Turbine array

Abstract

A hydroelectric power generating module comprises an upper housing section and a lower base section connected to the upper housing. The upper housing has a plurality of generators situated therewithin, and the lower base has a plurality of water flow paths extending therethrough. Each water flow path comprises an upstream water inlet, a downstream draft tube, and a distributor disposed intermediate the draft tube and the water inlet. The water inlets are defined by a plurality of horizontal members interconnected with a plurality of vertical members to form an array of water tubes having generally parallel axes. A plurality of turbines is provided wherein each turbine has a runner rotatably mounted within an associated water flow path downstream of an associated distributor. The runners are mechanically coupled to the generators for generating hydroelectric power by rotation of the runners when water travels through the water flow paths. The interconnected members form a sturdy but lightweight reinforcing bulkhead structure upstream of the runners for guiding the water flow to the runners while carrying hydraulic and gravitational loads on the module. Flap gates may be associated with the draft tubes to control water flowing therethrough. The flap gates when in an open position are configured so that all structures associated therewith are located outside the draft tubes. In an array of water tubes having at least two rows and a plurality of columns, the turbines of a common column are mechanically coupled to a single generator by a hypoid gearing arrangement.