Clean Renewable Water Power
In the past, hydro power was a major source of power, mostly in the form of water wheels that drove grain millstones, or generated power for textile mills, sawmills and other industrial applications. This century saw the birth of large scale hydro-electric power generation with huge dams and other feats of large scale engineering that provide much of the power transmitted through the grid. Now, as part of our collective move toward sustainable living, micro-power is offering an off grid solution for many.
Micro-hydro power generation is a rapidly growing part of the renewable energy field. Any site that has running water that drops several feet or more could be a micro hydro power candidate. A small amount of the flow needs to be diverted into a pipe where it can drop several feet before driving the turbine. A small hydro system can easily generate enough clean power for a family, farm, clinic, and the like.
We sell the famous Harris Pelton turbines - designed and manufactured by Don Harris at his hydro powered shop in California.
How much power can you generate with a Harris turbine?
The amount of power available depends on the dynamic head, the amount of water flow and the efficiency of the turbine/generator combination.
Turbine output is determined by 4 factors:
- Head or vertical drop from source to turbine nozzle. Head can be measured with a transit or level and a measuring stick of known length in successive steps. Or a quick pipe can be assembled from numerous garden hoses and the pressure can be measured with the hoses full of water. This, too, can be done in successive steps. 0.43 psi = 1 foot of head / 2.3 feet = 1 psi
- Flow in gallons per minute (gpm) passing through the nozzle. A temporary dam can be built to measure flow. By timing the filling of a container of known volume, the flow can be determined. Care should be taken to not dry up creeks, but to leave enough water to maintain natural environmental balances.
- Diameter, length and condition of feeder pipe. Generally, single nozzle systems with under 2000 feet of feeder pipe require a 2" pipe. A two nozzle system needs a 3" pipe and 4 nozzle systems require a 4" pipe. This will keep pipe losses under 25%. Please inquire about specific pipe losses for your site.
- Turbine efficiency. Alternator efficiency is between 30% - 70% efficient.
We also carry Aquair Submersibles
The AQUAIR UW is solidly constructed from heavy aluminium castings. The top-grade aluminium propeller (impeller) is connected to the shaft with a stainless steel cap screw. It can be quickly and easily hammered back into shape if necessary. Mounting the Aquair UW can be left to your ingenuity, but a few guidelines are in order.
Mount the AQUAIR in smoothly-flowing fast water near the bank or in a side flow where tree boles and debris cause less of a danger. Provide an upstream diversion that sweeps big stuff aside. You don't need a screen, since small debris can't hurt the generator. Make your overhead supporting structure very strong since downstream forces are unexpectedly powerful. If the stream is subject to heavy spates due to seasonal run-off or heavy rains upstream, you should provide a way to raise the generator safely above the new water level.
If your home is on the sea or near a tideway, the AQUAIR UW is also ideal for you. Its alternator produces electricity no matter which way the current is flowing. Under ideal conditions, the AQUAIR UW puts out 8.3 Amps at 12 Volts DC, 200 Amp-Hours (AH) per day (2.4 kWh) with a stream speed of 9 m.p.h. At 6 m.p.h. it will still produce 1.5 kWh per day. This electricity must be stored in deep-cycle batteries that are at least double the capacity source. If the house or equipment is located next to the stream you can use 12 Volts. If the equipment is 200 feet away, choose the 24 VDC option. Any further, use a very heavy cable or an inverter to eliminate line losses. High sustained outputs as in the AQUAIR UW system require regulation to protect your batteries. Use an effective voltage regulator to prevent overcharging just like with solar or wind powered systems. A minimum 25 amp regulator is required. See below. 2.4 Kilowatts is almost 1/4 the power used by a typical suburban home. In a wilderness home it can provide a good deal of comfort with a little bit of care. It weighs 30 pounds. A non-shorting charge control like the Trace C30 or C40, or load diversion regulator like the Enermax may be used for overcharge protection.