Madison, AL – Mesa Associates, Inc. (Mesa) is proud to announce the issuance of a U.S. Patent for an innovative hydropower turbine design expanding the company’s modular hydropower technology into higher-head applications, further advancing its scalable approach to renewable energy deployment.
The newly patented technology builds upon Mesa’s existing modular turbine platform, NuSTREEM, by extending its optimum efficiency operating range to hydraulic heads up to 110 feet. The design increases both the operating range and application flexibility of the modular system, allowing it to address a broader range of small hydropower opportunities, while reducing maintenance requirements and environmental impact. The technology is intended for use in existing hydraulic infrastructure, including minimum in-stream flow and low-level outlets, non-powered dams, and other distributed generation opportunities.
Designed with compact, modular architecture, the system can be deployed individually or as part of a multi-unit installation, allowing for ease of deployment, installation, and maintenance. This approach is intended to support more repeatable, flexible implementation in comparison to the traditional custom-designed hydropower installations.
The patented technology was developed by Mesa engineers Dr. Boualem Hadjerioua, Mr. Kevin Polak, and Dr. Thomas Eldredge, whose expertise and innovation were instrumental in bringing the concept from design to reality.
“This patent represents the continued evolution of Mesa’s modular hydropower technology and reflects our commitment to practical, scalable renewable energy solutions,” said Dr. Boualem Hadjerioua. “By expanding the capabilities of our existing platform into higher-head applications, we believe this technology can help unlock additional small hydropower opportunities both domestically and internationally.”
This highlights Mesa’s continued investment in developing innovative technologies that support reliable, sustainable, and efficient energy production. The technology also supports the continued advancement of Mesa’s NuSTREEM turbine solutions, which are designed to deliver efficient, reliable, and environmentally responsible renewable energy generation.
Mesa provides engineering, consulting, and technical services for the power generation, utility, industrial, and renewable energy industries throughout North America and internationally.
Patent Number: 12637996, Published May 26, 2026
For more information, please contact Boualem Hadjerioua, PhD, F. ASCE, Director of Integrated Water Resource Management, [email protected].
