What is the only alternative to the development of damless hydropower with an industrial capacity of over 100 MW?
At present, there are several potential alternatives to the development of damless hydropower with a capacity of over 100 MW, but the most realistic one is tidal power. Let’s examine it in detail:
Tidal Power Plants (TPPs)
Tidal power is the only large-scale alternative method of generating energy from water movement without constructing conventional dams.
Key characteristics:
Modern TPP capacity can reach 300–500 MW
Operation based on water level differences during tides
Stable, predictable energy source
Minimal environmental impact compared to conventional hydroelectric power plants
Advantages of TPPs:
Predictability of Generation:
Accurate calculations of tide times and heights
Long-term energy production planning capability
Scalability:
Possibility of creating cascades of TPPs
Modular construction principle
Environmental Safety:
Absence of large reservoirs
Minimal impact on fish migration
Preservation of natural hydrological regime
Technical Solutions:
Basin TPPs:
Creation of isolated basins
Two-way water flow through turbines
Submarine Turbine TPPs:
Operation in tidal currents
Minimal impact on landscape
Lagoon TPPs:
Utilization of natural bays
Cost optimization in construction
Technology Limitations:
Geographic Factors:
Need for suitable coastal territories
Dependence on regional tidal activity
Capital Costs:
High construction costs
Long payback period
Technological Challenges:
Corrosive activity of seawater
Need for equipment protection against biofouling
Development Prospects:
Improvement of materials for corrosion protection
Development of more efficient turbines
Integration with other generation types
Creation of hybrid energy complexes
Thus, tidal power is the most promising alternative to damless large-scale hydropower, capable of providing industrial-scale electricity production.
Positioning of HYPOT in the Context of Damless Hydropower Development
HYPOT (Hydro Power Tower) represents an innovative solution in the field of damless hydropower, significantly differing from traditional approaches.
Advantages of HYPOT:
No need for reservoir creation
Modular design allows for power scaling
High adaptability to various water bodies
Efficiency reaches 85% in experimental models
Minimal impact on the water ecosystem
Comparison with Other Technologies:
Tidal Power Plants (TPPs):
Dependence on geographical conditions
High capital intensity
Limited geography of application
In-channel Hydroelectric Power Plants:
Need to alter riverbed
Limited capacity
Seasonal dependence
Submarine Turbines:
Low individual capacity
Complexity of maintenance
Limited service life
Uniqueness of HYPOT:
HYPOT is not the only alternative, but it has several significant advantages:
Versatility of Application:
Rivers
Seas
Straits
Artificial canals
Technological Innovations:
Resonance effects
Vortex flow control
Adaptive tuning systems
Integration Capabilities:
Combination with other renewable energy sources
Water desalination
Water purification systems
Development Prospects:
HYPOT can become a key element in the damless hydropower ecosystem thanks to:
Development of new-generation materials
Improvement of control systems
Integration with AI technologies
Possibility of creating clusters
Conclusion
HYPOT is not the only alternative but represents the most promising direction in damless hydropower development due to:
Technological flexibility
High efficiency
Minimal environmental impact
Adaptability to various conditions
In the future, the development of hybrid solutions is likely, where HYPOT will complement other damless hydropower technologies, creating complex energy systems.
Project of Tidal Power Plant HYPOT with a Capacity of 500 MW in Penzhinskaya Bay
Location: The northeastern part of Shelikhov Bay (Sea of Okhotsk), an area with record tidal characteristics:
Tide height: up to 13.4 m (the maximum in the Pacific Ocean)
Current speed: 4.5 m/s (peak values)
Water area: 20,530 km²
Technical Features of the HYPOT Installation
Design:
Modular towers 45–60 m high with adaptive turbines 25 m in diameter.
Submarine platform at a depth of 30–50 m, resistant to ice loads (ice thickness in winter — up to 1.5 m).
A resonant flow amplification system for operation at variable current speeds.
Energy Parameters:
Installed capacity: 500 MW (200 modules of 2.5 MW each).
