The harnessing of hydropower for use as a clean, marine life compatible energy source has been a struggle with conventional hydropower devices. The goal of our project was to design, develop, and test an alternative system to conventional hydro dams and turbines that could effectively harness the power of running water while minimizing adverse effect on aquatic life. This project was completed by using a novel method for hydropower – harnessing the energy of water with an oscillating hydrofoil. By designing, fabricating, and testing this system, our team was able to demonstrate the system’s concept as a fish-friendly, alternative power generation device. Further testing will be needed to create a fully operational system.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Smith, Patricia S.
• Niedzwiecki, Victoria
• Chernjavsky, Patrick
• Hughes, Garrett B.

Subject

• Energy
• Sustainability
• Environment
• Innovation
• Water
• Project-Based Learning

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 17061
• E-project-040521-215850

Keyword

• Hydropower
• Energy
• Aquatic
• Clean Energy
• Renewable

Advisor

• Savilonis, Brian James

Year

• 2021

Sponsor

• None

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
• 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
• 13 - Climate Action
• 14 - Life Below Water

Date created

• 2021-04-05

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2021-05-03