Magnetically Levitated Hydrokinetic Micro‐Turbines for Low‐Flow Streams Using High‐Temperature Superconducting Bearings

This paper presents the design, modeling, and experimental validation of a magnetically levitated hydrokinetic micro-turbine optimized for ultra-low-flow streams (Q < 0.1 m3/s). The proposed system integrates high-temperature superconducting (HTS) bearings to eliminate mechanical contact and frictional losses, enabling efficient energy conversion in remote, low-head environments. A coupled CFD–FEA modeling framework is developed to predict system dynamics, efficiency, and rotor dynamic stability under variable flow conditions. Simulation and prototype measurements reveal a peak hydraulic-to-electrical conversion efficiency of (82.4%) and excellent agreement with predicted torque-speed and thermal profiles. Dynamic testing confirms rapid startup, stable thermal regulation, and negligible vibration modes due to HTS-based damping. A detailed techno-economic analysis indicates a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of $0.094/kWh over a 20-year lifetime, outperforming diesel and solar-battery alternatives in both cost and reliability for rural electrification. Sensitivity assessments show that performance is robust to variations in cryogenic load and capital expenditure. The findings establish superconducting micro-hydropower as a viable and sustainable solution for off-grid energy access in hydrologically stable but hydraulically constrained settings.