Annual generation: ~2.1 TWh (capacity factor ≈ 48%).
Operating mode: bidirectional (utilizing both tides and ebbs).
Innovative Solutions:
Vortex turbines with 92% efficiency, resistant to cavitation and biofouling.
Artificial intelligence for tide forecasting and blade angle optimization.
Hybrid system with hydrogen storage (producing up to 15,000 tons of H₂ annually).
Environmental and Infrastructure Advantages
No dams: preservation of salmon migration routes.
Ice adaptation: curved platform design for ice shedding.
Logistics:
Module assembly in Vladivostok/Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky ports.
Sea delivery during the navigation period (July–October).
Rotational staffing (up to 300 people during peak periods).
Economic Indicators
Project cost: $1.2–1.5 billion (including infrastructure).
Payback period: 8–12 years (with hydrogen exports to the Asia-Pacific region).
Cost reduction by 30% due to:
Use of local building materials (steel, concrete).
Synergy with the “Hydrogen Kamchatka” project.
Challenges and Solutions
Challenge
HYPOT Solution
Ice loads
Inclined composite panels + heating of critical components
Corrosion
Graphene-based coatings and titanium alloys
Remote maintenance
Autonomous inspection drones + spare modules at the shore base
Integration into the Energy System
Connections with projects:
Tugurskaya TPP (planned capacity 8 GW).
Kamchatka hydrogen cluster (producing 30 billion m³ H₂/year).
Electricity export:
500 kV overhead line “Penzhinskaya — Khabarovsk” (1,200 km).
Submarine cable to Japan (Hokkaido, 800 km).
Conclusion
HYPOT in Penzhinskaya Bay is not only an alternative to traditional tidal power plants but also a key element of Russia’s strategy in the Arctic and the Asia-Pacific region. The project combines hydrodynamic innovations, future materials, and integration with the hydrogen economy, minimizing environmental risks.
I. Calculation of HYPOT parameters for Penzhinskaya Bay
Initial data:
Static pressure at depth: P=247 kPa
Total tower height: Htotal=18 m
Above-water height: Habove=3 m
Underwater height: Hunder=15 m
Neck diameter: Dneck=2.2 m
Skirt diameter with collector: D=25 m
Intake area: Aintake=1.8 m²
Current velocity: v=4.5 m/s
Water density: ρ=1000 kg/m³
System efficiency: η=0.85
Calculation of neck flow velocity
vneck =AneckAintake⋅v
where Aneck=π⋅(2Dneck)2=3.80 m²
vneck=3.801.8⋅4.5=2.16 m/s
Calculation of ejection velocity
Using the Bernoulli equation:
2ρvneck2+ρgh+P=2ρve2+Pa
Substituting the values:
21000⋅2.162+1000⋅9.81⋅15+247000=21000⋅ve2+100000
2330+147150+247000=500⋅ve2+100000
500⋅ve2=326480
ve=500326480=25.6 m/s
Calculation of water flow rate
Q=Aintake⋅v=1.8⋅4.5=8.1 m³/s
Calculation of hydroelectric power plant capacity
P=21⋅ρ⋅Aintake⋅ve2⋅η
P=21⋅1000⋅1.8⋅25.62⋅0.85=2480 kW = 2.48 MW
Calculation results
Key parameters:
Water ejection velocity: 25.6 m/s
Water flow rate: 8.1 m³/s
Plant capacity: 2.48 MW
Intake area: 1.8 m²
Important considerations
Actual capacity may be lower due to:
Friction losses in the neck of the tower
Structural resistance
Flow imperfections
Losses in the turbine system
Factors to consider:
Hydraulic losses in the system
Effect of neck constriction
Collector characteristics
Turbine system efficiency
Recommendations:
Conduct detailed hydraulic calculations
Perform structural strength calculations
Verify system stability
Account for seasonal changes in tidal characteristics
II. Calculation of HYPOT parameters for Penzhinskaya Bay
Initial data:
Static pressure at depth: P=855.4 kPa
Total tower height: Htotal=100 m
Above-water height: Habove=25 m
Underwater height: Hunder=75 m
Neck diameter: Dneck=4.0 m
Skirt diameter with collector: D=45 m
