Conversion of Renewable Kinetic Energy of Water: Synthesis, Theoretical Modeling, and Experimental Evaluation

Abstract

The current paper deals with concepts for conversion of the kinetic energy of fluent water into mechanical and finally electrical energy. A distinct objective is the study of the energetic potential of the Republic of Moldova’s rivers – the Nistru, Prut, and Raut, in view of assuring energy security for limited kind of applications. The study of the energetic potential of the Prut River – an affluent of the Danube, that flows through the Republic of Moldova’s territory has been carried out. On the basis of the performed study, the future installation place of the pilot plant of microhydrostation was chosen, that satisfies the following conditions: adequate harvest of low level speed of the water flows; existence of the energy consumers nearby; geological characteristics of the water front, which would permit the connective foundation installation of the microhydrostation with the river bank.