While solar power offers tremendous advantages over non-sustainable energy, it’s hard to beat hydroelectric generator systems. If you have a good source of water and some difference in elevation, then hydro electric may be right for you. With a year around water source, one advantage of micro hydro power is that it is generated all the time – not just when the sun is out. Another plus for hydro is that it can be less expensive than setting up a solar system. There is a downside, however, and that is that micro hydro systems do have moving parts, which means periodic maintainance and/or breakdown.
We use the word “micro” to designate small, domestic power generator systems. Micro hydro turbines are readily available from alternative energy retailers. When it comes to water turbines, the Pelton Turbine is considered superior for it’s efficiency. A simple system involves delivering water downhill through a pipe to the the pelton turbine which is attached to an alternator that charges a battery bank. Systems can be extremely simple and yet very effective. For example, many simply use PVC pipe and a truck alternators attached to the turbine. You do need sufficient drop in elevation from the water source to the turbine, as well as ample flow of water.
Keep in mind that the pelton turbine is not necessarily the best in all circumstances. If the water source has plenty of volume but not as much drop in elevation, then a propellor or reaction type turbine will work better.
In our next post we’ll discuss the amount of drop that is needed for a typical domestic hydro electric generator system as well as sources for turbines and other equipment.
