Natel Energy announced the start of a feasibility study for Patriot Hydro to retrofit the Garvins Falls Hydropower Project with Restoration Hydro Turbines (RHTs). The study will evaluate integrating Natel’s FishSafe™ RHT runner technology to modernize equipment and improve downstream fish passage safety.
Patriot Hydro, which operates hydroelectric projects across the US, is exploring advanced solutions to optimize and modernizse projects while enhancing fish passage safety. The Garvins Falls project is an opportunity to use Natel’s computational fluid dynamics modelling and innovative turbine designs for safe fish passage.
Natel will develop and analyze preliminary hydraulic designs to assess the feasibility of replacing existing turbine runners with FishSafe™ RHT runners. The study will focus on hydraulic efficiency, fish safety, and manufacturability, aiming to minimize alterations to existing infrastructure and eliminate the need for finely spaced exclusion racks.
“This project underscores our commitment to sustainable hydropower solutions that prioritize both power performance and ecological integrity,” said Harry Driscoll, Senior Manager of Sales at Natel Energy. “We are excited to partner with Patriot Hydro on this important initiative and look forward to delivering innovative solutions that deliver more reliable, renewable hydropower and support enhanced fish protection.”
