The Hydro Power Tower (HYPOT) project, developed by George Mamulashvili, represents an innovative solution https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/78773
for converting the kinetic energy of marine and river currents into electricity. Its unique design and technological features allow it to occupy a key position in the development of large-scale kinetic energy. Here’s how HYPOT fits into the overall concept of breakthrough development in this field:
1. Unique Vertical Vortex Flow Technology
Operating Principle: HYPOT creates an artificial vertical vortex in a special tower, concentrating the energy of horizontal currents. This allows it to utilize Bernoulli’s Law and pressure differences between water layers to generate energy even at low current speeds (from 1 m/s).
Advantage: Unlike traditional horizontal turbines, HYPOT minimizes energy losses and increases efficiency through a vertical spiral turbine that is resistant to cavitation.
Source: growkudos.com(https://www.growkudos.com/publications/10.5772%25252Fintechopen.100107/reader)
2. High Power and Scalability
Potential: A single HYPOT unit can generate up to 600 W/m² (at a current speed of 1 m/s), which is 6 times more efficient than solar panels of similar area.
Example: The pilot project in the port of Great Yarmouth (UK) demonstrates the possibility of integrating HYPOT into coastal infrastructure for powering ships and industrial facilities.
Prospects: Clusters of hundreds of HYPOT installations in areas of strong currents (Gulf Stream, Kuroshio) can reach capacities of 1–5 GW, comparable to mainland hydroelectric power plants.
Source: researchgate.net(https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330666242_The_creation_of_the_underwater_cyclone_action_streamer_power_plants_Ocean_Renewable_Energy_Sources_-_Hydro_Power_Tower_SeaRiver_based)
3. Environmental Safety
Minimal Impact: The HYPOT turbine does not require dam construction, preserving natural ecosystems. The vertical vortex is less dangerous for marine life compared to horizontal turbine blades.
Versatility: The installation operates under ice, in deep-water zones, and rivers, expanding the geographical scope without harming the environment.
Comparison: Unlike projects like Minesto Dragon 12, HYPOT does not need complex anchoring systems, reducing risks to benthic biocenoses.
4. Economic Efficiency
Cost Reduction:
Electricity cost — $60/MWh (2–3 times cheaper than offshore wind generators).
Capital costs per 1 MW — $4.2–12.3 million, which is competitive with other marine renewable energy sources.
Modularity: Simple design allows for quick deployment and scaling of projects.
Example: In Indonesia, HYPOT is used for water desalination with a cost of $0.5/m³, demonstrating multifunctionality.
5. Integration into Global Projects
Hybrid Systems: HYPOT can be combined with wind generators and solar panels (like the Tidal-Wind Hub project), ensuring stable energy production.
Energy Islands: HYPOT installations can become part of artificial islands such as the North Sea Wind Power Hub, complementing wind and wave energy.
EU Strategy: As part of the plan to achieve 10% energy from currents by 2050, HYPOT is proposed for deployment in the North Sea and Mediterranean.
6. Technological Advantages over Analogues
Low Cavitation: The HYPOT spiral turbine reduces equipment wear, increasing service life to 30 years.
Operation in Any Conditions: The installation operates at current speeds from 0.5 m/s, while most turbines require 2–3 m/s.
Example: Unlike Orbital O2 (2 MW), HYPOT is easier to maintain due to its modular design.
Conclusion
The Hydro Power Tower project has the potential to become a “breakthrough link” in kinetic marine current energy due to:
High efficiency even in weak currents.
