MISSION

Renewables

Intro

Micro Hydro Electric (MHE)

If you live by any source of running water: stream, river or on a boat, small water generators (micro-hydro turbines - under 100Kw) are the most reliable source of renewable energy available. One relatively small water turbine will produce power non-stop, as long as running water is available, no matter what the weather !

A small-scale hydro system usually consists of an enclosed water wheel or turbine, which is made to spin by jets of high-velocity water. The water is taken from the stream and moved down slope to the turbine through a long pipe called a penstock. Water flowing through the penstock picks up speed, and is directed at the blades of the turbine by nozzles.

The turbine spins continuously, as long as there is water to drive it. The turbine is connected to an electrical generator, and the electricity is then available for running appliances or charging batteries. The spent water is returned to the stream. This kind of system is called a "micro-hydro" system, "run-of-stream hydro" or "low-impact hydro."

In an off-grid hydro system, electricity can be supplied directly to the loads, or via a battery bank and inverter set up. For off-grid systems, allowances should be made for any seasonal variations in water flow, which can affect the amount of electricity delivered by the system.

Turbines fall into three major styles: impulse turbines, reaction turbines and submersible propeller turbines. Each is ideally suited for a different type of water supply. No matter what source of running water you have on your property, if it supplies a year-round flow of water, there is most likely a water turbine well suited to provide electricity for you.