Micro Hydro Generator

[PacificAg]

Anyone have experience with one of these or something similar – I’ve a fairly large river on the property and this looks like a simply solution.

http://www.boost-energy.com/ampair/products_product5.asp

[Skid]

I've been looking at several options as I too live on a river. Ist thing to do is to measure the depth of the water near the river bank; 2nd thing to do is to measure off 100 feet and then have someone throw a stick or other floating object into the river and record the time it takes to travel 100 feet. Do this several times and take the average. This will determine how much generating potential you wil have.

My river averages 10 feet/second. This really increases the options, and the potential to generate much more than 100 watts to charge batteries. I'm looking at 3 -5 KW units that should near supply all electricity needs. I have looked at many options and have narrowed the choices to a poncelot wheel, or a horizontal or vertical flip wing.

Here is one interesting site: http://www.hydrovolts.com/MainPages/Hydrokinetic%20Turbines.htm

I have a lot of info on this subject that I have gathered over the years. I am leaning towards a poncelet wheel, and have come up with a mount design that takes into consideration rising/lowering river levels and debris impacts (logs, boulders, etc.). My goal is to build my own (weld up after getting material laser cut in shop), as I have several hundred feet of river with the potential for several wheels where I could generate perhaps 10-20 KW continuously. My jurisdiction pays for home generated alternative power so it could be profitable over time.

[rad]

Latest issue should be on news stands
http://homepower.com/article/?file=HP136_pg100_Gardner

[PacificAg]

I've been looking at several options as I too live on a river. Ist thing to do is to measure the depth of the water near the river bank; 2nd thing to do is to measure off 100 feet and then have someone throw a stick or other floating object into the river and record the time it takes to travel 100 feet. Do this several times and take the average. This will determine how much generating potential you wil have.

My river averages 10 feet/second. This really increases the options, and the potential to generate much more than 100 watts to charge batteries. I'm looking at 3 -5 KW units that should near supply all electricity needs. I have looked at many options and have narrowed the choices to a poncelot wheel, or a horizontal or vertical flip wing.

Here is one interesting site: http://www.hydrovolts.com/MainPages/Hydrokinetic%20Turbines.htm

I have a lot of info on this subject that I have gathered over the years. I am leaning towards a poncelet wheel, and have come up with a mount design that takes into consideration rising/lowering river levels and debris impacts (logs, boulders, etc.). My goal is to build my own (weld up after getting material laser cut in shop), as I have several hundred feet of river with the potential for several wheels where I could generate perhaps 10-20 KW continuously. My jurisdiction pays for home generated alternative power so it could be profitable over time.

Sounds interesting – Do you have any concern over local/state waterway restrictions? My plan was for a “low profile” deployment and thought that selling any excess would only draw extra un-needed attention.

[ttazzman]

Intresting thread keep any info coming.......i have a small stream with minmal fall...15' +/- in 1500ft......volume goes from 12" pipe size flow to a raging 20' x20' torent during rain run-off periods...flow speed i would say ranges from 7mph - 15mph if i were guessing

been trying to figure out how to capture this energy for a reasonable price....impounding this flow would probably be the best way but isnt reasonable price wise if the only consideration is power generation 2nd thought is some form of control structure to re-direct some flow through a smaller generation unit.

all ideas or thoughts are considered :biggrin:

[Partisan]

I been thinking of something like this.

http://www.absak.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/33_89_90/products_id/3

Not that big but its submersible and concealable. They sell a bunch
of stuff so if you browse the site you may get some better ideas.

[Unclad Lad]

Not that big but its submersible and concealable.

And unlike solar or wind it will operate 24/7, so it doesn't need as high an output.

[PacificAg]

Yep - Thats the one I'm looking at.

Another question I had was could you build up the river floor, or create a channel (Maybe of brick or stone) of sorts to increase the speed of river flow where you’ve installed this submersible generator to increase performance?

I mentioned earlier, I’m looking for a “low profile” solution – Don’t want to alert the anyone.

[Skid]

Yep - Thats the one I'm looking at.

Another question I had was could you build up the river floor, or create a channel (Maybe of brick or stone) of sorts to increase the speed of river flow where you’ve installed this submersible generator to increase performance?

I mentioned earlier, I’m looking for a “low profile” solution – Don’t want to alert the anyone.

The trouble with that type of hydro generator is that it is susceptible to impacts from debris or rolling boulders. Might be ok in a deep, slower river for low output generation, but in fast streams and rivers where there is power to be made it will be damaged.

[Skid]

Sounds interesting – Do you have any concern over local/state waterway restrictions? My plan was for a “low profile” deployment and thought that selling any excess would only draw extra un-needed attention.

I know what you are saying in regards to keeping a low profile. It would be somewhat difficult to hide a 10 foot diameter water wheel. In a SHTF situation I wouldn't be too worried, as they would probably see my house before they saw the water wheel.

I do have a diversion permit for one wheel currently. I'll try my idea out and if it works well, I will apply for another. They are fairly easy to get, as there is not much disturbance to the river besides concrete footings in the river bank.

[Partisan]

The trouble with that type of hydro generator is that it is susceptible to impacts from debris or rolling boulders. Might be ok in a deep, slower river for low output generation, but in fast streams and rivers where there is power to be made it will be damaged.

Went back to the site and found this bit of info.

Effective January 2008 comes standard with the Shrouded Propeller, to prevent seal damage from fishing line or debris. A Low-RPM propeller is also available for high water speed locations (flow greater than 10 knots, 5.14 meters per second; max 16 knots, 8.23 m/s), and an Anti-Clockwise propeller.

[Partisan]

Im guessing this is what they are referring to as the shroud
for the propeller.

[PacificAg]

So who’s volunteering to purchase one of these and give the real world feedback on performance and usage?

[Skid]

Im guessing this is what they are referring to as the shroud
for the propeller.

Do they show a mounting arrangement? What happens when a 50 foot log nails it head on?

[ttazzman]

I was thinking of pouring a concrete block headwall with a pipe in it with bars covering the entry hole. mounting the prop on the low side of the pipe...then using a machine to set it out in the creek....

i figured that would take care of the 50' tree/branches/roots hitting it ...

I am like pacificag i was hoping some one else would test and give back real world performance to see if makes any sense

[Partisan]

Do they show a mounting arrangement? What happens when a 50 foot log nails it head on?

From the pic it looks like it bolts to a small flange.

Id say if a 50' ft log hit it.......Its goin to see davy jones..........

[Skid]

Ttazzman,


A concrete block headwall will serve to keep debris out, but you will need to clean it regularly. Especially in the fall when all the leaves fall, heavy rain storms start, and high water levels which are great for generation start pulling debris off the banks.

Large dams have automatic trash rack cleaners to take debris off the intake screens, whose buildup is normally measured in differential across the screen. You will have to monitor your screen often. It's amazing how quick debris builds up once a branch or two gets caught sideways in the screen.

[ttazzman]

Skid, i agree 100%, ideally you would want a top entry grated box inlet in a protected Leah of a stream or lake

does anyone know if there are any specific regulations on the method of transmitting the power back to shore? flexible conduit under water/ridged conduit encased/power pole to aireal/etc ?? voltage limitations??

[Skid]

Use the same wire as a submersible pump. You can typically go up to 600 volts, which is best for transmitting longer distances while keeping conductor sizing small. A generator such as shown in the previous posts is probably low voltage, probably 12 volts.

You can bury the line in conduit, or run overhead. You'll need to follow the national electrical code guidelines.