Ultimate Buying Guide:Hydro Turbine Generator/hydroelectric generator

Micro power development can be cost-intensive to build and maintain. There are some fixed maintenance costs. These costs vary according to site location and material requirements.

Hydro power or water power is generated by using electricity generators to extract energy from moving water. Historically people used the power of rivers for agriculture and wheat grinding.

Today, rivers and streams are re-directed through hydro generators to produce energy, although there are pros and cons as far as local ecosystems are concerned.

The articles on this page explore the use of water to generate electricity.

Hydropower is an energy source that uses the conversion of gravitational potential (owned by masses of water at high altitude) into kinetic energy in excess of a certain altitude, in which kinetic energy is transformed, thanks to an alternator coupled to a turbine, into electricity.

Hydroelectric power is derived from the course of rivers and lakes through the creation of dams and penstocks. There are various types of dams: in leap power plants great heights of fall are used and they are available in mountainous regions. In flowing water plants great river water masses which overcome small drops are used, but for this reason, the river must be steady and must have considerable flow.

The water turbines are available for low, medium and high heads.

Micro hydro power Ultimate Guide

Courtesy” Energy.Gov

The cost of energy has been on an upward trend in recent years.

You are now seeking alternative sources of energy.

The ones that won’t cost you a kidney.

And maybe won’t pollute the environment.

Of course, there are many renewable energy solutions that you can choose from.

Your choice will be guided by various factors.

But, wait: There is a river or a stream flowing nearby!

Do you know that you can utilize this natural resource to generate an adequate amount of energy?

This is what micro hydro power or a water turbine or hydro generator is all about.

It entails generating electric energy from water.

Would you like to learn more about micro hydro power generator and hydro generator?

Stay put.

This guide is going to cover everything you need to know about micro hydro power.

Table of content

1. What is a Micro Hydroelectricity

2. Microhydro power Components

3. Types of Micro hydroelectricity System

4. How Micro hydro power System Works

5. Advantages and Disadvantages of a Micro Hydroelectric System

6. Micro Hydropower Maintenance

7. Is my Home Suitable for Micro Hydropower?

8. Choosing the Best Microhydropower Manufacturer and hydro generator Supplier

Is my home Suitable for Micro hydro power System?

1: What is a Micro hydro power?

Before we take one extra step, let’s start off with a definition.

What is a micro hydro power?

Courtesy: Coherent Chronicle

A micro hydro power or a normal water turbine is basically a type of hydroelectric power that generates 5W to 100W of electricity using the natural flow of water.

Does it mean that there are other types of hydroelectric power?

Yes!

The one that generates below 5W of electricity is known as Pico hydro.

However, in this guide, our main focus is the micro hydro power.

A micro hydro power system can be used to power a single household or even a small community.

Many people in different countries around the world have embraced this source of electricity.

There are many reasons why micro hydro power kits are enjoying a massive popularity.

The first one is they are cost-effective.

You don’t need to purchase fuel.

Secondly, they are rarely affected by weather conditions.

You can even use a micro hydro power generator during winter when your solar power system is producing little energy.

Do you want to learn more?

Well, continue reading the other chapters.

2.Types of Micro Hydroelectric Systems

Courtesy Energy.Gov

Micro hydroelectric systems are not all the same.

They come in different shapes and designs.

In this chapter, we are going to discuss different types of micro hydro power kits.

By the end of the discussion, you will be in a perfect position to choose the system that will suit your needs.

2.1. On-grid without batteries micro hydro electric systems

They are among the simplest types of micro-hydro power systems or water turbines.

They send the surplus energy back to the main grid.

As they do, so, you will be credited for the equivalent amount of energy bill.

Lack of battery means one thing: No backup in case of a power outage.

2.2.  On-grid micro hydro power generator with batteries

This type of micro hydro power plant is also connected to the main grid.

Is your area prone to power outages?

This is the ideal solution for you.

The batteries will provide backup power.

Of course, the size of the battery will determine the amount of energy to be backed up.

2.3. Off-grid without batteries micro hydro power system / water turbine

This type of micro hydro power plant is best suited for AC-generating system.

Its power output is determined by the peak generating the capacity of the system.

2.4 Off-grid micro hydro power system or water turbine with batteries

This is the most popular type of micro hydro electric system that you can install.

It has a charging source which directs energy to the storage battery.

Differences Based on Turbine Design

We can also differentiate micro hydro power systems based on the design of their turbines.

Under this section, we have:

2.5 Reverse Archimedes Screw

In this type, water goes directly into the top of the micro hydro power electric system.

