MICRO HYDRO ELECTRIC POWER

"text provided by Bob-O Schultze of Electron Connection."

Every renewable energy site is unique, whether it be for photovoltaic, wind or hydro. Of all the renewables, hydro is the most site specific. In order to assess your site for small hydroelectric capability there are four questions that must be answered.

1. What is the total Head from intake to hydro plant placement?

The "Head" or "Fall" is the drop in vertical elevation between where you intake the water and where you release it to spin a hydroplant. Every 2.31 feet of vertical drop creates one PSI (Pound per Square Inch) of pressure. It is this pressure, combined with the actual weight of the water that does the work in most micro hydroplants.

2. What is the amount of water (in gallons per minute) that you will be able to devote to hydropower?

While some micro hydro installations are sourced directly from springs, most get their water from small creeks, streams, or seasonal runoffs. An important question to ask yourself is: are there any fish in the watercourse? If the answer is yes, then we have to be very careful not to deplete the water too much along the length of the diversion even if we are returning the water to the stream course after the hydroplant. This is especially critical during the drier summer months. If the fish are game fish of any kind, the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife should be consulted. Even without fish, there are other users of the water. Frogs, wildlife, and trees all need and share any watercourse. It's important to be a good neighbor.

3. What is the length of pipe needed to get from the intake to the hydro plant? What size and kind of pipe if you already have it?

The pipeline, also known as the penstock, is used to contain the energy of the falling water. As water rushes trough a pipeline, friction causes a loss of pressure. The longer the pipeline and/or the more water flowing, the greater the loss. Various pipe materials, ie, PVC, Poly, Steel, etc., have different friction characteristics. It is important to choose the right diameter and kind of pipe for your site to efficiently get the water to the hydroplant.

4. What is the distance from the hydro plant site to the battery storage or, in the case of an ac hydroplant, the point of use? (One way - in foot measurements)?

In order to move the electricity to where you need to use it, we must size wires and conduits appropriately. In some cases, the distance involved will dictate the output voltage of the hydroplant

By providing the answers to these questions your renewable energy contractor or system designer will be able to help you determine whether hydro is right for you and help you pick the best hydro plant for your particular site.

While some micro hydro installations are sourced directly from springs, most get their water from small creeks, streams, or seasonal runoffs. An important question to ask yourself is: are there any fish in the watercourse? If the answer is yes, then we have to be very careful not to deplete the water too much along the length of the diversion even if we are returning the water to the stream course after the hydroplant. This is especially critical during the drier summer months. If the fish are game fish of any kind, the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife should be consulted. Even without fish, there are other users of the water. Frogs, wildlife, and trees all need and share any watercourse. It's important to be a good neighbor. Many micro hydro sites in the Northwest are sized for winter flow rates and provide the extra energy needed when PV production rates are lowest. During the sunny months when PV production
rates are the highest, small hydro energy is not needed and stream flows can be protected.

Contact your local renewable energy contractor for more detailed information and help in designing a system for your home or business.