In Stream Hydro Generation
Excellent resourrce: http://www.esha.be/fileadmin/esha_files/documents/publications/GUIDES/GUIDE_SHP/GUIDE_SHP_EN.pdf
All ESHA small hydropower publications - http://www.esha.be/publications/publications.html
https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1WE-jZmNcP2blWsK8m-9VcMXQDtU1FdPyOjolulSmYQE/edit?hl=en_US&pli=1
16 blades made from 3 or 4 inch pipe cut into 3 slices, welded between a top and bottom disk.
The formula to calculate outflow from the base aperture of a container is as follow:
Q = C * A * (2 * g * H)^0.5 [ i.e. Q = (C times A) times (the square root of (2 times g times H) ) ]
Where Q = water outflow volume (in cubic meters per second, so multiply the answer by 1000 to get litres per second) C = "discharge coefficient", which is ~ 0.601 for sharp edged apertures, and ~ 0.941 for well rounded apertures A = cross sectional area perpendicular to the water flow (in square meter) g = gravitational constant (~ 9.8 meter per second squared) H = Water "head", i.e. height of water surface above discharge aperture (in meter)
As an example, if we assume a 10mm head above a 37mm diameter standpipe, the maximum water flow through the 37mm (ID) hole, will vary between ~ 300 - 500 litres/hour (86 - 135 gallons per hour). If the "head" increased to 25.4mm (1"), the flow would increase to between ~ 500 - 800 litres/hour.
So for Ivo with an estimated 0.5 m3.s-1
So for the turbine housing, assuming a 600mm central orifice and 40cm water depth (based on a 40mm inlet pipe), 0.601 * (PI * 0.3 * 0.3) * ((2 * 9.8 * 0.4)^0.5) = 0.475800491 m3.s-1 or just below the estimated stream flow (leaving a trickle to flow over the control weir), ensuring that the turbine is fully driven even in low water situations.
As the turbine will be lowered into the vortex housing, to a depth which will fully engage the inner vortex wall, it will be accelerated to a rate where the torque demand of the generator is balanced by the slippage against the water. More complex blades than the envisaged welded on 1/2 to 1/3 pipe sections would improve coupling, reducing losses and enhancing efficiency, but at much higher cost.
Adding to this (from http://www.hydro-electric-barrel.com/html/output1.html [ Makers of the fascinating (but IMO inefficient "Hydro Electric Barrel" (inefficient because, unlike the "velomill" or "vortex turbine," it relies purely on drag (like the savonarius VAWT) rather than upon lift (like the Darius VAWT) ] NB All innovative spelling below is due to inclusion of highly original edits, or me missing "special" contributions to English representation in the original ):
Calculation using simple formula for POWER
Horsepower = Torque (foot pounds) x 2 pi x rpm / 33000
which simplifies to:
Horsepower = Torque x rpm / 5252.
Finding TORQUE by calculating the water pressure on the paddle area using: Paddle Area x Length x density of water x (Velocity of current2 / 2 x gravitational constant) and multiplying this by RADIUS
Note that the squared term ensures that a small increase in flow rate (velocity of current) can result in a dramatic improvement in energy density. Precisely what is desired and exactly what the vortex solution offers. Coupling this with a long armed velomill would be extremely interesting.