It makes the turbine to rotate and generate power.

You may consider this option if you are using dirty water.

2.6 Garlov Helical Turbine

As the name suggests, it has helical blades that create mechanical power.

The power generated by the blades is independent from the one that is generated by the flow of water.

2.7 Kaplan Turbine

This turbine design is based on a propeller system.

There is something special that you should know about this design.

It is capable of turning even with little water.

2.8 Water Wheel

There is a rich history behind this design of turbine.

It is among the oldest designs that have ever been in existence.

Despite being old, it is respected because of its high levels of efficiency.

2.9 Gravitation Water Votex

Are you looking for a simple micro hydro power?

You will fall in love with the design of this turbine.

It is positioned at a low position to receive water from a high ground.

It has a vortex through which water is directed out of the system.

Sizes of Hydroelectric Power Plants

We can differentiate hydroelectric power plants based on their sizes.

So, which size is ideal for residential hydro power kits?

Which one is ideal for commercial hydro power system for sale?

Here are the differences based on the sizes of the turbines:

(I)Large Hydro power

These hydro power facilities are capable of producing at least 30 megawatts.

(II)Small Hydro power

Small hydro power plants generate power of up a maximum of 10 MW

(III)Micro Hydro power / hydroelectric generator

A micro hydro power system has the capacity of producing up to 100 kilowatts.

It is the most preferred residential hydro power systems.

So, which type of micro hydro power  system do you think will suit your needs to the fullest?

If you need any of the above types, simply contact micro-hydro turbine generator suppliers.

3.Microhydro power System Components

Courtesy Mechanics for Change

Is micro hydro power system one single unit?

No.

A typical micro-hydroelectric system consists of various components.

They are:

-Water Conveyance: This is a channel whose core purpose is to deliver water

-Turbine/ waterwheel: Converts energy from the flowing water into rotational energy.

-Alternator/generator Transforms the rotational energy from the turbines into electrical energy.

-Regulator: The purpose of this component is to control the generator.

-Wiring system: It delivers the electrical energy so that is used by the appliances.

4: How a Micro hydro power System Works

Courtesy Gifer

How does a micro hydro power work?

How is it able to generate electrical energy?

If you are looking for answers to these questions, this is the chapter you.

The working mechanism of a micro hydro power generator system:

Moving water contains a significant amount of energy.

As we had mentioned earlier, the energy on it depends on the rate of flow and the vertical distance.

A micro hydro power system has turbines which convert the energy in the moving water into mechanical energy.

These turbines come in different designs and shapes

This energy, in turn, rotates the shaft which will spin the generator to produce electricity.

5.Advantages and Disadvantages of a Microhydropower?

There are many alternatives to the Micro hydro power system.

You can use solar energy, wind energy among many others.

But, why should you choose micro hydro power over any other system?

Here are the reasons:

(i)Micro hydro power systems are energy efficient

Do you want an electric system that will give you value for your money?

Choose a home micro hydro power generator.

It uses very minimal resources to generate maximum electricity.

The electricity generated can be delivered miles away.

(ii)Hydroelectric systems are reliable

Weather elements can be detrimental to the supply of electrical energy.

Solar energy is among the worst affected energy source.

If you are looking for the most reliable source of electricity, think micro hydro power systems.

They are simply weather-proof.

(iii)Cost efficient

What is the cost of a micro hydro power system?

How much does it cost to install a hydro power plant?

To install one, be ready to spend between $1000 to $20,000.

There is something to smile about this source of energy.

When doing a micro hydro power plant cost analysis, find out two things:

-Micro hydro turbine cost

-Hydro power plant cost per mw.

It attracts a low maintenance fee.

(iv)Environment-friendly

We all aim at conserving the environment,right?

One way of doing this is by using environment-friendly energy sources.

Micro hydro power does not have any negative impact on the environment.

The water will continue flowing without any interference.

On your side, you will be using only a small portion of the stream.

Well, these are just some of the benefits that I thought I should highlight.

There are several others which you will discover as you continue using your micro-hydroelectric system.

Disadvantages of hydroelectric power

(I)Suitable site characteristics needed

You cannot install a micro-hydroelectric system anywhere you want.

The site must meet certain strict characteristics.

Some required features are just too hard to attain.

(II)Difficult to scale up

The size of the stream determines the amount of energy that you need.

You cannot increase the rate of flow in order to tap more energy from your micro hydro power plant.

(III)Low power production during summer

Obviously, you know what happens during summer.

The volume of water on most streams go down.

Lower water volume automatically leads to low energy production.

