US Patent 10202960 Systems and methods for hydroelectric systems

Embodiments of a hydroelectric system for a low head dam can include a module including a protective housing, a turbine housing retained within the protective housing, the turbine housing including an upper inlet portion at a first end, a substantially tubular portion, and a lower outlet portion at a second end, the upper inlet portion being positioned above the lower outlet portion, a turbine retained at least partially within the turbine housing, the turbine including a plurality of blades coupled with a central shaft, and a fluid pump, the fluid pump being coupled with the central shaft, where the fluid pump is configured to pump a high pressure fluid, a fluid circuit, the fluid circuit including piping, where the high pressure fluid is retained within the piping, and a generator, the generator being coupled with the fluid circuit, where the generator is driven by the high pressure fluid that is pumped by the fluid pump in response to the rotation of the turbine.