Micro Hydro System Design

Diverting too much of the water from a stream will cause a negative environmental impact and should be avoided.

Micro hydro system design.

Hydro systems are very site specific. In the 1970 s paul cunningham owner and operator of energy systems design had a need to power his off grid house. If your microhydropower system will have minimal impact on the environment and you are not planning to sell power to a utility the permitting process will most likely involve minimal effort. Table 8 1 classification of hydro plants h8 large all installations with an installed capacity of more than 1000 kw.

Most of the hydropower systems used by homeowners and small business owners including farmers and ranchers would qualify as microhydropower systems. Small all installations in the range between 500 to 1000 kw. If you are calling us to get a quote for your potential system please have the head and flow information next section ready. Outline design includes everything required to support the various environmental planning and grid connection consent applications.

A simplified explanation of the basics behind micro hydro machines can be found here. He set off on a mission to create an efficient and reliable microhydro machine. Mini capacity between 100 to 500 kw micro hydropower installations with a power output less than 100 kw 8 2 how is hydro electricity generated. The amount of power produced will depend on the head and flow from the water source.

Measuring pressure water pressure is what produces power and must be measured carefully. A micro hydro system typically only uses a small portion of the streams flow and has a very minor impact to the overall stream. Whether your system will be grid connected or stand alone will affect what requirements you must follow. Micro hydro power system design at our firm we split the design stages into two distinct parts.

Micro hydro sites range from a few pounds of pressure up to 150 psi or more. But a 10 kilowatt microhydropower system generally can provide enough power for a large home a small resort or a hobby farm. Utilizing a car alternator type micro hydro machine and the wheels he cast himself he created the first machine. Outline design and detailed design.

He set off on a mission to create an efficient and reliable micro hydro machine. They are always willing to answer any questions you may have about microhydro power. In the 1970 s paul cunningham owner and operator of energy systems design had a need to power his off grid house.