Conference article

The large scale model of a Free Stream Energy Converter (FSEC) is built; and can be installed in protected as well as in tidal areas. This is one of the determined objectives of the EU-Project HYLOW; funded by the FP7. First field tests with rope winch and towing boat were done; further; in a protected area near Rostock; and the installation in the River Ems under tidal conditions and ship traffic; are planned for the first half of 2011. Besides; the permanent design control for the FSEC is as necessary as the monitoring of the behaviour of the model positioned in all the sites. If design changes or modifications are necessary; these can be done directly on site; respectively in the Steel Construction Company nearby. Whether it is suited for practice; however; is still dependent on other factors. The investigations are primarily limited on technical and ecological level. It is now necessary to look at the cost-sided development; too. Starting with considerations for the financing and economic efficiencies about expressive cost-benefit analyses up to design and material costs; the European need should be determined in hydropower for low potentials. Realization of hydropower plans takes a long period.

Low head differences; Free Stream Energy Converter; EU-Project; Hylow; Cost-benefit analysis