VETT-in-a-Box

Mini-grid hydropower is an essential way to meet the electricity demands of rural areas in an environmentally sustainable manner. It is especially important because it can be deployed in various sizes of schemes that can be adapted and made suitable to local conditions and the needs of a particular community.

VETT-in-a-Box brings electricity to the most remote, off-grid locations worldwide. It is a 'plug & play' hydro solution that arranges an entire mini system in a portable, easy to install prefabricated arrangement that is manufactured off-site. VETT-in-a-Box can be deployed at sites with up to 5 metres of head and each unit can take up to 2.7m3/s. Multiple units can be installed in parallel. Excavation and civil work costs are nearly eliminated because the system holds the turbine within a pressurised chamber, which can be installed quickly and accurately.

VETT-in-a-Box is an innovative, ducted VETT design that is compact, transportable, and can be mass produced.

Powering Off-Grids, Mini-Grids, or The National Grid

VETT-in-a-Box produced energy can be consumed directly off-grid such as by battery storage units or individual consumers, it can power whole communities through decentralised mini grids, or it can operate grid connected. The technology allows for a locally distributed energy supply model to be realised, reducing transmission losses and the impact of local grid failures. Its predictable, reliable operation makes it an ideal partner for grids connected to variable wind or solar power. 

Plug & Play Installation Options to Meet Your Site Needs

To minimise civil works for smaller low-head hydropower sites, VETT-in-a-Box houses all mechanical and electrical equipment in a prefabricated, pressurised duct, rather than an open tank. This means excavation and concrete works are significantly reduced. Offsite fabrication reduces time on-site and the risk of costly delays. All M&E equipment is delivered on a structural skid which is lifted into the M&E duct onto a pre-assembled frame. The VETT-in-a-Box is connected via standard pipe flanges, further simplifying the installation. A dry generator positioned outside of the VETT-in-a-Box reduces installation and maintenance costs further.

It can be installed in shallow excavations, just deep enough to ensure the outfall is submerged whilst angling the installation from upstream to downstream. Below are two options:

ANGLED DOWNSTREAM

VETT-in-a-Box can be installed directly on a bank, at an angle, with the downstream system lower than the upstream water level and turbine. The main duct is above the water when shut down. The unit shown here has an upstream sluice gate. The whole unit can be built into an excavation to avoid visual pollution. 

SIPHONED INTAKE

This visual shows a siphoned intake with simple debris screen. The intake goes over a pre-existing structure, such as a weir or river bank, with no need to break into it, reducing excavation costs. An air pump creates a natural siphon to draw water into the system.

Contact us to discuss your project requirements or for more information:

Tel:     +44 (0) 203 696 4530

Email:  enquiries@verderg.com