type converter, the design will generate utility-grade power from shore-based installations, surface buoys or fully submerged buoys that are out of sight from the shore. The subsurface buoy's excitation force is caused by the fluctuating pressure differentials created by passing waves above the structure and the relatively static pressure at the buoy's lowest point. The subsurface buoy can utilize two PTO options: either the Hanna coaxial, impeller-driven PTO or the Hanna Mono-Radial Turbine PTO. To learn more about the proprietary subsurface buoy, click HERE.
THE HANNA BI-DIRECTIONAL TIDAL DRIVE
The Hanna Cross-Current Tidal Turbine was inspired by the single flow Bánki-Michell turbine that has been used in hydropower plants for over a century. The new bi-directional design is a PTO that only turns in one direction regardless of which way the incoming or outgoing tides flow within estuaries or where rivers empty into the ocean. Unlike wind and solar technologies, tidal energy can be predicted years in advance and is 100% reliable.
The new PTO has a low profile. It functions in the horizontal or vertical position. Its foundation and nacelle are constructed of pre-cast structural concrete sections. Multiple units will sit on the bottom of a river or can be incorporated into a tidal barrage like La Rance in France or the proposed tidal lagoon in Swansea Bay, Wales. The turbine is well suited for tidal lagoons with a low head but high flows.
Lighter tidal drives, with their nacelles made of sheet steel, can be fixed to a submerged framework, mounted beneath an anchored floating platform or suspended from a swinging pontoon bridge. Simplicity of the design keeps the LCOE exceptionally low; there are only two bearings to maintain. The generator or rotor assembly can be easily raised for servicing using common, non-specialized work vessels. To read the full patent application, click HERE.
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