The Benefits of an Archimedean Screw Hydropower Turbine

Energy generated from flowing water resources gives the highest efficiency rating of all sustainable energy sources!

The Archimedean Screw hydropower turbine is a new application of an ancient technology. For thousands of years the screw was used to pump water up from rivers or streams to irrigate farm land. Now, using the same system in reverse the Archimedean Screw is being used to harness the power of the water to generate hydroelectricity. Hydropower installations generate renewable energy from flowing water resources. This could be from a lake, river, stream or from old mill sites.

Archimedean Screw turbines offer a hydropower solution that is:

  • Commercially attractive & cost effective
  • Practical & efficient
  • Fish-friendly
  • Easy implementation in existing situations (no civil constuction work)
  • Insensitive to clogging
  • Low maintenance costs
  • Improvement of water quality
  • Self regulating to changing water flow
  • Long life time
  • Scaleable & bespoke

This technology lets you harness the power of the water that flows over or through your land. Once your turbine has been commissioned and connected to the grid you’ll be generating hydro-electric power 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether the power is for your own property, to sell back to the grid or a combination of both, the Archimedean Screw will likely pay for itself several times over in the course of its operational lifetime (depending on the feed-in tariffs available) . And what’s more these turbines can be scaled to suit all needs – from small domestic applications to huge industrial installations.

Overview of an Archimedean Screw ~ Photo Credit: Landustrie
Overview of an Archimedean Screw ~ Photo Credit: Landustrie

If you’re not sure whether your site is suitable for an Archimedean Screw we’ve put together a checklist of requirements for your reference. Archimedean Screw turbines offer a uniquely flexible hydropower solution that can be installed at sites with a broad range of topographical features. But there are some fundamental requirements your land will need if a project can go ahead.

The basic requirements required for an Archimedean Screw hydro turbine are:

  • A water source with a drop of at least 1.5 metres
  • Access rights to that water source
  • A grid hook-up point less than 500 metres from the water source – unless the Screw is being used for ‘off grid’ generation only.

If your site satisfies these criteria then there’s every chance you will be able to harness the power of the waterway to generate hydroelectricity. And Eco Evolution will be delighted to pilot your scheme all the way through to delivery.

If you’re still not sure whether your site is right for an Archimedean Screw turbine, get in touch and we will be happy to discuss the specifications and requirements in greater depth.