What We Do
RevHYDRO is dedicated to advancing sustainable hydropower technologies and contributing to the modernization of energy production in Europe.
By integrating innovative methodologies and technologies with focus on circular economy, RevHYDRO aims to enhance the operational efficiency, environmental sustainability, and economic viability of hydropower facilities across the continent.

Key Directions

1. Biodiversity Conservation:
- Implement the intelligent fish barrier (I-Fish), a machine-learning-driven system to guide fish safely past turbines, supporting aquatic life and ecosystem balance (SO3).

2. Smart Refurbishment Strategies:
- Develop numerical simulation methodologies to understand and quantify the limitations of current turbines, providing a solid foundation for improved designs (SO1).
- Introduce innovative runner flow control (RFC) and draft tube flow control (DFC) technologies that enhance turbine resilience and flexibility without complete runner replacement (SO2).

3. Sustainability and Circular Economy:
- Integrate sustainable materials and processes, conducting life cycle assessments (LCA, LCI, LCC) to optimize equipment use, reduce CO2 emissions by 30%, and minimize resource consumption by 25% (SO4).
Innovative Features
-
Runner Flow Control (RFC):
Cost-effective, polymer-based extensions that mitigate fatigue and extend the operational range of turbines. -
Draft Tube Flow Control (DFC):
Adaptive guide vane systems to manage vortical flows, reducing pressure pulsations and extending equipment life. -
Intelligent Fish Barrier (I-Fish):
A multi-component barrier leveraging bubbles, sound, and light, adaptable to different species and conditions for 95% effective fish guidance. -
Circular Economy Approach:
Pioneering a refurbishment model that includes sustainability metrics, focusing on material reuse, and life extension of turbines.

Impact Goals and KPIs
Efficiency Gains
Increase operational efficiency by up to 10%, enhance turbine lifespan by 25%, and widen the operating range by 50%.
Cost Reduction
Achieve a 20% decrease in operational costs and 50% savings in refurbishment capital expenses.
Biodiversity Support
Ensure safe fish passage and promote aquatic ecosystem health.
Sustainability Metrics
Develop a Circular Economy Integrated Indicator (CEII) for assessing and improving refurbishment practices in hydropower.
Collaborative and Sustainable Future
RevHydro’s multi-disciplinary approach harnesses fluid mechanics, structural engineering, machine learning, and eco-friendly practices.
The project’s results aim to bolster European technology leadership, offering scalable solutions for hydropower operators worldwide. Through targeted dissemination, training, and stakeholder engagement, RevHydro will contribute to a resilient, flexible, and environmentally harmonious energy landscape.
Connect with RevHydro’s journey and explore its innovative solutions to modern hydropower challenges.