Model 1:- 1.5 Metre Diameter HEB
Model 2:- 2 Metre Diameter HEB
And then, from http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/Hydro/UnderShot/I%20really%20miss%20the%20old%20days.pdf:
(Rebar driven 5’ into the stream bed). I then landscaped the upstream shoreline to more narrowly confine flow to the wheel. It was my decision to allow water to bypass this structure if levels exceed the center height of the wheel since no one should underestimate the destructive forces behind rapidly flowing water. Judicious placement of a piece of 1” expanded steel assures my wheel will not fall victim to floating debris. I inserted some “L” – shaped lengths of leftover threaded rod into the concrete before it set such that I could bolt down two lengths of pressure treated lumber onto which I could later locate and mount the gearbox and generator. If I was clever and had the pillow block bearings in hand at the time I would have also inserted threaded rod lengths in the appropriate locations to mount them, but as it was I ended up drilling holes and placing 5/8 inch threaded anchors later on. The clearance between the wheel and the formed sluiceway ended up being ¾” so one should be very careful if pre-placing threaded rod for the pillow blocks. Getting the wheel mounted however took me until mid November since I still had to figure out how to secure the axle shaft to the wheel. The epiphany occurred while performing my annual autumn garage clearing ritual. There among the items scheduled to return to the future projects parts pool was the satellite dish assembly from which I removed the positioning mechanism for my solar panel tracking mount project. The assembly consisted of two 14” steel disks bolted together with a 1” hole in the middle. I merely separated them and increased the hole size to accommodate a 6” length of 1½” plumbing pipe onto which I threaded a coupling and welded all together securely. The coupling added extra ‘meat’ to the pipe so I could drill, tap and insert a 3/8 inch set screw when securing the wheel onto the 1½” axle shaft. I bolted these assemblies onto the water wheel after locating the center of rotation as best as I could with a tape measure. It is truly important that this be done accurately since any error will result in a multi-axis wobble and reduced clearance to the sluice. Since, as some of you may have known the true interior diameter of 1½” pipe is 1 5/8 inch, I had to insert sleeves such that the axle would fit snug and run true… the chosen sleeve was a length of 1½” type L copper plumbing pipe which just happens to have the perfect dimension (1.503” ID & 1.625” OD). Since I’d been gathering parts for this project for many months, I had located (and rescued) a 14” Chevrolet flex gear residing in the junk outside a service station knowing that I’d need quite a large gear ratio to reach adequate generator speed. The gear has a 12 pitch and mates perfectly with a Boston Gear #ND12B (Grainger #1L964 @ $13.09) spur gear which has a pitch diameter of 1” and therefore provides me a 14 to 1 gear ratio. I had a machinist friend turn a hub onto which I welded the flex gear (cost me a coffee) but when my son, the automotive instructor, saw it he thought it was a bored out vibration dampener welded to the gear so that may well be an option as could be the use of roller chain and bicycle gears. As it is, the 14 to 1 ratio is inadequate and must be multiplied again by 3 to 1 in order to reach an appropriate speed of 1000 rpm for my particular generator.
Micro-Hydro Resources (Excellent Sources)
http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/micro-hydro-power-pros-and-cons/
General Microhydro Information from Picoturbine
They offer plans, books, and kits for renewable energy education and homebrew projects. Projects are available as free, downloadable do-it-yourself plans, as well as kits that include all the materials for a modest charge. Have some hard-to-find books on homebuilt renewable energy and classic renewable energy titles.
Microhydro Directory
Web directory of information about micro hydro electric power generator systems and turbines.
Microhydro Discussion Group
This Yahoo discussion group focuses on technical and non-technical aspects of run-of-river micro hydropower schemes.
Microhydro Power Calculator (and more)
A energy output calculator that makes easy work out of all the calculations required to determine the potential micro hydro resource at either an existing or a new system.
Microhydro Web Portal
Microhydro web portal is the starting point for micro-hydro related information.
Moorehead Valley Hydro
Thompson and Howe Energy Systems feature some interesting micro hydro case studies.
Other Power
Otherpower is a large information resource with a large variety of homemade small-scale renewable energy examples; including many micro hydro projects.
http://www.smallhydropower.com/more.html
British Columbia Small Hydro Power Training Manual
CHAPTER 1,2,3 Canadian Small Hydropower Handbook - Download (9.5 Mb pdf file)
CHAPTER 4 Canadian CH4_part_a - Download (7.6 Mb pdf file)
CHAPTER 4 Canadian CH4_part_b - Download (6.5 Mb pdf file)
CHAPTER 4 Canadian Small Hydropower Handbook - Download (13.1 Mb pdf file)
CHAPTER 5,6,7,8,9,10 Canadian Small Hydropower Handbook - Download (9.7 Mb pdf file)
Mini Grid Design Manual
Manual - Download (18.3 Mb pdf file)
Plan Details
Picture Album
Environmental Details
Newspaper Article (Central Interior Business, March 1999 {128K})
Using Induction Motors as Generators
Formula's and Other Scientific Stuff
Thomson and Howe Energy Systems Inc.
