As a small (20kW) micro hydro, pico grid installation, our local utility deemed our few connected residences, "commercial, demand net metered". The surprising effect (to me) was that we incur demand charges no matter the direction of power flow. So the greater the energy support we provide to a sagging grid the greater the demand charges to us. Not fair!
welding the 8 inch penstock
penstock welding
Moving PVC Trash Rack Screen
Trash conveyor lifted up for inspection.
About Me
- Rob
- Cuddebackville, New York, United States
- I am a retired electronics engineer, educator, businessman and builder of micro hydro installations for fun and sometimes even profit. This one uses a pump/motor as a turbine/generator using a 200 ft waterfall in our back yard. It is currently producing 15KW. I will be tweaking it to take advantage of greater winter flows. It's not the product, but the process... I enjoy doing the most with the least. So this renewable energy source cost less than $2 per watt of capacity not counting any labor and engineering.
The intake box, high water.
Motorized 4 inch butterfly valve.
Rewinding the ASCO switch solenoid.
UNWOUND
Pumps as Turbines have many advantages.
PaTs Explained
Keep water pipes from freezing.
Not insulated or not burried deep enough?
Water Intake, Dealing with Rocks & Logs
Water Intake now has MOVING SCREEN TRASH RACK.
Inside Power House
ITT pump/turbine & 30HP 3Phase motor/generator
3 comments:
What is estimated cost if 20 kw project
Depends on many factors. Your water resources, head and flow. The level of your involvement and contributions and so many more items. Hydro is not like solar, no single solution for every site. But if you have > 50 ft head and > 1000 gallons per minute then you should follow up.
Nice post.
You share valuable information about solar energy.
Thanks for sharing with us.
Solar Energy
Solar Power
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