It seems of late and with some recognition of the work of Viktor Schauberger
Interest in converting rotary motion by means of water power devices is starting to grab the interest of energy researchers.
An interesting device is the diagram shown below that uses air and water to produce energy force by means of forcing the water under great pressure by means of sixteen small jets the edge of a rotating cylinder.
Apparently the main problem with this type of unit is trying to get the rotor to balance properly.
Viktor Schauberger also proposed using a spinning disc wheel that pulled water upwards and then outwards to edge of disk by means of several pipes special shaped to intensify the force of the water leaving the jets at edge of disk.
The water was then returned to a water collection area by means of gravity and then used again.
Experiments in the United States have been carried out and while results have been good, I am unaware if over unity has been accomplished.
For the home experimenter the above experiments are probably out of the reach of your normal handyman.
For the home experimenter the following design of mine may be interest.
The main components consists of three flat cylinders driven by a power pulley or motor.
The only critical part of the device is a central etched out plastic ring as shown below in the two diagrams
There are only four jet exits in this device but more could be added as long as they are equally spaced around the disk.
If exit points are cut out properly no additional jets should needed to be connected to the outer surface of the central disk.
Some experimentation with the exit angle of the spiral pathway may be needed ,but I suggest exiting point of the disk should be at an angle of about 45 degrees to outer contact surface.
The first diagram shows a piece of plastic breadboard cut in to circle
The center is cut out to allow insertion of a plastic suction pipe.
Into to this is engraved or cut a special spiral.
I hope the diagram shows how to calculate the spiral.
The disk I see as being 6-8 inches in diameter, but could be bigger with more cut spirals would probably be more efficient.
Basically the first circle is of 3 units measure
The second circle is of 2 units measure.
The third circle is of 1 unit measure.
If you use some graph paper you should be able to plot the spiral.
This flat central plastic cylinder is then sandwiched between two other plastic cylinders of the same size.
The bottom ring needs only hold the suction pipe
Fix it so that it cannot move outwards and it should be an air tight and then seal at point of connection in the plastic ring.
The top plastic ring is connected by means of a threaded shaft to your drive unit and it should not matter if this threaded shaft extends into suction pipe.
All three flat cylinders are connected together by means of four counter sunk nuts and bolts.
Some sealant between rings could also be of a help here, but make sure none gets into the spirals you have cut into the middle disk.
It may also help in operation of the unit to have an outer ring with angled splash plates on the casing where the water jets exiting the spinning disk and will come in contact with it.
This only an experimental design and I am sure improvements can be made to the design.
Theory of operation
When The unit begins to spin a vacuum is formed in the centre of disk
Water is then drawn into the centre and because of centrifugal force is thrown into the spiral and as it gets compressed, building up a force that is released on exiting the rim.
This force is further enhanced by addition of a angle splash plate as per the Schauberger designs.
If you get this far you may care to add an additional pulley to drive a generator ,but you will still need to keep your primary source of power connected to vortex unit.
Like to hear of your results if you do.
The above photograph is an interesting experiment in that a egg is made to rotate in a stream of running water.
These too I believe could be used to provide a basis for a turbine design.
For those that wish to perform the experiemnt here are some detials.
The has small holes drilled out at both end.
Choose an end and blow the yolk and contents out of the bottom end.
Thread a string though the two ends and tie a knot at bottom end so that the egg shell cannot come off.
Place a sticker on the egg shell so that you see the egg rotate.
and finally place in a flowing stream from a garden hose.
If water is directed from above and is sufficient in strength you may see the egg shell rise up against the water stream.
Another Related Schauberger page
