20100253083 | In-pipe hydro-electric power system, turbine and improvement - A helical turbine configured to rotate transversely within a cylindrical pipe under the power of fluid flowing either direction therethrough is operatively coupled with a rotating machine or generator to produce work or electricity. The twisted blades of the turbine define a right circular cylinder when the shaft mounting them rotates under the influence of fluid flow through the pipe. In one embodiment, baffles are provided at least upstream of the cylindrical turbine and within the cylindrical pipe to control flow through the cylindrical turbine. The twisted blades of the helical turbine are airfoil in cross section, as are the radial struts or spokes that mount the twisted blades to the rotatable shaft, thereby to optimize hydrodynamic flow, to minimize cavitation, and to maximize conversion from axial to rotating energy. | 10-07-2010 |