Small Hydro Equipment Suppliers
Link to Turgo Turbine Generator
Stainless Steel Trailer Hub http://www.mcclaintrailers.com/parts/hubs.htm
Alternator http://www.waterwheelplace.com/low_rpm_alternators.html
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Instead of some homebuilt alternator with a magnitized rotor that will lose it's efficiency over time with a uncoated stator and shafts that can rust I only use and sell these brushless alternators (PMAs) because I want my generator packages to last for many years so I'm willing to pay a little more for them to assure that I sell a product I'm willing to stand behind. Now let's see which alternator you need. For wind turbines this is a rough guide but go to http://rredc.nrel.gov/wind/pubs/atlas/maps/chap2/2-01m.html. If you are using a wind turbine in wind zones 3 or less you probably want a model 540. Higher wind areas will usually do better with a model 520. These results assume you’ve got the turbine on a tower at least 20’ above anything close by. If in doubt the 540 is usually the best choice for most locations and lower towers. It may miss out on making the most power in a tornado but it will make more power in lower winds. A thought on premade wind turbine kits. Some manufactures give out fair and realistic maximum power ratings but some of these guys require 120 mph winds to achieve their power ratings. Check around before purchasing. Just because "it can make 1500 watts" doesn't mean you will ever see it do so. Be realistic about your site's wind speeds. For hydro uses like water wheels and turbines use this calculator to get a good power estimate. The efficiency factor of .55 is a good average for water wheels and smaller turbines. If your results for average water flow show between 20 watts and 120 watts go with the model 540. If your results are between 120 watts and 400 watts go with the model 520. Both of these alternators can make more power for use during spring floods. These rugged alternators produce electricity @ much lower RPMs making them perfect for most wind and hydro electrical generation purposes and ship ready to make electricity. By hitting 12v or 24v @ much lower speeds these units reduce or eliminate friction robbing gearing and their low cogging design allows them to start up with lower wind speeds. Made with pride in the USA these alternators use super strong N40 grade Neodymium rare earth magnets and machined stainless steel shafts to maximize efficiency unlike the alternator you'd find in your car; your car has a 300 hp engine to power the alternator, you instead need the most efficient alternator you can find to make the most electricity your site can make. They accept standard 5/8” pulleys or just order the optional cooling kit with pulley like I do. These alternators are wired to allow you to hook them up either 2 phase or 3 phase (see last picture) using the plug in the back for longer wire runs. They can be hooked directly to a car battery although you may want a charge controller in the middle to protect your batteries if you are making more than 50 watts. To learn the basics about how to make your own electricity click here. email:Spencer@waterwheelplace.com 706-207-1080 |
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There is more information on these alternators lower on this page for people who get into electrical graphs but here is where you buy the low rpm alternators I use. |
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If your alternator is fairly close to your battery you can simply hook 2 wires to the posts on the back of your alternator- this gives 2 phase power (works great for shorter distances) and can be hooked directly to your battery or charge controller but... if your batteries are more than about 70 feet from your alternator your voltage will drop more than you want to maximize efficiency so.... You'd be better off running 3 wires from the plug already wired into the the back of your alternator (see last picture) and hooking them to a rectifier close to your battery (sounds complicated but it's really easy). If you do this you'll need one of these rectifer kits which you can wire up in about 5 minutes allowing you plug into the back of your alternator to take the 3 more efficient wires (3 phase) and turning them into 2 wires to hook to your battery or charge controller. Hook the plug to a 12/3; or larger; depending on how much power you're making (the connectors are included in the kit) (or use a large extension cord) and attach then to the rectifier close to your batteries. Then run 2 wires from the rectifier to your battery or charge controller. Simple and more power because it's more efficient. Order with alternators above. |
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Ok all you tech guys who spend way too much time looking @ graphs. Here's the power chart for a model 540 alternator. As you can see it hits 12v @ about 130 rpm and if hooked to a 12v battery the amps will climb like the red line shows. So.... if its spinning at 300 rpm you'll get about 84 watts of electricty (7 amps x 12 volts = 84 watts) and makes about 180 watts @ 2000 rpm and the power output keeps going up to over 300 watts as it spins faster. Not all the power in the world but makes a lot more power at lower speeds than anything else I've seen. Great for low wind areas and water wheels. |
