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Contextualizing Non-Powered Dam Site Selection for Archimedes Screw Turbines: A Methodology for Responsible Archimedes Screw Turbine Conversion at Existing Dams

Author

Listed:
  • Kyle M. Weiss

    (Oak Ridge Innovation Institute, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
    Current address: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.)

  • Kristine N. Moody

    (Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA)

  • Brenda M. Pracheil

    (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99354, USA)

Abstract

Non-powered dams represent 97% of dams in the United States and their energy generation potential has not been fully realized. The use of an Archimedes screw turbine to generate power at non-powered dams offers a dual benefit; producing electricity, and acting as downstream fish passage, helping to reconnect previously separated ecosystems. In this study, we assess the technical, environmental, social, and economic feasibility of generating power at non-powered U.S. dam sites using Archimedes screw turbines by integrating mechanical constraints, social impact metrics, proximity to infrastructure, and environmental sensitivity data. Results account for future precipitation predictions and show, between 2024 and 2050, the number of sites where Archimedes screw turbines are viable decreases by one site, but overall generation capacity increases due to increased flow rates across persisting locations. Our analysis identified 82 non-powered dam sites with a mean generation capacity of 49 kW that meet the mechanical requirements for Archimedes screw turbine technology in 2024. Our analysis presents a framework for considering social, environmental, and economic impacts of specific turbine technologies to convert non-powered dams to generate power.

Suggested Citation

  • Kyle M. Weiss & Kristine N. Moody & Brenda M. Pracheil, 2025. "Contextualizing Non-Powered Dam Site Selection for Archimedes Screw Turbines: A Methodology for Responsible Archimedes Screw Turbine Conversion at Existing Dams," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-18, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:16:p:4220-:d:1720428
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Arash YoosefDoost & William David Lubitz, 2020. "Archimedes Screw Turbines: A Sustainable Development Solution for Green and Renewable Energy Generation—A Review of Potential and Design Procedures," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-34, September.
    2. Emanuele Quaranta & Katalin Bódis & Egidijus Kasiulis & Aonghus McNabola & Alberto Pistocchi, 2022. "Is There a Residual and Hidden Potential for Small and Micro Hydropower in Europe? A Screening-Level Regional Assessment," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 36(6), pages 1745-1762, April.
    3. Schramm, Michael P. & Bevelhimer, Mark S. & DeRolph, Chris R., 2016. "A synthesis of environmental and recreational mitigation requirements at hydropower projects in the United States," Environmental Science & Policy, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 87-96.
    4. Punys, Petras & Kvaraciejus, Algis & Dumbrauskas, Antanas & Šilinis, Linas & Popa, Bogdan, 2019. "An assessment of micro-hydropower potential at historic watermill, weir, and non-powered dam sites in selected EU countries," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 133(C), pages 1108-1123.
    5. Rohmer, Julien & Knittel, Dominique & Sturtzer, Guy & Flieller, Damien & Renaud, Jean, 2016. "Modeling and experimental results of an Archimedes screw turbine," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 136-146.
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