About the Igiugig RivGen Project The RivGen® Power System generates emission-free electricity from river currents and connects directly into existing remote community grids using smart grid technology. It consists of three major subsystems: shore-side power electronics, mooring system, and turbine generator (TGU) device.
In 2014, ORPC built and operated its RivGen® Power System, the Company’s first river energy project, delivering power to the remote Alaskan village of Igiugig. We re-installed and operated an updated RivGen® Power System in Igiugig in 2015 to demonstrate its latest technology advancements and provided one-third of the community’s electricity needs, significantly offsetting their diesel fuel use.
Features:
Low profile, advanced design cross-flow turbines
Operates underwater with no visible surface features
Encapsulated generator specifically designed for leak prevention and long life in subsea operations
Towable pontoon support structure with “self-deploying/self-retrieving” remotely activated buoyancy system
Non-linear control system for operating in turbulent conditions
Optimized drivetrain with minimal friction losses and high reliability