Natural Resources Canada, Powerbase Energy Systems Inc.

Technology Transfer Award

For the successful development, transfer, adaptation and commercialization of an automatic control-protection system for small hydro projects

---

Team Members

Elizabeth Blackburn, Bruce Faiers, Cynthia Handler, Jinxing Huang, Morel Oprisan, Mark Riley and Tony T. Tung
Natural Resources Canada

Yves Grandmaitre, William H. Kemp and Robert Morley
Powerbase Energy Systems Inc.

At one time it seemed that the more technologically advanced, the further small hydro power stations fell behind. A particular disadvantage was their lack of access to automated control and protection technologies that larger competitors employed to boost the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of their operations. Scaled-down versions of systems to automate 'water-to-wire' activities such as start-up and power control were too costly and complicated for small hydro applications. To level the playing field, the CANMET Energy Technology Centre partnered with Powerbase Energy Systems Inc. of Carleton Place, Ontario to develop a unique embedded modular approach to automation that features the latest in microprocessor technology. The Powerbase platform uses available water resources more efficiently, reduces the likelihood of human error and increases power generation by as much as 10 per cent over manually operated stations.

This environmentally friendly technology generated $1.7 million in sales in 2007, with projected sales of as much as $25 million over the next five years. To date, 185 automated control and protection systems have been installed in nine countries, including Nepal, Central America, the United States, Vietnam and China, where as many as 1,500 aging small stations of a total 56,000, a full 40 per cent of the market, need to be upgraded annually.