Water Power Peer Review

1. Water Power Peer Review PI: Abe Schneider Natel Energy, Inc. abe@natelenergy.com 510-342-5269 November, 2011 FY 11 CH FOA Topic 1.1 Sustainable Small Hydropower, Innovative System Testing Schneider Linear hydroEngine™ (SLH) Timing Belt Powertrain

2. Purpose, Objectives, & Integration Project Purpose: • Develop a new high performance powertrain for the SLH utilizing a carbon-fiber reinforced timing belt Relation to program objectives: • Development of an enabling technology for efficient and low cost small hydropower that can be quickly and efficiently deployed in low head/low flow existing waterways and constructed waterways. • Creation of advanced SLH powertrain manufacturing methods and production of longterm mechanical performance test data, thus advancing the industry’s expertise in engineering, design, installation, and performance evaluation of low-head hydropower technology. • Reduction of LCOE from low-head and constructed waterway projects built with hydroEngines™ to less than $0.07 per kWh.

3. Technical Approach • Complete design and testing of belt-type SLH powertrain components at 50 kW- and 500 kW-scales. • Component testing allows for cost effective, rapid iteration through prototypes; finite element modeling can help reduce required number of physical prototypes. High-torque dynamometer endurance tests will enable evaluation of tooth/sprocket wear and effects of environmental conditions. • Phase I, System Endurance Testing: Integrate v1 belt/blade attachment design into small-scale (50 kW) SLH model and conduct long-duration laboratory testing, across a full range of potential operating scenarios. • Ensure technology meets performance specifications and performs as designed before full-scale commercial development. Instron testing of belt coupon • Phase II, System Endurance Testing: Integrate v2 belt/blade attachment design into a 50 kW SLH model, and conduct long-duration laboratory testing. • Integrate lessons-learned from Phase I testing; ensure improved technology meets performance specifications and performs as designed before full-scale commercial development. Endurance testing setup at Alden

4. Technical Approach 4. Design-For-Manufacture, both 50 kW and 500 kW scale • Ensure manufacturability of powertrain solution, minimizing cost while maintaining performance; prepare powertrain for commercialization. 5. Calculate LCOE of SLH, as a consequence of new belt powertrain. • Timing belt powertrain will substantially alter the mechanical architecture (and thus, capital cost structure) of the hydroEngine™, as well as change its operation and maintenance profile. Historic LCOE models must be updated accordingly.

5. Plan, Schedule, & Budget Schedule: • Initiation date: Project awarded September, 2011 (project initiation will occur after contract negotiations are completed) • Planned completion date: Project completion expected in 2012 (subject to final contract negotiations) Budget: • DOE anticipates awarding approximately $300k for this project, with an awardee cost share of approximately $153k (subject to final contract negotiations)