Our technologies provide energy and environmental solutions and focus on:
- Fish Passage, Invasive Species Management, Water Quality Control
- Pumped Storage Hydro Development and Evaluation
- Anti Fouling Coatings
Photo by David Herasimtschuk/Freshwaters Illustrated
Fish Passage Solutions and Invasive Species Management:
The RCS System™ is a cutting-edge technology that enhances water quality and ecological balance in dammed rivers, addressing critical regulatory requirements for fish passage, water quality, and invasive species control. By selectively withdrawing water from specific levels within the water column, the RCS System™ manages conditions such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, and other essential biotic and abiotic phenomena to reconnect natural-like conditions between upstream reservoirs and downstream habitats. This approach enables operators to meet regulatory, environmental, and community needs more effectively.
Constructed from advanced hydrophobic materials with high strength and durability, the RCS System™ offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. These long-lasting materials reduce installation and maintenance costs by an order of magnitude, making sustainable water management more accessible for dam operators. The system’s selective control capabilities prevent the spread of invasive species while enhancing habitat connectivity, supporting ecological health and compliance with regulatory standards.
This comprehensive, environmentally responsible solution supports hydropower operators committed to maintaining ecological health and regulatory compliance while preserving the dam’s essential function and operations.
Pumped Storage Hydro Technologies
RCS is advancing the field of Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH) through a blend of technical expertise and strategic research partnerships, with a focus on maximizing economic benefits, enhancing environmental performance, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Our capabilities include hydropower and geotechnical expertise led by senior engineer Andrew Blystra, PE, whose 40 years of experience in PSH and conventional hydropower optimization have positioned RCS as a leader in feasibility studies, FERC compliance, and comprehensive due diligence for dam capacity expansion.
We have been supported by the U.S. Department of Energy and national laboratories like Oak Ridge and Argonne, our research collaborations drive advancements in PSH materials and designs, including innovative geomembrane lining systems and the use of Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) to improve slope stability, sediment management, and infrastructure resilience.
Additionally, RCS is pioneering new applications through our proprietary iPS-RAS technology, setting a standard for multi-use hydropower that optimizes water and energy use to support world-wide sustainable food and energy production.
Antifouling Coating Technologies
Through Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA) with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), RCS is advancing next-generation biofouling-resistant coatings to improve hydropower infrastructure resilience and efficiency. Our CAFE-Slic™ coating is engineered to protect against invasive species such as quagga and zebra mussels, prevent corrosion, and minimize surface friction for more efficient water management operations.
These innovations, currently undergoing field trials, builds on PNNL’s superhydrophobic lubricant-infused composite (SLIC) technology, initially developed to deter marine biofouling and reduce hydrodynamic drag in marine energy applications.
Leveraging the free-slip condition at the liquid interface, CAFE-Slic™ retains a durable lubricant layer that not only minimizes biofouling but also shows potential for enhanced drag reduction. By incorporating advanced micro- and nano-structured surfaces, RCS is focused on CAFE-Slic™ optimized for long-term deployment on various flexible surfaces within hydropower and blue economy infrastructures, ensuring both sustainable operation and enhanced energy capture efficiency and offering a viable, long-term solution for sustainable infrastructure in water and energy systems.