|
|
 |
| |
The concept of generating electricity from
water has been around for a long time and there are many large hydro-electric
facilities around the world. What is new to most people is the idea that this same
concept will work on a smaller scale. With the rising costs
of utility power and refinements to micro-hydro systems, it is now possible and very practical, to look at water as the source for your
electricity.
If you could choose any renewable energy resource to use, hydropower would be the way to go. With the right location, hydro systems can produce many times the power a similarly priced wind or solar system could generate. Even a modest output from a hydro system, producing steadily 24 hours a day, year-round will add up to a large cumulative total.
Site Selection
Many people have access to some form of running water and are wondering just how much power, if any, can be produced from it. Firstly, The water must be FLOWING. It mustalso flow from a high point to a low one and go through an elevation change of at least three or four feet to produce useable power. This is called the head or pressure, usually measured in feet or pounds per square inch (PSI). The flow is measured in gallons per minute (GPM) or for those blessed with larger flows, cubic feet per second (CFS). Often the need for electricity in places that are beyond the reach of
power lines. Others look wishfully at the creek that flows through their property and dream of
tapping the energy of the water either for their own use or to sell to potential buyers. Regardless
of the reason for wanting to develop a micro hydro project, an appropriate location is required for
the project. Choosing a site is one of the most important steps in development, as it will largely
determine the amount of energy that can be developed and the complexity of site development.
At most sites, what is called run of river is the best mode of operation. This means that power is produced at a constant rate according to the amount of water available. Usually the micro-hydro power is generated as electricity and stored in batteries and can be tied to an existing power system.
|
| Utilizing Water Turbines in Potable Water Systems
Gravity drinking water systems are a large, typically untapped source for electrical energy. Turbine-generator units can be incorporated into existing facilities or included in new water works and can range from small DC systems, on a domestic water supply pipe, to higher output units on a large city's water supply. Costs for adding hydroelectric power generation to an existing water facility are relatively low due to the fact that the civil works, such as intakes and pipelines, are already in place.
|
| Power Potential Both head and flow are necessary to produce power. Even a few gallons per minute can be useful if there is sufficient head. Since power = Head x Flow, the more you have of either, the more power is available. A simple rule of thumb to estimate your power is Head (in feet) x Flow (in gpm)/10 = Power (in Watts). This will give you a rough idea of the power available at the average site and reflects an overall efficiency of 53%. This is a typical output for a well designed system. For example: if your head is 100 feet and the flow is 10 gpm, then 100 x l0/10 = 100 watts. Keep in mind this is power that is produced 24 hours a day. It is equivalent to a PV system of 400-500 watts - if the sun shines every day. Of course, the water may not run year round either. So it is apparent how a combined system can supply your power needs on a continuous basis.
|
Micro-Hydro Turbines (25w - 1 KW)
|
|
The Water Baby is a solution to sites where the flow is very low, as low as 3 gpm (0.18 l/s), and the head is above 100 feet (30m). It uses a double stator, brushless permanent magnet generator with a 2" (50mm) pitch diameter bronze turbine wheel. At a head of 100 feet (30m) and a flow of 3 gpm (0.18 l/s) the output is 25 watts; at 24 gpm (1.5 l/s) the output is 250 watts. More>> |
|
The Stream Engine employs a brushless, permanent magnet alternator which is adjustable, enabling the user to match turbine output to the electrical load. It has higher efficiency than previous alternators, and is capable of outputs over 1 kilowatt (kW). The entire system is made of non-corrosive alloys for long life and durability. This machine can produce power from heads as low as 2 metres (6 feet) to over 100 metres ( 300 feet). More>> |
|
The LH 1000 uses the same generator as the Stream Engine, however the water turbine component uses a low head propeller design. The enables the machine to produce power from heads of 0.5 metres (2 feet) up to 3 metres (10 feet).At the maximum head, the output is 1 Kw. More>> |
Obtaining the Necessary Permits and Licenses
The diversion of surface water from streams or rivers requires a provincial water licence. This also applies to streams or rivers on private land. If dams or diversions are to be constructed or operated, the design and construction plans must be reviewed and approved prior to construction. If structures such as the powerhouse site, penstock, road or transmission line are proposed for Crown land, application(s) for Crown land tenure(s) is required.
Who Issues Waterpower Approvals? Water licences are issued by the Ministry of Environment, Water Stewardship Division. If Crown lands are involved, Crown land tenures are issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Integrated Lands Management Bureau. Applications for water licences and Crown land tenures are now accepted at FrontCounterBC in order to coordinate the review processes.
The water licence provides for use of an appropriate quantity of the water resource and authority for construction of the works. Components that may be situated on Crown land include: powerhouse site, penstock, intake structures, transmission lines, roadways and construction staging areas.
Water Licensing Application Package Updated January 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adobe Acrobat Required
to view PDF's
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