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Got more wind, a high power water wheel, or a high speed turbine like a pelton wheel. This is the alternator you need. It needs to spin faster than the model 540 but if you've got the speed, it's got the power. It may need 300 rpm to make 12v (your car's alternator needs to spin about 1500 rpm to reach 12v) but at 750 rpm it's pushing about 215 watts and it peaks out at over 400 watts. I can sell you a more powerful alternator but it would need to spin faster to make 12 or 24 volt electricity and I try to sell what makes the most sense for most people. Need a more powerful alternator? Let me know because I've got bigger alternators for more power. 706-207-1080 |
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This shows a 3 phase wire using the optional rectifier kit. It helps minimize power losses on long wire runs. You can see how the plug connects to the wires coming out the rear of the alternator allowing you to run 3 more efficient wires (3 phase) up to the battery before using the rectifier to get you down to 2 wires (2 phase) for connecting to your battery. On shorter runs you can just connect 2 wires to the back of the alternator using the 2 terminals and ignore the 3 phase plug. It may sound scary but making your own electricity isn't all that hard with simple systems like these. |
Alternators from https://www.windbluepower.com/
And Charging Regulators from http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/238086416/80A_48V_PWM_Solar_Charger_Controller.html
http://www.hydrowatt.de/sites/english/products/prod_ms.html#
http://www.applegategroup.com/node/176
Section 1: Low Head Turbines
Generally low head turbines are going to be of the reaction type. The water passing through a reaction turbine loses its energy, or pressure, as it passes the turbine blades. The turbine must be encased in a pressurized housing, and fully submerged in water. This is different from an impulse turbine which changes the velocity of the water. Water is directed at the blades of an impulse turbine with a high velocity nozzle, and the velocity of the water turns the blades. An impulse turbine can be open to the air, and only needs a casing to control splash. All turbine types can be classified into one of these two groups.

Figure 1: Types of Hydropower turbines
The turbines are listed from higher head to lower head. The turbines highlighted with red are considered low head turbines, and examples of these turbines are discussed in this report.
Site Conditions
The two conditions that are used to choose the appropriate turbine for a site are head and flow rate. The head is measured as the vertical distance between the highest and lowest water surface, minus any losses that occur through that drop (such as pipe friction). The flow rate is a measure of all of the water that will be passing through the turbine. Turbines can generally operate through a range of flow rates, but the size of that range varies with turbine type. Also the efficiency of the turbine lowers as the flow rate varies from the designed flow rate. This is something to consider when choosing a turbine for a site. It is possible that the best turbine may not utilize all of the flow available at high flow, so that the range can also cover the low flow periods. A detailed analysis of the flow over time will need to be performed to choose a turbine that is best suited for a site. The power produced by a site can be estimated using the following equation, where head is in feet and flow is in cubic feet per second.

This equation can provide an estimate of the power available at a site, either high or low head, but the turbine manufacturer should be contacted regarding the efficiency of a particular turbine, and how that efficiency may vary with flow rate.
Turbine Selection Charts
Turbine selection charts can be used as a starting point to determine which turbine may be applicable to a particular site. The ranges shown are approximate, and the turbine manufacturer should be contacted to verify that the turbine is appropriate for the site’s specific conditions. The turbines may operate within the whole range shown, but the efficiency may decrease as you approach the corners or edges of the range. Please use these charts as a starting point and a visual approximatation of the range of turbine applicability. This is also not an exhaustive listing of all turbines available. These are the turbines that we believe will be appropriate in Colorado’s irrigation infrastructure for sites in the low head range, between 5 and 30 feet. For clarity the charts have been divided into two subranges.
Following this text there is a link to each of the turbines or manufacturers shown in the tables below.

