Hydrokinetic energy utilization from rivers: Prospects and challenges in Bulgaria

Abstract The use of various alternative sources is a critical component of environmental protection. This article presents a theoretical and experimental study on the possibilities for using the kinetic energy of rivers. A theoretical calculation has been performed on several major rivers in Bulgaria, along with an experimental study in laboratory conditions of 12 different types of hydrokinetic turbines at three distinct flow velocities—0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 m/s. An analysis of the results has been conducted.