Technology
Advanced engineering makes simple solutions
Flumill has developed a unique and patented technology that harvests kinetic energy from the natural flow of water (rivers, tidal streams and ocean streams) to produce clean, predictable energy at a competitive cost and with limited environmental impact.
Flumill’s core technology is based around a highly efficient helix turbine that generates high energy output. Underpinned by three patents and expanding Intellectual property.
The kinetic energy of the flowing water is powering the helix rotation that is converted to electricity by a generator.
Working with the forces of nature, the uniquely curved shape of the helix enhances the volume of energy captured while maintaining structural integrity and robustness.
Originally developed for marine use, the same core technology now drives Flumill’s next-generation river systems, with the first Flumill River Kinetic pilot under development for deployment soon.
The technology is based on know-how from the Norwegian Oil & Gas industry, several years of concept development and testing and investment of circa €10 million
Configuration Options
River Kinetic System
Market application: Run-of-river
Power Output: <50kW
- Micro-scale device
- Decentralized energy production
- For residential, commercial, and on- / off-grid systems
- Cheap and easy installation and maintenance
- No pipelines or dams
Seabed System
Water Depth: 30 to 100m
Global Sites: 1,600
Power Output: up to 3MW
- Suited to rough conditions
- Suited to shallower water than the surface system
- Avoids navigational interference
- Easy cable interface and cost-effective mobilisation
Horizontal System
Water Depth: 5 to 25m
Global Sites: 1,600
Power Output: up to 0.5MW
- Optimal technical solution in shallow waters
- Many shallow water sites (near-shore)
- Suitable also for run of river and hydro secondary
- Cost effective mobilisation
Floating System
Water Depth: 30 to >200m
Global Sites: 2,100
Power Output: up to 1MW
- Suited to areas with less maritime infrastructure
- Exploits swiftest tidal flows
- Can be integrated with solar, storage etc
- Quick mobilisation, easy access and maintenance
Flumill River Kinetic System Overview
Flumill River Kinetic system is a micro-scale hydro system that is utilizing the kinetic energy in rivers (from the horizontal velocity of the water). This unit can be placed directly in the water flow without dams, pipelines or other permanent interventions in nature and deliver energy directly to consumers or to grid. Power output ranges from 5 to 50 KW depending on size of turbine and site.
Click on the image to read more
Core Technology - Helix
The heart of the system. An efficient, robust and modular design that works with nature. Low impact on aquatic life.
Base
Easy deployment and maintainence. It Accelerates the current towards the turbine for increast energy capture.
Caset System
Allow easy installation and maintainence without having to retreve the base.
Generator
Converting the turbine rotation to electrical energy.
Flumill Floating System Overview
Flumill’s Floating System is a twin-turbine assembly
installed on a catamaran platform. The power output is determined by the
diameter of the turbine. The model below has a 3m diameter turbine and
estimated power output ranging from 260kW to 650kW depending on site.
Click on the image to read more
Core Technology - Helix
The heart of the system. An efficient, robust and self-regulating design that works with nature. Low impact on marine life. Helix and control fin of GRP/composite construction.
Floater/Catamaran
Innovative hull design developed to maintain the helix in a position of maximum efficiency as the tides, or river waters, ebb and flow.
Electrical System
The “brain” of the system. Sensor and monitoring system; electrical components; control system; energy storage system; solar cells.
Mooring Arrangement
Single-point mooring configuration with a turret module, where the platform and mooring design are optimised. Slip ring connection to export cable.
Flumill Seabed System Overview
Flumill’s Seabed System is a twin-turbine assembly installed on a bottom frame. The power output is determined by the diameter of the turbine and the strength of the current. The model below has an 8m diameter turbine and estimated power output of 2MW depending on site.
Click on the image to read more
Core Technology - Helix
The heart of the system. An efficient, robust and self-regulating design that works with nature. Low impact on marine life. Helix and control fin of GRP/composite construction.
Bottom Frame
Innovative frame design developed to allow free pivoting of the helix, easy and efficient deployment/mounting, and base for equipment.
Electrical System
The “brain” of the system. Sensor and monitoring system, electrical components, control systems.
Mooring and Export Cable
Fast connection to seabed base and wet mate connector.
Approved Patents
System Patent
Patent application number WO2011NO00190, “Arrangement for Extracting Energy from Flowing Liquid”
Filed 4 July 2011
Blade Design
Patent GB 2524331 (B), “Hydrokinetic energy conversion system and use thereof”
Filed 21 March 2014
Control Fin Geometry
Reference number AR606652880, “Positioning device and system for extracting energy from a waterflow”
Filed March 19th 2024
Videos
Flumill Seabed
Tank testing Edinburgh
Installation
CDF a
CDD b
First tank test
Tow testing in Arendal
First test at EMEC
Marine Fauna Friendly
