An innovative low cost hydrokinetic site selection technique for cold climate regions

This study introduces a novel and low cost satellite imaging technique for hydrokinetic site selection in cold climate areas like central and northern Canada. In this technique, the potential hydrokinetic site is determined as a first approximation by analyzing the ice formation on the river system during winter time from satellite or aerial imagery. Open areas on the river surface during cold winter days, when the rest of the river is frozen, are potential sites for hydrokinetic turbine installation. This method relies on the fact that the surface ice is not forming in high velocity areas of the river and it remains open during cold winter months. Satellite or aerial imagery helps to narrow down the potential hydrokinetic sites on a large river system to limited number of unfrozen areas. The validity of this technique is investigated on Winnipeg River within a few kilometers stretch of the river from Manitoba/Ontario border to Lamprey falls. Preliminary results show that the flow velocity in ice opening indicated by satellite imagery ranges from 1.2 to 4.5 m/s during an exceptionally high flow of the Winnipeg River. This study proves the practicality of this novel satellite imagery technique for estimating river hydrokinetic sites. In the next step, the method will be refined and applied to a larger stretch of the Winnipeg River for normal flow years. The long term goal is to employ this technique and locate potential hydrokinetic sites in vicinity remote communities.