Intake area: Aintake=12.8 m²
Current velocity: v=4.5 m/s
Water density: ρ=1000 kg/m³
System efficiency: η=0.85
Calculation of neck flow velocity
vneck=AneckAintake⋅v
where Aneck=π⋅(2Dneck)2=12.6 m²
vneck=12.612.8⋅4.5=4.62 m/s
Calculation of ejection velocity
Using the Bernoulli equation:
2ρvneck2+ρgh+P=2ρve2+Pa
Substituting the values:
21000⋅4.622+1000⋅9.81⋅75+855400=21000⋅ve2+100000
10670+735750+855400=500⋅ve2+100000
500⋅ve2=1602820
ve=5001602820=56.7 m/s
Calculation of water flow rate
Q=Aintake⋅v=12.8⋅4.5=57.6 m³/s
Calculation of hydroelectric power plant capacity
P=21⋅ρ⋅Aintake⋅ve2⋅η
P=21⋅1000⋅12.8⋅56.72⋅0.85=100400 kW = 100.4 MW
Calculation results
Key parameters:
Water ejection velocity: 56.7 m/s
Water flow rate: 57.6 m³/s
Plant capacity: 100.4 MW
Intake area: 12.8 m²
Important considerations
Actual capacity may be lower due to:
Friction losses in the neck of the tower
Structural resistance
Flow imperfections
Losses in the turbine system
Factors to consider:
Hydraulic losses in the system
Effect of neck constriction
Collector characteristics
Turbine system efficiency
Recommendations:
Conduct detailed hydraulic calculations
Perform structural strength calculations
Verify system stability
Account for seasonal changes in tidal characteristics
Assessment of Hydrological Conditions of Penzhinskaya Bay for HYPOT
Key Hydrological Characteristics
Current Velocity:
In rebound currents reaches 3.5-4.5 m/s
In the main flow 2.5-3.5 m/s
These indicators are sufficient for efficient HYPOT operation
Water Depth:
Minimum depth in installation zone 45-50 m
Maximum depth up to 80 m
Conditions are suitable for HYPOT placement
Temperature Regime:
Winter: from -1.5°C to 0°C
Summer: up to +12°C
Ice protection system required
Analysis of Conditions for Different Capacities
For 2-10 MW Installations:
Optimal conditions
Minimal requirements for depth and current speed
Group installation possible
For 30-100 MW Installations:
Areas with increased current speed required
Deep installation sites necessary
Stable current zones preferable
Factors Affecting Efficiency
Tidal Phenomena:
Significant water level fluctuations
Impact on station performance
Adaptation system required
Seasonal Changes:
Changes in current speed
Ice formations in winter
Temperature fluctuations
Conclusion on Acceptability of Conditions
The hydrological conditions of Penzhinskaya Bay are generally suitable for installing HYPOT of various capacities:
For 2-10 MW capacities — fully acceptable conditions
For 30-100 MW capacities — additional measures required:
Reinforced structures
Ice protection systems
Special foundations
Current monitoring
Recommendations:
Conduct detailed surveys at proposed installation sites
Develop ice protection systems
Consider seasonal changes in design
Create backup control systems
Сomparative Design Parameters Table for HYPOT Stations with Vortex Turbine
Main Design Parameters
Parameter
30 MW
50 MW
70 MW
100 MW
200 MW
Total Installed Power (MW)
30
50
70
100
200
Number of Units
3×10
5×10
7×10
10×10
20×10
Tower Height (m)
90–100
100–110
110–120
120–130
140–150
Above-Water Part (m)
35–40
40–45
45–50
50–55
60–65
Underwater Part (m)
55–60
60–65
65–70
70–75
80–85
Water Flow Rate (m³/s)
25–30
40–45
55–60
75–80
120–130
Current Velocity (m/s)
4.5–5.0
5.0–5.5
5.5–6.0
6.0–6.5
7.0–7.5
Vortex Diameter (m)
4.0–4.5
5.0–5.5
6.0–6.5
7.0–7.5
9.0–9.5
Intake Diameter (m)
8.0–9.0
10.0–11.0
12.0–13.0
14.0–15.0
18.0–19.0
Physical Characteristics
Parameter
All Capacities
Water Density (kg/m³)
1025
Water Temperature (°C)
-1.5 to +12
Water Salinity (‰)
30–33
Design Pressure (MPa)
Calculated by depth
Hydraulic Efficiency (%)
85–92
Vortex Efficiency (%)
