Micro Hydro System Design

A micro hydro system typically only uses a small portion of the streams flow and has a very minor impact to the overall stream.

Micro hydro system design.

Whether your system will be grid connected or stand alone will affect what requirements you must follow. 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. The water passes through a nozzle where it accelerates strikes the turbine wheel and turns the generator shaft. Hydro systems are very site specific.

But a 10 kilowatt microhydropower system generally can provide enough power for a large home a small resort or a hobby farm. Diverting too much of the water from a stream will cause a negative environmental impact and should be avoided. In the 1970 s paul cunningham owner and operator of energy systems design had a need to power his off grid house. 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.

Outline design includes everything required to support the various environmental planning and grid connection consent applications. Micro hydro power system design at our firm we split the design stages into two distinct parts. In the 1970 s paul cunningham owner and operator of energy systems design had a need to power his off grid house. 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. The amount of power produced will depend on the head and flow from the water source. Utilizing a car alternator type micro hydro machine and the wheels he cast himself he created the first machine. Explore our website and find out more about the world of microhydro and how you can start producing your own renewable energy.

If you are calling us to get a quote for your potential system please have the head and flow information next section ready. He set off on a mission to create an efficient and reliable micro hydro machine. Outline design and detailed design. Most of the hydropower systems used by homeowners and small business owners including farmers and ranchers would qualify as microhydropower systems.

Micro hydro sites range from a few pounds of pressure up to 150 psi or more. Table 8 1 classification of hydro plants h8 large all installations with an installed capacity of more than 1000 kw. They are always willing to answer any questions you may have about microhydro power.