ORNL partnered with Emrgy, a clean-energy startup, to demonstrate the use of additive manufacturing in the production of hydrofoils and spokes for small hydropower systems. Hydropower units must be customized to a specific location and small waterways do not produce much kinetic energy, creating an economic barrier to harnessing the energy potential of creeks and canals.
Using 3D printing technology, however, ORNL and Emrgy drastically reduced the costs associated with custom hydropower unit parts. The project demonstrated an economical way to utilize the untapped, environmentally friendly energy sources that are prevalent in many US cities.
SUPPORT
This research was sponsored by the US Department of Energy's Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office.