River Connectivity Systems develops the RCS™ selective water withdrawal system to enhance water quality and manage invasive species in dammed rivers. This technology optimizes the flow of water resources, improving ecological balance while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards for hydropower operations.
Funding
$200K raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Dammed rivers face challenges in maintaining water quality, controlling invasive species, and ensuring adequate fish passage, often requiring costly and complex solutions. Traditional methods for managing these issues can be inefficient and may not effectively address the specific ecological needs of the river system. Hydropower operators also struggle to meet evolving regulatory standards while preserving essential dam functions.
Solution
River Connectivity Systems (RCS) provides technologies for sustainable energy generation, water resource protection, and ecological balance in dammed rivers. The RCS System™ selectively withdraws water from different levels of the water column to manage temperature, dissolved oxygen, and other factors, reconnecting upstream reservoirs with downstream habitats. Constructed from hydrophobic materials, the RCS System™ offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods, reducing installation and maintenance expenses. RCS also develops antifouling coatings to protect hydropower infrastructure from invasive species and corrosion, and is advancing Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH) technologies.
Target Audience
The primary customers are hydropower operators, dam operators, and other stakeholders involved in water resource management and sustainable energy generation.
Features
- RCS System™: Selective water withdrawal technology to manage water quality and ecological conditions in dammed rivers.
- Hydrophobic material construction: Reduces installation and maintenance costs for the RCS System™.
- iPS-RAS technology: Optimizes water and energy use for sustainable food and energy production at hydropower sites.
- CAFE-Slic™ coating: Antifouling coating to protect against invasive species, prevent corrosion, and minimize surface friction.
- Expertise in Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH): Feasibility studies, FERC compliance, and due diligence for dam capacity expansion.
- Research collaborations: Partnerships with national laboratories to advance PSH materials and designs.