6 .Micro Hydro power Maintenance

You want your micro hydro power system to serve you smoothly without any hitches.

At the same time, you don’t want to spend lots of money on repair and maintenance costs.

What should you do?

Don’t worry.

In this chapter, we are going to highlight key micro hydro power maintenance practices that you should use.

-Check if your micro hydro power system has all the components. Ensure that all of them are intact.

-Check whether the turbine is running. You can test this by rotating it using your hands.

7.Is My Home Suitable for Microhydro power System?

Courtesy Hydropower facts and information

Micro hydro power is a unique source of energy.

It is not like other sources such as solar power and wind energy.

You cannot just wake up one day and decide to install a micro hydro power system.

There are many questions that you need to answer.

On top of the list is:

“Is my home suitable for micro hydro power generation?

Close proximity top watercourse does not guarantee that you can install a micro hydro power.

Some water sources can still fail to deliver as per your expectations.

There are two main factors that you need to consider.

These are:

-Water Head

-Water Flow

It is also important to calculate the potential energy that is available at a site.

To find out this, simply multiply the heads and the low rate.

Let’s discuss these two key factors that determine the suitability of your site:

(i)Water Head and Micro hydro power production

First things first, what is the water head in a micro hydro power production?

Simply put, the water head is the vertical difference in water levels between intake and discharge points.

It is measured in meters.

The greater the water head, the more the water pressure which automatically leads to more output energy.

From this description, you can deduce something.

Hydro sites located on steep hills are more productive than those on flat surfaces.

Sharp angles provide a perfect ground for more hydroelectric production.

What if it has a low water head measurement, what should I do?

Although water head measurement is a naturally occurring factor, there are some artificial ways of increasing it.

You can raise the sluices or clear the silt.

In doing so, you will be able to increase the water level.

However, you can only do this after consulting the local authorities and environmental bodies.

Water Head will also determine the micro-hydroelectric system that you will install.

But, how?

Well, the measurement of the turbine will depend on the measurement of the water head.

(II) Water Flow Rate of Micro hydro power Production

In this context, the term water flow rate implies the volume of water that is flowing in a given watercourse.

The higher the water flow rate, the more the energy output.

It is important to note that the water flow rate does not remain the same throughout the year.

It keeps changing depending on the weather pattern.

During the rainy season, the water flow rate will automatically be high.

However, you should expect the opposite during dry days.

The variation makes it difficult to confidently determine the flow rate of micro hydro power site.

But, you don’t need to strain yourself with the complex calculations.

You can always seek the help of a hydrologist.

They will help you to find a near accurate water flow rate.

Knowing a water flow rate will also help you to choose the right size of the turbine for your micro hydro power system.

You will also have a rough idea of the amount of electricity that the micro-hydroelectric system will generate.

Other Factors

Of course, there are other factors that can determine the suitability of your site.

One of them is the environmental impact of the installation.

What are the environmentalists and local authority saying about the site.

As much as everything may seem to be okay, do not neglect their permission.

You may end up with heavy losses.

Seek their permission first!

8.Choosing the Best Micro Hydro Power Manufacturer or Water Turbine Supplier

Which is the best micro hydro power manufacturer?

Am going to give you valuable tips for choosing the best hydro power systems manufacturer.

(I)Make a list of the potential water turbine generator manufacturers

Use the internet to get all the micro hydro power systems manufacturers.

(II)Check the level of professionalism

How is the water turbine generator manufacturer treating you?

Are the attendants courteous towards you?

If not, get another manufacturer.

(III)Is the manufacturer licensed and insured?

(IV)Ask for references about their previous customers.

Conclusion

What else do you want to know about micro hydro power or water turbine generator electric systems?

From this guide, it has come out clearly that these are renewable sources of energy.

A single micro hydro power electric unit can power several appliances in your house.

Are you a business-oriented person?

This electrical system can come in handy in helping you to run your business efficiently.

It can be used for commercial purposes.

Do you own a farm deep in the countryside?

This may the most ideal energy source that you need.

There is no doubt that more people are embracing the message of energy conservation and energy efficiency.

Have you joined this bandwagon?

Don’t be left behind.

Get a micro hydro power system and join the bandwagon.

Generate your own electricity and save on the cost!

To dispel the popular notion, you don’t need lots of water to generate micro hydro power electricity.

Most hydro power turbine units are very efficient.

They can still generate more power even with little water.

References

1.Is my site suitable for hydroelectricity generation?

2.Micro hydro power maintenance

3.Types of Hydropower Turbines

4.Micro hydro power pros and cons