Development of a hydroenergy unit for free-flowing watercourses based on a kinetic turbine and a floating platform

This paper presents the development of a hydroenergy unit featuring a floating platform and two kinetic hydro turbines designed for operation in free-flowing, low-head watercourses. An analysis of existing patent-based and technical solutions was carried out, revealing key shortcomings of conventional designs. An improved system of guiding surfaces is proposed, enabling an increase in flow velocity and enhancing turbine efficiency. Based on the developed technical drawings, geometric relationships and analytical expressions were obtained, allowing the determination of essential design parameters at the early stage of engineering development. The presented results confirm the potential of the proposed system and can serve as a foundation for further experimental studies.