Hydromatrix - Energy from low heads
Hydromatrix is a new innovative concept of hydraulic energy generation, combining the advantages of proven technology and low cost installation, which is easily integrated into existing dam structures or weirs.
Several ground-breaking reference installations, each using the Hydromatrix concept under different site-specific conditions, have been operating successfully for more than 15 years.
They are a testimony to the viability of this innovative approach for low head hydropower. Since no new civil structures are needed, the Hydromatrix technology enables customers to install hydroelectric power plants at far more competitive costs and with minimal environmental impact compared with conventional plants.
Additional time savings during installation and commissioning are achieved by using pre-assembled and factory-tested core elements for the Hydromatrix plant.
The Hydromatrix technology enables customers to tap into the unused hydropower potential of navigation dams, irrigation dams, intake towers, as well as canal weirs and unused ship locks by using these existing structures to develop a profitable renewable energy resource.
Turbine generator units with permanent magnet technology
HYDROMATRIX turbine generator (TG) units are in use at the majority of our reference applications. The design of these axial-type propeller turbines, with bulb-style generators, was developed on the basis of proven conventional turbine and generator designs and further improved by applying state-of-the-art permanent magnet technology for the generator rotors.
Equipped with sump-lubricated roller bearings and mechanical face seals, these TG units have minimum maintenance requirements and guarantee reliable operation throughout their service life. ANDRITZ Hydro offers asynchronous and synchronous generators in both low and high voltage.
StrafloMatrixTM
StrafloMatrix is a special design for applications with limited space or restrictions with regard to the maximum module weight. This design places the generator directly on the periphery of the turbine runner, which results in a very compact arrangement and makes StrafloMatrix units build 50% shorter and weigh 35% less than Hydromatrix units.
The generator rotor consists of permanent magnets arranged on the outer perimeter of the turbine runner. To achieve a watertight generator assembly, rotor and stator are filled entirely with a sealing and insulation compound.
Main characteristics of StrafloMatrix units
- Straight-flow fixed propeller turbine
- Sump-lubricated roller bearings
- Mechanical face seal
- Permanent magnet generator rotor technology
Due to friction losses in the water-filled generator gap, the power output of StrafloMatrix units is lower than that of the Hydromatrix units.
