COLLABORATIONS
In 2008, Instream developed a strategic relationship with BAE Systems, a global defense, aerospace and security company employing over 88,000 people worldwide. This strategic relationship resulted in a technology partnership agreement that enables Instream to leverage BAE Systems’ significant capabilities in hydrodynamics, maritime systems, information technology, system modelling and design. Design work with BAE Systems has led to a 71% increase in turbine efficiency.
In 2012, Instream formed a long-term relationship with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), which resulted in a multi-year site use agreement for a hydrokinetic demonstration at the Roza Canal. Instream was the first to develop and install a spanning structure and turbine system in an operational canal, and was the first company to receive a multi-year facility-use agreement for a hydrokinetic power project with the USBR. This project has been in continuous operation since.
In 2009/ 2010 Instream worked closely with BC Hydro, to develop and deploy an array of turbines a project at the Duncan Dam in B.C. BC Hydro provided access for the purposes of the project, and support services on a contract basis through Powertech Labs. This collaborative project with BC Hydro and BAE Systems enabled Instream to deploy the world’s first array of vertical axis hydrokinetic turbines in a dam outflow channel.
Instream has worked with ITPE since 2014 on projects ranging from market assessment to engineering design projects. In 2015, a collaborative effort between Instream and ITPE received the EUREKA label for the design of a preferred floating platform concept. The project resulted in Instream’s second generation platform design for the deployment of its multi-turbine hydrokinetic system for coastal marine applications.
Initial higher-capacity turbine design and optimization with the National Research Council, Canada’s leading resource for R&D and technology-based innovation.
Ongoing research at the Roza Canal is being performed in collaboration with Sandia National Labs and has led to the ability accurately predict hydrokinetic impacts to canal ecosystems.
Instream collaborated with University of Victoria to refine hydrodynamic models for multi-turbine platform designs.
Instream collaborated with UBC and University of Alberta to evaluate composite materials for core rotor designs to improve material costs and reduce turbine weight.
