Powering Irrigation Canals in Tomatlan, Mexico

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We acted as consultants on the design, construction and installation of a 30 inch - 100kw Semi-Kaplan Turbine located on an irrigation canal in Tomatlan, Mexico. Canal irrigation is used in agriculture with some areas of the system requiring a change in elevation from one canal to another. The energy wasted when the water is dropped to a lower canal is destructive and must be dissipated by the use of a long chute with a stilling pond at the bottom. The installation of a turbine in parallel with the existing chute removes the dangerous energy from the water and produces energy for local distribution. All the civil works are generally in place and only an intake and small powerhouse need to be added. The economics of this innovative form of hydro are often very good.