Alden Research,
Holden, MA
Client: Alden Research Lab
Design Engineer: Alden Research Lab
Contract Value: $2,011,718

Making sure that hydroelectric power generation has the minimum impact on the environment is what provided the genesis for this project. Alden Research was contracted to design a fish-friendly turbine and R.H.White built the entire testing facility. “Test” fish are contained in a 24’x14’x12’ steel tank. This 12 ton tank was placed right in the middle of the building. Fish are fed into the turbine inlet and then examined afterward to determine if there has been any damage to them.

The turbine weighs 93,000 pounds and the scroll case is 17’-6” in diameter. The hydraulic drive, which sits atop the turbine and absorbs all of the energy generated by the rotating assembly, weighs another eight tons. Circulating water is provided by a 42,500 gpm pump with a 2000 HP motor. All of this equipment was installed by R.H.White’s Mechanical Division and is housed within an 8000 sq. ft. building.