Figure 2: Very Low Head range turbine selection chart

Figure 3: Low Head range turbine selection chart
Turbines and Manufacturers
Impulse Type Turbines
Ossberger - Cross Flow Turbine http://www.hts-inc.com/ossbergerturbines.htmlhttp://www.applegategroup.com/sites/all/modules/extlink/extlink.png); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; zoom: 1; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">
Reaction Type Turbines (Small)
Energy Systems and Design LH1000 http://www.microhydropower.com/http://www.applegategroup.com/sites/all/modules/extlink/extlink.png); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; zoom: 1; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">
Power Pal http://www.powerpal.comhttp://www.applegategroup.com/sites/all/modules/extlink/extlink.png); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; zoom: 1; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">
Reaction Type Turbines (Medium)
Canyon Hydro - Kaplan Turbine www.canyonhydro.comhttp://www.applegategroup.com/sites/all/modules/extlink/extlink.png); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; zoom: 1; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">
Toshiba International - Hydro-eKIDS www.tic.toshiba.com.au/hydro-ekids__8482_http://www.applegategroup.com/sites/all/modules/extlink/extlink.png); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; zoom: 1; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">
Ossberger Canada - Moveable Power House http://www.hsi-hydro.com/cd/http://www.applegategroup.com/sites/all/modules/extlink/extlink.png); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; zoom: 1; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">
Mavel - MicroTurbines www.mavel.czhttp://www.applegategroup.com/sites/all/modules/extlink/extlink.png); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; zoom: 1; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">
Voith Hydro - Mini Hydro www.us.voithhydro.com/vh_en_pas_small_hydro.htmhttp://www.applegategroup.com/sites/all/modules/extlink/extlink.png); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; zoom: 1; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">
Reaction Type Turbines (Large)
Voith Hydro - Eco Flow Turbine www.koessler.comhttp://www.applegategroup.com/sites/all/modules/extlink/extlink.png); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; zoom: 1; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">
Andritz Hydro - Kaplan Turbines www.andritz.comhttp://www.applegategroup.com/sites/all/modules/extlink/extlink.png); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; zoom: 1; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">
Gilkes - Francis Turbine www.gilkes.comhttp://www.applegategroup.com/sites/all/modules/extlink/extlink.png); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; zoom: 1; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">
Emerging Technologies
Clean Power AS - Turbinator http://www.cleanpower.no/Home.aspxhttp://www.applegategroup.com/sites/all/modules/extlink/extlink.png); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; zoom: 1; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">
Very Low Head Turbine (VLH) www.vlh-turbine.comhttp://www.applegategroup.com/sites/all/modules/extlink/extlink.png); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; zoom: 1; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">
Natel Energy - Hydroengine www.natelenergy.comhttp://www.applegategroup.com/sites/all/modules/extlink/extlink.png); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; zoom: 1; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">
Screw Type Turbines
HydroCoil Power www.hydrocoilpower.comhttp://www.applegategroup.com/sites/all/modules/extlink/extlink.png); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; zoom: 1; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">
Ritz-Atro Hydrodynamic Screw Turbine www.ritz-atro.dehttp://www.applegategroup.com/sites/all/modules/extlink/extlink.png); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; zoom: 1; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">
3 Helix Power - Archimedean Screw http://www.3helixpower.com/http://www.applegategroup.com/sites/all/modules/extlink/extlink.png); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; zoom: 1; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">
Waterwheels
HydroWatt http://www.hydrowatt.de/sites/english/home.htmlhttp://www.applegategroup.com/sites/all/modules/extlink/extlink.png); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; zoom: 1; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">
Hydrokinetic
Alternative Hydro Solutions - Darrieus Water Turbine www.althydrosolutions.comhttp://www.applegategroup.com/sites/all/modules/extlink/extlink.png); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; zoom: 1; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">
New Energy Corp - EnCrrent Power Generation System http://newenergycorp.cahttp://www.applegategroup.com/sites/all/modules/extlink/extlink.png); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; zoom: 1; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">
HydroVolts - www.hydrovolts.comhttp://www.applegategroup.com/sites/all/modules/extlink/extlink.png); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; zoom: 1; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">
Do-It-Yourself Turbines
Elephant Butte Irrgation District http://www.ebid-nm.org/http://www.applegategroup.com/sites/all/modules/extlink/extlink.png); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; zoom: 1; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">
Water Vortex Power Plant http://www.zotloeterer.com/our_company.php
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