75–85
Structural Characteristics
Parameter
30 MW
50 MW
70 MW
100 MW
200 MW
Tower Wall Thickness (mm)
120–150
150–180
180–210
210–240
240–270
Foundation Piles
12–16
16–20
20–24
24–28
28–32
Pile Diameter (m)
1.2–1.4
1.4–1.6
1.6–1.8
1.8–2.0
2.0–2.2
Reinforcement Ratio (%)
0.8–1.0
1.0–1.2
1.2–1.4
1.4–1.6
1.6–1.8
Electrical Parameters
Parameter
All Capacities
Generator Type
Permanent Magnet
Rated Voltage (kV)
6.3/10.5
Frequency (Hz)
50
Power Factor
0.8–0.9
Rotation Speed (rpm)
150–300
Protection Class
IP68
It all started with silence. I am standing on the bank of a great Siberian river, but I don't hear the familiar roar of turbines or see the monumental concrete dam blocking the flow. Instead, in the rushing current, steel hyperboloids sway gracefully, like strange sea creatures. Their elegant lattice structures, lit by the setting sun, look more like an art installation, a monument to a distant future that for some reason has arrived here and now. But this is not a monument. This is a revolution. And I was one of those who helped make it happen.
Just ten years ago, we had hit a ceiling. Large hydroelectric power stations meant giant construction sites, colossal costs, and irreversible intrusion into the ecosystem. We blocked rivers, creating artificial seas, and proudly called it the conquest of nature. But deep down, I, like many engineers of the old school, felt that this was not a conquest, but a deal with a dubious price. We took energy at the cost of landscapes, flooded villages, and altered destinies.
The breakthrough came from where we least expected it. Not from increasing the scale, but from a fundamentally new philosophy. If you can't stop a river, you must learn to dance with it in rhythm. This is how the idea of "hyperboloids" was born—not dams, but kinetic sculptures that transform the very essence of the water's movement.
Imagine: instead of one massive concrete block, there are dozens, hundreds of elegant steel structures placed in the riverbed like an intelligent swarm. Each one is not just a turbine. It is a highly adaptive organism, sensitively detecting the slightest changes in current speed, flow direction, even seasonal water level fluctuations. Their shape, that very hyperbolic lattice, is a genius engineering thought borrowed from nature itself. It provides incredible strength with minimal weight and creates complex vortex flows that multiply efficiency.
And then the impossible happened. From a single such unit, modestly standing in a medium-sized river, we began to draw from 10 to 30 megawatts. Figures that were once the domain of giant and expensive hydroelectric complexes. Thirty megawatts! Enough to power an entire small city without flooding a single meter of land or relocating a single person.
I remember the day we launched the first industrial farm of such hyperboloids on one of the northern rivers. We did not block its flow. We did not change its course. We simply lowered these steel "flowers" into the water, and they lit their first lights. And standing on the shore, I listened. I listened to that very silence, which lacked the hum of a machine room, but contained only the natural gurgling of water flowing around the steel stems. It was the silence of a new era. An era where the force of nature and the genius of engineering had finally stopped fighting and started dancing together.
And now, looking at these elegant structures, I understand: we have not just found a new source of energy. We have given rivers back their voice, and ourselves—hope that progress can be harmonious, not destructive. This is only the beginning. The beginning of a quiet, clean, and infinitely powerful revolu