The world’s first Ecobulb units have been commissioned in Paullo, near Milan, Italy. Each of the two VA Tech Hydro 1 MW units has a runner diameter of 2600 mm and a nominal speed of 150 rpm.
The Ecobulb concept for small-scale hydropower plants employs bulb turbines with direct-driven generators that use permanent-magnet technology. This is said to produce a more compact and efficient design.