Our new infographic takes a closer look at how H-HOPE is optimising its energy harvesters for use in real water networks. It brings together the modelling, testing and digital tools being developed to help ensure that the technology can operate effectively under different flow conditions.
The idea behind H-HOPE is simple: use the movement of water already flowing through pipes, channels and open streams to generate small amounts of electricity. This energy can then be used to power sensors and monitoring equipment, supporting the digitalisation of water infrastructure while reducing the need for batteries or external power connections.
Making this work in practice, however, requires careful optimisation. Water flows are rarely constant, and every site has different dimensions, velocities and operating conditions. The harvester therefore needs to be designed so that it can continue producing useful energy even when the flow changes.
To address this, the H-HOPE team is combining fluid, structural and electrical modelling. These models help us understand how the shape and material of the device affect its movement, how it responds to the surrounding water flow and how that movement can be converted into electricity.
The models also allow different designs to be explored before they are built and tested. This makes it easier to identify promising configurations, reduce development time and adapt the technology to different types of water infrastructure.
Experimental testing remains an important part of the process. The first campaigns have examined the behaviour of the harvester in both piping and open-stream conditions, looking at factors such as vibration frequency, displacement and flow characteristics. The results are then compared with the simulations, helping the team refine the models and improve their accuracy.
Another key consideration is reliability. For sensors and monitoring systems, it is not enough to generate a high amount of energy for a short period. The power supply also needs to be sufficiently consistent to support regular data collection and transmission. H-HOPE is therefore assessing both overall energy production and the continuity of supply under variable conditions.
This work is also feeding into the project’s user-friendly digital platform. The aim is to allow users to enter information from a specific site—such as water velocity, channel dimensions and other operating parameters—and receive guidance on a suitable harvester configuration.
By bringing these different elements together, H-HOPE is working towards an energy-harvesting solution that is not only technically effective, but also practical and adaptable. Our new infographic offers a clear overview of this progress and of the steps involved in turning flowing water into a reliable source of power for smarter water networks.
